AFL Grand Final 2024: Sydney Swans gearing up for final push of premiership tilt

The Swans’ midfield typically grabs the headlines. But it was John Longmire’s key forwards who produced one of their most complete performances of the year to canter into the grand final.

For the first time since their round 11 win over the Western Bulldogs, Sydney’s key forwards set the tone early.

By the 17th minute, both Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald were on the scoreboard. It was just the fifth time this season, and the first time since May, that at least two of Amartey, McDonald and Hayden McLean had kicked first-quarter goals.

It was clear to see confidence was brimming. Not only did they score early, but they combined for four marks in the opening term. That’s the same amount they had to halftime in week one of the finals against the GWS Giants.

They were leading enthusiastically across the ground, getting in dangerous areas inside 50 and making Port Adelaide’s defenders work for every contest. For a trio that consistently get questioned for their impact, they had a point to prove and did it with distinction.

Joel Amartey helped get the Swans off to a flying start early. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“The first half I felt like I was floating on air,” Amartey said. “My legs were jelly, it took me a half of footy to realise what was going on.

“But the boys just went contest by contest and we got through.”

It’s never been just about scoring for Sydney’s talls. Their six-point qualifying final win over the Giants was the perfect example, with McDonald popping up for a crucial goal in the third quarter, while Amartey embraced the raptures of the crowd as he kicked the matchwinner despite a previously quiet day at the office.

If I had a nickel for every time I appeared on Roaming Brian in the SCG rooms wearing an ochre colour while interviewing Joel Amartey, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. #AFLSwansPowerpic.twitter.com/IgIsouROnD

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) September 21, 2024

Their focus is to bring other teammates into the game. If they can get the ball to ground, players like Tom Papley and Will Hayward can go to work. When they hold the ball in their forward half, they can give their midfield triumvirate of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden the opportunity to float forward and get involved like they always do.

But Friday’s win over the Power showed Sydney’s attack at its best. And it’s no surprise that with the key forwards filling their boots, including Amartey who finished with three, the result felt all but confirmed halfway through the third quarter.

The Swans finished with 61 more marks than Port Adelaide, including six more marks inside 50. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“My role is more than just kicking goals,” Amartey said. “It’s bringing the ball to ground.

“We’ve got such dangerous smalls and mids, so if I bring the ball to ground and give them an opportunity, because every team has such good intercept markers and key defenders, we’re in the fight.

“Everyone just plays their role. My role last week was just to compete, bring the ball to ground, and ‘Papps’ last week did the damage.

“Last week, everyone was happy with how I played. I was happy with how I played. Sometimes it’s about competing in finals as big boys and other people have a good game so it is what it is.

“Now, everyone got their lick of the ice cream tonight. Whoever kicks the goals is whoever kicks the goals, as long as we’re winning.”

Sydney's three talls are working really hard today.

Amartey, McDonald and McLean have all had lots of involvement and it's paying off early. #AFLSwansPower

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) September 20, 2024

Sydney’s midfield and resolute defence claims a lot of the plaudits, but their attack has been pivotal to their success in 2024.

They finished the regular season as the No. 1 rated team in the competition for points scored, scores per inside 50, points from turnovers and points from forward half.

Amartey has led the way with 43 goals, but the trio have combined for goals or goal assists this year. They’ll be hoping to keep that momentum going heading into a grand final, especially with an injury cloud hanging over McDonald after rolling his ankle in the third quarter.

All eyes will be on Logan McDonald to see if he can get past his ankle injury and be named to play in next week’s grand final. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“What ‘Horse’ (John Longmire) preaches is our defence,” Amartey said.

“If you defend well it sets up our ground shape and makes attacking very easy, so the better you defend, the easier attack is.

“Our game style, we believe our defence can match it with anyone, and our offence takes care of itself. We’ve got unbelievable confidence in the group and that just shows on the field.

“A lot of the boys have played in grannies, I haven’t. I’m sure they’ll talk me through it. It probably won’t hit me for a couple of days, probably ’til midweek when we’re in Melbourne at the grand final parade, that’s probably when I’ll realise what’s happening.”

Originally published as AFL Grand Final 2024: Sydney Swans gearing up for final push of premiership tilt