Young star’s massive raps as Swans resurgence continues

The Sydney Swans are relying on a 21-year-old as they push for an unlikely finals berth following Buddy Franklin’s retirement.

Errol Gulden of the Swans celebrates a goal during the round 19 AFL match against Fremantle at Optus Stadium, on July 22, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

A diminutive Swan might be emerging as the best hope of eventually filling the enormous boots of Buddy Franklin.

In just his 63rd game, Errol Gulden shone in the wet on Saturday night as the Swans held off cross-town rivals GWS for an 11-point victory at Giants Stadium.

With 32 disposals, two goals, seven tackles and five marks, Gulden walked away with the Brett Kirk Medal for best on ground in the latest Sydney Derby.

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In a typically tight contest between these rivals, the Swans made the most of their opportunities and kept GWS at bay with a 15.6 (96) to 12.13 (85) triumph.

The medal win was just the latest praise for a youngster who has been earning plaudits all season long.

“Best kick in the game”, “freak” and “lock for All Australian” are some of the words already used to describe the midfielder in 2023.

And he turned 21 on July 18.

Errol Gulden scored two goals in the Swans’ win. Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images

No one is about to fill Franklin’s boots, the superstar retiring last week due to a calf injury.

But Gulden is already massively popular with the Swans’ fanbase and took his game to a new level on Saturday night.

Twitter user Jordy Breo found a new way to describe the skilful Swans Academy product, stating simply: “Errol Gulden isn’t human.”

Errol gulden isn’t human.

— JordyBreo (@JordyBreo) August 5, 2023

With the Swans’ season on the line in recent weeks, Gulden has lifted his game to new heights, stringing together consecutive best on ground efforts in wins over Essendon and now GWS.

Sydney has now won four straight matches overall to sit only percentage outside the top eight, with games against Gold Coast at home and the Crows on the road in the next two weeks.

“He has covered very blade of grass tonight Errol Gulden,” commentator Kelli Underwood said during Saturday night’s game.

“He’s been sensational.”

That is about as good a goal you will ever see from Errol Gulden. #AFLGiantsSwans

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) August 5, 2023

So when his career's said and done, should we put the Errol Gulden statue in front of Gate C or Gate E at the SCG? #GoSwans#Bloods

— Cam Reddin (@CamReddin) August 5, 2023

I cannot explain the talent of Errol Gulden

— ɢᴇᴏʀɢᴇ ᴅɪɴᴋʜᴀ ܓܝܘܪܓܝܣ ܕܢܚܐ ✞ (@GeorgeDinkha) August 5, 2023

Saturday loomed as one of the biggest Sydney Derbies to date, with both sides enjoying winning streaks and right in the thick of finals contention.

The Giants were the hottest team in the league, winning seven straight games, and Gulden was thrilled with the way his side had played.

“They’d won seven in a row before this, they’re going really well and have some star players,” he said on Fox Footy.

“It was a slog out there in the second half in particular when the rain came.

“Really proud of the boys, great win in the end.”

Sydney's Chad Warner celebrates a goal during the Sydney Derby against GWS Giants. Photo by Phil Hillyard

About the only criticism of the youngster was his brief acceptance speech when he received the Brett Kirk Medal.

Gathering that Errol Gulden isn't much of a public speaker. #AFLGiantsSwans

— Peter Phoebe (@EatDrinkCricket) August 5, 2023

Gulden was also asked about the Swans’ effort to turn their season around, coming off last year’s thrashing against Geelong in the AFL grand final.

“We had a pretty poor start to the year obviously, but we thought we were doing a lot of things right,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of close games ... we know we haven’t been too far off it for most of the year.

“We’ve hit a bit of form which is nice.”