Sydney will be ruing missed chances at goal as Adelaide pulled off a stunning upset at the SCG
LED by skipper Taylor Walker, a heavily undermanned Adelaide has pulled off a stunning upset over Sydney at the SCG with the Swans left to rue inaccuracy in front of goal in a thrilling final quarter.
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A HEAVILY undermanned Adelaide has pulled off a stunning 10-point upset over Sydney at the SCG.
Led by skipper Taylor Walker who rebounded from last Friday’s lacklustre performance against Collingwood with four goals, the Crows had all the answers as they led from start to finish and saw off a strong finish from the Swans.
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Josh Jenkins and Rory Atkins both chipped in with three important goals while Rory Laird was again outstanding in defence picking up a game-high 30 disposals.
Paul Seedsman produced a stunning 14-possession first quarter to put Sydney on the back foot and finished with 26 for the match including a goal.
Don Pyke was without seven players from last year’s Grand Final team as Rory Sloane, Eddie Betts and David Mackay joined Brad and Matt Crouch on the injury list - Jake Lever and Charlie Cameron left in the off season - while they lost defender Kyle Hartigan in the second quarter to a hamstring injury.
The Swans will rue poor kicking for goal in the last quarter. Isaac Heeney missed two set shots for goal and Lance Franklin one which could also have been given off to Heeney who was alone in the goal square.
‘Buddy’ was well held by Daniel Talia and managed just one goal for the match.
Gary Rohan was the Swans only multiple goalkicker with two and looked like he was going the ignite the Swans in the third term when he snapped truly from close range.
Teammates came from everywhere to share the celebration after the tragic passing of his baby daughter last week.
Given the circumstances it was a remarkable effort from the speedy red head. He was in everything, chasing, tackling and bringing the ball to ground in marking contests.
There was also inspiration from Tom Papley, who’s third quarter marking contest brought back memories of Nick Riewoldt more than a decade ago in almost the identical spot.
Swans skipper Josh Kennedy and his midfield lieutenants Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery were unusually quiet with none appearing in the top-10 possession-getters.
The trio have been the backbone of the Swans midfield for the last seven years but have been down on form.
Kennedy managed only 13 disposals for the match after picking up just 16 the week before against the Western Bulldogs. Hannebery had 18 while Parker finished with 17.
The win completed a South Australian double at the SCG after Port Adelaide won the Round 2 fixture.
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