Hawthorn sink to ugly 73-year first after enduring Sydney bloodbath

One AFL club have etched their name into the record books, claiming an unwanted record after their latest paltry showing.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 26: Hawks players react during the round two AFL match between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks at Sydney Cricket Ground, on March 26, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Sydney enjoyed a day out in front of their home crowd as they put on an offensive onslaught against a lacklustre Hawthorn outfit.

After kicking the opening goal of the second quarter, the Hawks didn’t kick another until late in the fourth quarter as the Swans romped away to a 81-point victory.

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As the Hawks failed to launch any forward attacks, the Swans had no such issues as they kicked 13 unanswered goals to put the contest beyond doubt.

The win makes it the biggest victory for the Sydney Swans over Hawthorn, eclipsing their previous best which was 72 points.

For Hawthorn the picture gets even uglier with their combined first two losses coming in at 140 points, making it their worst start to a season since 1950.

Young forward Joel Amartey stole the show in the opening half for the Swans as he slotted four goals after being brought into the team as Lance Franklin’s replacement.

Fellow forward Logan McDonald delighted the crowd, finishing the contest with five goals to his name.

"The heir to the throne" 👑#AFLSwansHawkspic.twitter.com/G6LBxOrIQg

— AFL (@AFL) March 26, 2023

The win launches the Swans to the top of the ladder with dynamite midfield duo Errol Gulden and Callum Mills once again leading from the front.

They combined for 56 disposals with Warner also adding two goals. Combined they had 923 metres gained in their latest impressive outing.

But it was Amartey who had the crowd up and off their feet as he torched the Hawthorn defenders every time he was in the vicinity of the ball.

Amartey Party. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

After falling apart in the Grand Final last year, the Swans have blown away any doubts of a come down and have thrust their name into premiership contention.

They’ll travel to Melbourne for a round three showdown against Melbourne who will be without All Australian ruckman Max Gawn who suffered a knee injury on Friday night.

While many had predicted Hawthorn would be leading the way in the race for the wooden spoon, the early signs have painted an even uglier picture.

Coach Sam Mitchell will take on his former coach Alastair Clarkson when they lock horns with North Melbourne who have stunned the league through the opening two weeks with two wins.