Heeney's record-breaking 5-goal game signals Swans' midfield resurgence

Isaac Heeney’s record-breaking display stole the show, but it’s the Swans’ midfield revolution that has driven their late-season rise – with one key area shaping their recent dominance.

Isaac Heeney’s record-breaking performance against the Roos might have stolen the headlines, but it’s a “pact” from the Swans’ entire midfield group that has been the catalyst for their late-season resurgence.

Heeney finished the game against North Melbourne with an incredible stat line of five goals, 13 clearances, 34 disposals, 11 score involvements and 16 contested possessions.

It was total dominance from the 29-year-old who became the first player to ever record five goals and 11+ clearances in a game. He is also the first player since Dane Swan in 2012 to have five goals and more than 34 disposals in a match.

Heeney was the main man, but the Swans’ entire midfield group was dominant against North Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

While his best-on-ground showing went a long way to helping the Swans to their fifth win in six matches, their entire midfield group yet again helped provide the spark to get them over the line.

Over the past six weeks, the Swans’ midfield has been the best in the AFL at both winning clearances and scoring points from clearances.

It’s also a barometer of their success, because when the Swans score 35 or more points from clearances, they’re 6-2 this year. And conversely, when they restrict their opposition to 35 or fewer points from clearances, they’re 9-1, as opposed to 0-8 when they breach that mark.

“As a midfield group, we came in and put a pact on, let’s be really good in a few areas, and we actually ticked them off, which is nice,” Heeney said.

“We’re still building with it, we’re still working on it. We can always get better, but it’s been pleasing that we’ve been able to get it done. We’ve put a lot of work into it.

“As a leadership group, we needed to be better, and that was on us to drive the standards around the whole club. That was a starting point, and then from there, it was the leaders and key pillars of the team to come in and drive to get more out of each other and take that responsibility.

“Credit to the boys that they’ve done it. I think we’re still a little bit off. We’re not back to our best like we were last year. It’s been a pleasing five or six weeks, we’re still building, but we’re happy with where we’re going.”

The Swans’ midfield is clearly helped by the fact that it is stacked with superstars. Over the past six weeks, Brodie Grundy (3rd), Heeney (8th) and Errol Gulden (18th) all sit within the top 20 rated players in the AFL.

Throw in other important players like Chad Warner, tackle-machine James Rowbottom and the versatile James Jordon, and it’s clear Sydney’s performances from the first half of the season don’t truly reflect their talent.

Gulden and Heeney have both been in the top 20 rated players in the AFL over the past six weeks. Picture: Phil Hillyard

But working on their connection as a group, particularly when Grundy has been so dominant with his hit-outs at stoppages, has been a clear takeaway for the Swans.

“We weren’t happy with our first half (against North Melbourne), they beat us on the inside and outside,” Heeney said. “So to correct through the third and then run away with it in the last was nice.

“We’re trying to get back to focusing on the basics and getting it done from there, which is centre bounce clearances. So they were good, and our connection as a whole was really good.”

Heeney is on track for another All-Australian selection this year. Not only is he the Swans’ leading goalkicker (28) this season, but he also has the most goals of any midfielder in the competition. That’s along with his work as a midfielder, which includes 11.9 contested possessions and 5.8 clearances per game.

Brodie Grundy set the tone and his Swans’ teammates have followed over the past two months. Picture: Phil Hillyard

And his disagreement with coach Dean Cox in being dragged from the field in the dying minutes of Saturday’s match shows how much this natural competitor wants to cash in on the rich vein of form he is in.

“I said to him, ‘Mate, just sit me deep forward, I won’t leave the 50’,” Heeney said. “I actually did that earlier, and then as soon as I kicked that goal, he just got me off. So, we had a bit of a laugh about it.

“It was one of those nights where I just felt clear, composed and the body actually felt really good. You kind of get into that flow state, and it happens from there. I felt connected, sharp, was moving well and was clear with the footy.

“If you get those three things right, I think it puts you in good stead to have a decent game. It was nice to kick straight as well.”

Originally published as Heeney's record-breaking 5-goal game signals Swans' midfield resurgence