‘We failed you’: Swans devastated after all-time Grand Final nightmare

The Sydney Swans went into the AFL Grand Final with high hopes that were left in tatters almost as soon as the match began.

Chad Warner has a hell of a future ahead of him. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Sydney Swans captain Dane Rampe has apologised to fans after the club’s 81-point Grand Final nightmare loss to the Geelong Cats.

The Swans came into the game with high hopes on a nine-game winning streak but were outplayed from the opening bounce in the 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52) thrashing.

The result is the equal fifth biggest Grand Final loss in AFL history.

The Cats’ biggest stars were in tears, including Joel Selwood, who has been surrounded by rumours he would walk away from the game with a win.

While the AFL is no clearer on that front, the tears were flowing on the Swans side as well after going so close, yet so incredibly far in the utter thrashing.

The Swans were devastated. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Under trying conditions, an emotional Swans skipper Dane Rampe paid tribute to Selwood but apologised to the Swans supporters.

“A heartfelt congratulations on the premiership this year,” Rampe began. “You guys have been the benchmark for God knows how long. Great to see a great reward for effort.

“I just want to touch on Joel Selwood’s record as well — sometimes you’ve got to pinch yourself when you’ve got to pinch yourself when you share the field with Giants of the game and you’re an absolute giant. Congratulations.

“To our boys, bad luck today. So proud of your efforts throughout the season.

“We’ll be back hungrier and better for it next year. To our red and white supporters, both South Melbourne and back in Sydney, sorry we failed you today.

“But your support has meant the upmost over the last three years, during Covid and this year particularly back with crowds. Thank you.”

The dream of a premiership quickly turned into a nightmare as the Cats blew the Swans away in the first quarter, leading by 35 points at quarter time and 36 points at halftime.

At the main break, fans were hoping it was as bad as it was going to get after the Swans showed some life in the second quarter to stay with the Cats.

Chad Warner showing how much it hurt. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Speaking on 3AW, Cats legend Jimmy Bartel said it had been: “Embarrassing for the Swans’ midfield group.”

On SEN, Kane Cornes said: “This is the Swans worst performance in such a long time. They have time to turn it around inch by inch. They need to get their hands on the footy.”

On Twitter, Nine reporter Mark Gottlieb wrote: “This is a massacre so far. What were the odds that the best entertainment we’d get on Grand Final day would come an hour before the first bounce? Thank god for Robbie Williams.”

Sportsbeat editor James Toney added: “A belting four week of finals footy seemingly ending with an absolute class A, grade one, top drawer stinker.”

Unfortunately, it was just the beginning of the horror movie as Geelong made the premiership quarter live up to its moniker, piling on a 38-point third quarter to put the game out of reach for the Swans.

Cameras found Swans legend Michael O’Loughlin, who buried his face in his hands during the dire third quarter.

Every Swans fan right now. Photo: Channel 7

Victoria Police couldn’t even help it, kicking the Swans while they were down.

“We’re preparing to assist @nswpolice in the search for 22 missing swans, last seen wearing red and white at around 2:30pm in the Melbourne area,” it tweeted.

ABC Breakfast News producer Lucy Carter wrote: “Extremely weird choice for the Swans to play the worst game I’ve ever seen. Well done Cats – you guys were unstoppable today.”

This true crime show on Ch7 right now is brutal to watch #AFLGF

— Osher Günsberg (@oshergunsberg) September 24, 2022

Maybe this is why the 22 Sydney Swans players couldn't get in... #AFLGrandFinalhttps://t.co/RcZciwGBiJ

— Scott Murphy (@ScottMurphyAUS) September 24, 2022

This is what can happen when you let highly trained cats near defenceless birds. #AFLGF

— Scott Dooley (@scottdools) September 24, 2022

Swans second half: "Hold my beer"#AFLGrandFinal#AFLGFhttps://t.co/ExcKoYntLp

— Scott Phillips (@TMFScottP) September 24, 2022