Sydney rookie Ben Ronke needed help finding his way onto the MCG, but once he was there he knew exactly where the goals were.
A stunning seven-goal haul from Ronke propelled the Swans to a pulsating eight-point win over Hawthorn on Friday night.
In just his third AFL match and his first at the MCG, Ronke kicked his side’s first five goals then sealed the 12.7 (79) to 10.11 (71) victory with his seventh with a minute left on the clock.
“I was a little bit concerned before the game,” Swans coach John Longmire said of Ronke.
“I walked out of the coach’s room and he was just about to walk in … I asked him where he was going and he said, ‘I don’t know how to get out on the ground’.
“It slipped my mind that he hadn’t actually been here, or played out of these rooms, so I had to guide him to get out on the ground.
“I’m glad he found his way when he got out there.”
With superstar forward Lance Franklin still sidelined with a sore heel, Ronke stepped up with a brilliant performance that also included 10 tackles.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ronke told the Seven Network.
“I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity and to get a win like that … nothing better.
“I try to base my game on pressure and tackling and if the goals come it’s a bonus.
“Pressure is my main focus.”
With Dan Hannebery also absent through injury, the Swans fielded a young side with their inexperience evident in attack where 19-year-old Will Hayward contributed three goals.
“When your two highest goal scorers are Hayward and Ronke and Tom McCartin plays his first game it’s a pretty young front half,” Longmire said.
“We’ve got some kids and as long as they compete they’ll put in some good ones and then they’ll put in some not-so-good ones, but hopefully they get better.”
The Hawks looked to have the momentum when they led by nine points in a thrilling final term.
But Luke Parker – reported for a high bump on Jarman Impey minutes earlier – put his side in front from a set shot after Hayward kicked his third goal.
Jake Lloyd was outstanding for Sydney with 36 possessions, with Parker (28 disposals and two goals) also influential.
Ryan Geer
Roar Pro
Ronke and Hayward both performing over the last three weeks while Buddy's been out would have to have cemented their spots now. Ronke plays like a young Tom Papley, loves a goal but loves a tackle even more. Hayward has been so composed for only a second year player, 9 goals in the last 3 games, plays way taller than what he actually is.
Mitcher
Guest
8-4 at the bye at worst. You’ll get good odds for your oracling Fabs. Go hard.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
the swans wont make top 4,just outside the 8.
Gyfox
Guest
Great game....loved seeing Ronke play. The freshness of youth - both on the field & when interviewed. Was surprised at small crowd, but believe it was terrible weather in Melb last night. I tipped the Swans! Ever the optimist, I have also tipped GWS, Carlton, Gold Coast & Port. Let’s see how I go with those!
MG
Roar Rookie
Umpiring did not determine the outcome of that game. Rub of the green when Hawthorn's way in the first half, Swans in the second. Hawthorn player calls touched, we see lots of replays. Swans player calls touched, see see none!
Joe
Guest
A bit of a rub of the green going Sydney’s way with both decisions and non decisions helped the sway
User
Roar Rookie
I should of listened, Sydney had pretty good odds.
Cat
Roar Guru
Told you Swans would win. All signs pointed to it.
Swannies
Guest
Bad luck Hawthorn but we'll take the win. Maybe a dress rehearsal for the Grand Final. Swans SHOULD have won last week and in the top 4 now. They are looking good this year for a team that is playing at 80%.
User
Roar Rookie
Good win swans but cheers for ruining my multi on my tips already Have had no success with Friday footy in my tips this year which is damn annoying