Swans snuff out Suns at SCG

By News / Wire

Sydney coach John Longmire won’t engage in September dreaming, even after his AFL side stormed into the top eight with a barnstorming 67-point dismissal of Gold Coast at the SCG.

Lance Franklin and Gary Rohan combined for eight goals on Saturday, when the Swans boosted their percentage and embarrassed a Suns outfit that struggled without Gary Ablett.

The hosts, who were led by Dan Hannebery in the absence of late scratching Josh Kennedy (tight quad), triumphed 17.16 (118) to 7.9 (51).

Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch booted three goals in the opening term to give his side a surprise five-point lead at quarter-time.

But Sydney clicked in clinical fashion, kicking the next 12 goals of the contest to make it eight wins from their past nine games.

The Swans, seeking to become the first AFL side to reach the finals after an 0-6 start to the season, next face Greater Western Sydney.

“Do you think I’m a dreamer?” Longmire said, when asked if he was starting to study the ladder.

“We’re very much about going back to work and looking at what we did well and what we need to get better at.

“We played as good a footy as we’ve played for quite a while, during the second and third quarters.”

The listless Suns went goal-less from quarter-time until the 14th minute of the final term.

Franklin, Rohan, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Callum Mills, Kieren Jack, Jake Lloyd and George Hewett were among the many Swans to enjoy a productive night.

Rohan finished with a career-best five goals. The flame-haired speedster created immense pressure with his trademark pace but also clutched a game-high three contested marks.

“He was fantastic,” Longmire said.

Franklin agreed.

“It’s nice to have other options up there, kicking goals and sharing the load,” the superstar told Fox Footy.

“He’s electric. He’s bloody fast, good in the air, good on the ground and to kick five goals is an unbelievable effort.”

The battle between Franklin and Suns co-captain Steven May was fascinating and fierce.

Both men had their moments but May could only do so much given the speed, frequency and precision at which the ball pinged into the Swans’ forward line.

“They’re back to their best. A hard-running side, who are very strong,” Eade said of the Swans.

“It’s a real learning curve. Especially for our younger blokes, but even our young leaders.

“Those top-echelon sides, they’re what you’ve got to try to emulate.”

The Crowd Says:

2017-07-09T08:42:05+00:00

Paul D

Roar Guru


Wow, and I thought the Lions second quarter against Geelong was bad. Bad weekend for the QLD sides. Oh well. Have to hope they become fewer and further between

2017-07-09T04:49:49+00:00

Stewie

Guest


And Swans have been in their best form in the past month or so, and seem to be improving. Should be a cracker

2017-07-09T04:37:34+00:00

Hyena

Guest


But GWS always seem to bring their best against the Swannies.

2017-07-09T04:21:04+00:00

Stewie

Guest


As a Melbourne based Swans fan, I can reasonably safely say that we're much better than the Sydney based fans :P (Only friendly banter)

2017-07-09T04:18:49+00:00

Stewie

Guest


Swans vs Giants next week could well be a contender for match of the season. If Swans win, then they have to be considered top 4 threats, having only lost 1 in their past 10 matches. If Giants win, their premiership chances will be given a boost. Having a fit and refreshed Kennedy will be huge for the Swans, and if the Brownlow were counted over the past two weeks, Parker would definitely have to be up there. Plus Dean Towers is finally hitting some good form. Whereas for the Giants, their talent speaks for itself, however they simply aren't dominating as they really should be. Was impressed by Callan Ward against the Hawks, and Shaw and Tomlinson were marking absolutely everything that came their way. Bring it.

2017-07-09T03:19:06+00:00

Asd

Guest


Sun's are no good.We will see about Sydney next week when they face GWS

2017-07-09T01:43:06+00:00

Sydneygirl

Guest


Sydney played well and shut the suns down after quarter time. No passengers on the Sydney team.

2017-07-08T22:11:48+00:00

I ate pies

Guest


The Swans crowd was whinging about the umpires before the halfway mark of the first quarter. They've really got a complex.

2017-07-08T14:43:23+00:00

Glenn

Guest


Just so you know and so you don't make one of those silly, I don't-know-what-I'm-talking-about-because-I-really-can't-judge-ability mistakes again, the Swans played very good football.

2017-07-08T13:03:04+00:00

Asd

Guest


I don't know if Sydney are playing really good or the Sun's were playing that bad .Rocket may be history .

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