The Sydney Swans have won their first match of 2018 by 29 points, outlasting a largely competitive West Coast Eagles outfit at Optus Stadium to close out Round One.
The first quarter was a great replica of some past games between these two rivals, and a possible the perfect quarter to start this inaugural game at Optus Stadium: tight, exciting and a couple of lead changes.
While it was the Swans who got the first goal at the new ground, the Eagles didn’t take long to get their grove on: Mark LeCras, Jack Darling and skipper Shannon Hurn all added goals. The lead was 5 points the way of the visitors entering the first break, though.
The second quarter was were the Swans became the dominant team on the field – primarily thanks to a vintage performance to Buddy Franklin. He added three goals to his two first quarter majors, and adding that to goals to Kieran Jack and Isaac Heeney, the Swans did what most expected them to do and extended their lead to a reasonably ominous 26 points at the main break.
The third was an intriguing quarter – too more goals to Franklin (one coming after a controversial reversal of a LeCras major down the other end), but a period of almost stagnant play throughout the middle.
It was the Eagles, though, who began to dominate as the quarter drew to a close, and quickly booted a wonderful trio of goals in the final minutes – including goals to talented draftee Liam Ryan and Naitanui.
The stage was set for the final quarter, but two quick goals to the Swans would’ve made even the most ardent Eagles supporter get a little nervous.
To be fair, goals to Darling and Elliot Yeo made the game competitive for a while, but three late Swans goals – including that goal to Luke Parker – meant the Swans were going to win. And win they did.
The Swans were very well served by Franklin’s eight goals and 21 touches, whilst Parker (32 disposals), Jake Lloyd (29) and Heeney (26) were prolific for the victors. Will Hayward was their other multiple goalkicker.
The Eagles, despite the loss, would be estatic with Natanui’s return – his 33 hit outs and a goal were a great way to mark his comeback.
Yeo, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff (26, 25 and 23 disposals respectively) were great for the home team, while LeCras and Darling were excellent in attack. Draftees Ryan and Waterman added a goal each, and added a nice spark to the Eagles’ forward endeavours.
West Coast Eagles 13.8 (86)
Sydney Swans 18.7 (115)
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