AFL Grand Final 2016: Every Sydney Swans player rated
WHO stood up and who wilted in the Grand Final spotlight? Lauren Wood and Gilbert Gardiner rate every Sydney Swan on the MCG.
THE SWANS went into Saturday’s AFL Grand Final as the favourites but in the end they were outplayed by the Bulldogs’ juggernaut.
Lance Franklin suffered an ankle injury early and Dan Hannebery a knee injury late, which significantly hurt Sydney in their push for a second premiership since 2012.
Josh Kennedy was a star all day and did everything he could to get his team over the line in a dominant first half but too much was left to too few.
The Swans didn’t get enough out of players who have been valuable role players this season, including Tom Papley, Ben McGlynn and George Hewett.
ALL THE SWANS PLAYERS RATED
LUKE PARKER 6
Threatened to tear the game apart but was found wanting in the end. Will be back.
LANCE FRANKLIN 6
If Buddy is Superman then Hamling is Kryptonite. Didn’t help that he rolled his ankle early in the opening minutes but the superstar was beaten 1v1.
TOM MITCHELL 8
Battled hard in the midfield all day and was one of the Swans’ best in what might have been his last game in the red and white.
BEN McGLYNN 4
Wanted to make amends for 2014 and unfortunately battled to get into the game. Out of contract and unsure whether there’s a future for him at Sydney.
KURT TIPPETT 5
When you’re paid to kick goals and live in Bondi, you shouldn’t be doing your best work in the ruck.
TOM PAPLEY 5
The plumber from Bunyip was lively in spits and spurts.
JAKE LLOYD 6
Spent time on Clay Smith and did it with aplomb, on top of him for three quarters.
HEATH GRUNDY 8
Cuts off more than a hairdresser, finishing with nine polished marks — most intercepts. His experience shows in spades.
NICK SMITH 7
Huge off halfback, and even chipped in with his first goal since 2013 when it counted. Mopped up everything. Started on Stringer and didn’t look back.
DANE RAMPE 8.5
Nickname should be Google Maps — this guy finds a way out of everything. Again and again was there for the Swans.
CALLUM MILLS 3
Seemed a little spooked early. Looked unhindered by that now-famous hamstring but struggled to find his Rising Star shine.
JEREMY LAIDLER 5
Got away with a lucky one when he gave away a silly 50m penalty, handing Jack Macrae a shot on goal that was missed.
KIEREN JACK 7
Showed huge courage from the outset, going back with the flight against Easton Wood. Value-adds in clearances is immeasurable.
JOSH KENNEDY 9
If Sydney won, a moral for Norm Smith. Walks through traffic like he’s walking onto a yacht. Class.
JARRAD MCVEIGH 7
Kept the smallest bloke on the ground to one of the smallest totals until Caleb Daniel scooped up a few late. Makes his tackles hurt.
SAM NAISMITH 7
Just his 13th game but was anything but unlucky. Took it right up to Roughead and held his own. Big game from a big man.
ISAAC HEENEY 7
Mr Finals again showed this is where he flourishes. The shock of white mop flashes in and out with brilliance, but a few costly errors.
DAN HANNEBERY 7
Finished the game on one leg and sidelined despite an attempt to return late. A human battering ram who let nothing — or anyone — get in his way.
GARY ROHAN 4.5
Rohan lacked his usual flair — he loves big games but lacked effectiveness. Should count himself lucky that he wasn’t tackled when play-on was called.
XAVIER RICHARDS 4
Had just one touch to half-time and was struggling for influence. Stood his ground when it mattered, but missed his opportunities when they were there.
ZAK JONES 6
As cool as a cucumber — anyone would have thought he had been here before. His vision was second to none and had pace to boot.
GEORGE HEWETT 5
Had just one touch in the first quarter but settled from then on. It looked to be his moment when he booted one in the last quarter to put the Swans one point down. Great first year.
Originally published as AFL Grand Final 2016: Every Sydney Swans player rated