Sydney Swans hit historic low in first quarter against St Kilda

The Sydney Swans entered the record books on Thursday night with a truly unwanted record that left fans watching on up in arms.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Sam Wicks of the Swans in action during the round 13 AFL match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The Sydney Swans made history against St Kilda as the AFL returned to Thursday night action with a SCG contest.

In what is Lance Franklin’s 350th game, the fans turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the superstar in full flight.

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Fans in attendance and watching on from home however were treated to a sloppy opening quarter that saw only seven points put on the scoreboard.

The defensive onslaught from the Ross Lyon led Saints saw the Swans head into the first huddle without a single score to their name.

It marks the first time the Swans have ever been held scoreless in an opening quarter at the SCG.

It’s also only the second quarter in their SCG history where they’ve failed to register a score. After the opening quarter they had played 1,701 quarters of footy.

Things were so bleak during the opening quarter that Gerard Whateley resorted to calling Steve Smith’s century during SEN’s live coverage of the game.

I’ve sat in Tribunals less boring than this. #AFLSwansSaints

— David Zita (@DavidZita1) June 8, 2023

Sydney’s first scoreless opening quarter since 1997 R21 v Carlton at Princes Park. They were goalless until half-time in that game. #AFLSwansSaints

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) June 8, 2023

The lowest quarter-time score across both teams in Champion Data's records (since 1999).

The lowest quarter-time score for Sydney vs St Kilda since 1903.

Yuck. @FOXFOOTY#AFLSwansSaints

— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) June 8, 2023

Young Saints star Mattaes Phillipou got the game underway with the opening goal of the contest with the second goal not coming until the second term when Max King doubled the Saints’ tally.

Tom Papley finally got the first goal of the match for the Swans, coming after nine minutes of play into the second term.

It was an ugly slog. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Franklin was presented with his jumper ahead of the contest in the rooms surrounded by family members and friends.

The star forward felt the enormity of his achievement and became emotional as he thanked those there for helping him reach the milestone.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my … sorry guys, I’m getting a bit emotional … my parents,” a teary Franklin said. “I wouldn’t be here today, play this amount of games.

“They were the ones that drove me to and from training, dropped me to games at a young age and got me to where I am today.

“To (wife) Jess, my two beautiful kids, you’re the reason I play this great game and still have that passion to get out there and perform each week.

“And then to the boys and this great footy club. I’m just so passionate and love this club and everything it stands for.

“Let’s go out there and have a really good win tonight.”

Originally published as Sydney Swans hit historic low in first quarter against St Kilda