Sydney wins first game of the season, beating Brisbane, as Lance Franklin kicks eight

LANCE Franklin returns to form, kicking eight goals as Sydney demolish Brisbane at the SCG to pick up its first win of the season.

Lance Franklin kicked eight goals against Brisbane. Picture: Phil Hillyard

EIGHT goals from Lance Franklin ignited the Swans and put them on the winners list at last with a 54-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the SCG.

Buddy was on from the outset kicking his first in the opening minute from outside 50 and a second from close to 70 metres late in the term.

From then on it was just a question of how many, he had five by half-time and added another three after the break to move from 17th to equal 3rd in the race for the Coleman medal with 22 for the season.

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It was his biggest haul as a Swan and the 13th time he has booted seven goals or more in a game.

“Lance played a fantastic game,” Swans coach John Longmire said.

“He was really good and a number of our senior players and leaders who had copped some criticism were good. They are a proud bunch and set themselves to play a good game.”

Zak Jones was one of Sydney’s best. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Isaac Heeney is over his glandular fever. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The spearhead was also involved in a clash with Lions defender Nick Robertson which is certain to be looked at by the match review panel. In a fiery match Robertson tangled with Dean Towers in the third quarter with a punch to the back of the head which will draw attention as well.

The Swans were aggressive from the start and out to make a point after Callum Mills was bullied by Carlton last week.

In his first game for the year Jarrad McVeigh made a statement by putting the Lions’ Mitch Robinson on his backside after his tackle on Josh Kennedy at the opening bounce.

He was also making his presence felt with ball in hand feeding Franklin for his first goal.

“Jarrad is an experienced player and has a really hard edge about him,” Longmire said.

“To be able to get another leader into the group with that mindset was important, his own form was good and he helped those around him.”

Nick Robertson and Lance Franklin come to blows. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Nick Robertson wrestles Lance Franklin to the ground. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It set the tone for the day with the ever improving Zak Jones putting in his best performance yet, gathering 27 disposals, kicking a goal and having a hand in two others. His speed around the ball was just the injection of life the Swans have badly needed in the first six rounds.

Luke Parker was back to his best as were Dan Hannebery and Isaac Heeney who looks to be over his bout of glandular fever. Jake Lloyd continued his excellent year as well.

Heath Grundy led the defence with support from Harry Marsh and Lewis Melican. Marsh’s marking and judgment was very good and Melican looked very comfortable with and without the ball.

It was the first win as captain for Josh Kennedy and for youngsters Melican, Ollie Florent and Will Hayward.

VOTES

3. Lance Franklin

2. Zak Jones

1. Luke Parker

Originally published as Sydney wins first game of the season, beating Brisbane, as Lance Franklin kicks eight