As far as statements go, they don’t come much bigger or bolder than the one made by Sydney and superstar forward Lance Franklin with their stunning second-half onslaught against St Kilda on Saturday night.
The Swans led by five points at halftime at Etihad Stadium but then showed the rest of the competition the sort of irresistible, high-intensity footy they’re capable of, outscoring the Saints 15 goals to four on their way to a 70-point demolition.
“It was just a really powerful second half … just a fantastic second half,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“We probably got our hardness right, which was good, and our pressure on the opposition was good and then we were able to use the ball going forward (as well).
“We were able to get a combination of the hardness and the effort but also a bit of the finish and the composure.
“That mix in the second half really stood out to us.”
And with just two games left until finals, Franklin hit peak form with a brilliant 28-disposal, six-goal display as the Swans emphatically consolidated their hold on second spot.
Buddy grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck after a hotly-contested first half with 15 possessions and three goals in an inspired third-term effort.
“He had a pretty reasonable third quarter … he was getting involved up the ground – that was the thing that we noticed,” Longmire said.
“That’s what makes him a good player – he can play right up the ground and then be so useful going into the forward 50.
“It was a pretty handy quarter.”
But while Franklin was an obvious standout, Sydney had winners all over the ground.
Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker dominated the stoppages after halftime with Callum Mills and Aliir Aliir eye-catching in defence.
And if the Swans weren’t looking formidable enough heading into September, Longmire confirmed they will most likely welcome back Kurt Tippett from a long-term hamstring injury against North Melbourne next week.
Birdman
Guest
North will get a few of their best back this week and are good on the Blundstone deck. North by less than a kick.
Jim
Guest
After the absolute dribble North served up yesterday????
Big Dallo
Guest
sorry birdboy but swans by 8 goals and big bud to jag 5.
Swannies
Guest
Swans may take North lightly and hit snooze button at half-time...but too much at stake...Swans by 5 goals
Birdman
Guest
Another week, another Swans froth-fest. Backing North to beat them next week in Hobart.
Dodgy
Guest
Yes. Swans looking very good for a tilt at the title. But still worried about the finals soecialists- the Hawks. Very glad we most likely don't need to play Adelaide at AO. I rate this as the most formidable away game in the AFL as the crowd makes them grow another 6 legs.
Swannies
Guest
Swans are just cruising at the moment. I think Buddy is set to have a huge impact in the finals. The disappointment of 2014 will drive the bloods to a premiership in 2016. 2017 looks even better...hopefully back-to-back flags!
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Given their last two games I can't see anything stopping Sydney, except maybe Adelaide in the GF but I don't think Adelaide have the midfield to match Sydney.