The heavens opened on Thursday evening, and traffic on the M4 was heavy. Most of them were commuters, but some were heading to Blacktown International Sportspark for some AFL action.
The AFL’s pre-season program, with a game every night, is nearing its conclusion.
But a weeknight game in Sydney’s west, well away from Swans heartland, against a team from the other side of the country was never going to draw a crowd.
The rain would have prompted many to stay away.
And those who did come found themselves stung with costs of $18 to get in and another $10 for parking – a bit steep for a pre-season game.
Hardly surprisingly, barely 3,000 fans made the effort to come.
But for those who were there for the Sydney v West Coast game, the star attraction was Lance “Buddy” Franklin.
Controversially recruited from Hawthorn in the off-season, Franklin’s signing has attracted plenty of attention and scrutiny of the Swans’ use of their Cost of Living Allowance.
But he’s in Sydney now, and this was his first competitive match in his new colours. However it was hardly an impressive one.
The Eagles ran on, followed by the Swans. Buddy was there, his tattooed torso bearing the number 23.
But he was further up the ground than most were expecting, not the anticipated spearhead. And where he went, the ball didn’t go.
The Eagles made the early attacking, but could only manage behinds before Callum Sinclair broke through for their first goal. But the Swans had a quick reply.
And it was a heart-warming story. After a horrific leg break two years ago, the question being asked was whether Gary Rohan would ever walk again; it was assumed his playing career was over.
But the red-headed forward was back, and showed he still had his touch as he guided a set shot through.
The rain had eased; and although many fans preferred the shelter of the grandstand, a smattering of fans spread around the hill.
Most were in red and white, but the Eagle fans were there in their blue and gold. And reflecting the area, a light sprinkling of orange was seen among the crowd.
But there was little noise made, the fans preferring to watch and analyse the action. But after the quarter time break, with the Swans leading by a point at the first change, the crowd soon found their voice early in the second.
The ball had gone forward for the Swans, and Buddy finally found a slice of the action. Marking the ball just outside the 50 metre line, kicking to the railway end.
Here was a chance for the Swans’ new marquee to announce himself with a super-goal. But his nine point attempt sailed wide for just a behind.
The second quarter was a defensive scrap, with the Swans leading by four points at the long break. But the Eagles took the upper hand in the premiership quarter, six unanswered goals setting up a match-winning lead.
For all the talk of Buddy; it was another former Hawk, Xavier Ellis, who impressed with plenty of possession.
Scott Selwood was looking classy, and Chris Masten was a ball-magnet. Scott Lycett was dominating in the ruck, exposing the Swans’ loss of Shane Mumford.
Buddy was rarely sighted, and he wasn’t alone in a lacklustre display by the Swans. They lifted slightly in the last quarter for Gary Rohan to finish with a bag of three goals.
But the biggest cheer for the night came in the dying minutes, as draftee Aliir Aliir was subbed into the game. He wasn’t on long enough to make any impact; but if he makes it to senior level he’s sure to attract a big following.
But with the rain increasing in intensity, and a poor standard game being beyond doubt, many of the crowd had gone before the final siren sounded and the strains of “We’re the Eagles, we’re flying high” rang over the PA system.
Those that remained faced long delays getting out of the car park. Those who caught the shuttle bus to Doonside Station found themselves waiting up to half an hour in the rain for a train.
The facilities at Blacktown are fine for training, except for the roped-off wicket square. They’re great for local games and academy trials. But they were never intended to handle attracting crowds.
Another night of footy action was done. The Swans will be hoping that pre-season form is no guide to the season ahead. The Eagles will be hoping it is.
And Buddy will need to lift his game when the real action comes. His expensive contract and high profile demands it.
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