AFL Round 9 Collingwood v Sydney: Pies dominated after quarter time as Swans solidify top-eight spot

Collingwood started hot, but was dominated after quarter time by Sydney, becoming the first side this year to record a damning stat.

Nathan Buckley’s side struggled after quarter time. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A Sydney surge from after quarter time has solidified the Swans place inside the AFL’s top eight and compounded Collingwood’s woes in season 2021 as they romped home to win by 30 points at the SCG.

After surprising the SCG faithful with a four goal to one first term, courtesy of a double to Jordan De Goey, Collingwood would become the first team this season to endure two goalless quarters – the second and third - as the Swans piled on ten majors to one over the remainder of the contest.

It would be a strong tackle on De Goey by Nick Blakey however, which was ultimately a holding the ball decision inside fifty for the Swans, that helped seal the contest as Sydney pushed out to a 24 point lead late on and broke whatever spirit the Pies had left.

In a clash that turned scrappy amid the strong Sydney wind it was livewire forward Isaac Heeney who helped power Sydney to their sixth win of the season, kicking three majors including two in the second quarter as Sydney wrestled back control of the game.

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Nathan Buckley’s side struggled after quarter time. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Buddy Franklin would finish with two goals himself to move to 957 majors for his career, in what was an absorbing battle with both Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard, with neither lowering their colours against the eight time All-Australian.

Tom Hickey would emerge triumphant in an intriguing ruck battle with Brodie Grundy and spark the Swans when they needed it most in the second term while youngster Justin McInerney played one of his best games in the red and white with 24 possessions in a great contribution from a wing.

Veteran Dane Rampe starred for the Swans down back while tall forward Hayden McLean took several strong contested marks to help the Swans control possession at key moments of the game.

Will-Hoskin Elliott had his best game of the season for the Pies with 23 possessions and a goal while Josh Daicos was ever present in the midfield with 28 touches.

An exciting passage of play for the Swans ends up with Chad Warner strolling into goal!#AFLSwansPiespic.twitter.com/2ghoSHAN0u

— AFL (@AFL) May 15, 2021

TOM PASSES TEST

He’s been the ruck story of the season and on All-Australian pace but against a dual All-Australian ruckman in Brodie Grundy, Tom Hickey underwent one of his sterner tests of the season yet passed it superbly once more. In need of a lift in the second quarter it was Hickey who helped provide it for the Swans getting on top of Grundy with the surprising assistance of Nick Blakey as the second ruck. The Swans new cult hero only enhanced that status.

Lance Franklin celebrates a goal in the last quarter. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

BUDDY’S BATTLE

After a rare goalless outing last week against Melbourne, Swans fans were hoping desperately for a bounce back from Buddy Franklin. He was handed one of the more difficult opponents however in Darcy Moore who held him well early before he was switched onto McLean and Brayden Maynard moved onto Buddy, only to carry on that good work. Franklin eased into the contest well however and finished with two goals to move to just 13 behind Jack Titus in sixth all-time on the goalkickers list.

Will Hoskin-Elliott was one of Collingwood’s better performers. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images

OUTDOOR RENDITION

Sydney’s latest COVID crisis has cooled somewhat but restrictions on singing indoors meant the Swans gave their rendition of the famous ‘cheer, cheer the red and the white’ out on the SCG after the triumph. The oddity of it all was eased by the supporters being afforded the chance to sing from the stands with the players. An AFL rarity.

Swans – 1.2, 4.3, 7.7, 10.12 (72)

Magpies– 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.12 (42)

GOALS

Syd: Heeney 3, Franklin, Papley 2, McLean, Warner, Blakey

Coll: De Goey, 2, McCreery, Cameron, Hoskin-Elliott,

BEST

Syd: Heeney, McLean, Rampe, McInerney, Lloyd, Hickey, Rowbottom, Mills

Coll: Maynard, Hoskin-Elliott, Daicos, Crisp, Sidebottom

DANIEL GARB’S VOTES

3 – Isaac Heeney

2 – Dane Rampe

1 - Brayden Maynard

Originally published as AFL Round 9 Collingwood v Sydney: Pies dominated after quarter time as Swans solidify top-eight spot