AFL news: Sydney intent on recapturing top form as slump leaves minor premiership in balance

Six points clear at the top of the ladder, Sydney seems to be cruising to the minor premiership. But, it’s recent form has revealed worrying trends — not that the Swans are concerned.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Chad Warner of the Swans looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 20 match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs at The Sydney Cricket Ground on July 28, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sydney defender Matt Roberts believes his side can recapture the form which propelled it to overwhelming flag favouritism after losing three of its past four matches.

The Swans were well beaten by the Western Bulldogs last weekend despite a career-best game from Roberts, who had 36 touches, eight marks and a goal in the 39-point loss.

Sydney is still six points clear at the top of the ladder, but Brisbane Lions have closed the gap thanks to an eight-game winning streak.

“We have that belief within us that we definitely can be the best team at the end of the year. Every team goes through a patch throughout the year, whether it’s injuries or a bit of form slump,” Roberts said.

“We’re working really hard on the track out here during the week and in our meetings to work out what is going to be the best to come out of this slump.”

The Swans were 13-1 after round 15, riding a 10-game winning streak.

But a loss in the Sydney derby triggered a stunning mid-season collapse, with the Swans going 1-4 in their past five games.

“Every loss you want to snap out of it straight away. We don’t go out there and try to not put our best foot forward and on the weekend it was not up to where we want to be,” Roberts said.

“Every game is a big game and we come up against teams that are in really good form so Port (Adelaide) is going to be a really tough task over there.”

Matt Roberts impressed in Sydney’s victory over Western Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Port Adelaide is coming off an impressive win over Carlton which enhanced its finals hopes and put a dent in Carlton’s pursuit of a top-four finish.

The Power kept the Blues to 1.3 in the second half and slotted 7.8 of their own to keep themselves in the fight for a top eight finish.

“They’re in really good touch and it’s a really tough ask to go over there and beat them on their own deck,” Roberts said.

“We’re really looking forward to playing them at their best, we have to match their intensity around the ball and they have a really strong team so we’re really looking forward to it.”