AFL 2023: Joel Amartey shows there’s life after Buddy for Swans

Joel Amartey will suddenly have a key role in Sydney’s finals charge but he showed against Essendon the Swans’ future forward prospects are looking bright.

Joel Amartey of the Swans flies for a mark. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The Swans’ future was forced into the spotlight on Saturday night with Joel Amartey rising above the pack against the Bombers.

Only moments before their talisman Lance Franklin was subbed out of the game with an apparent calf injury, Amartey kicked the third of his four goals for the evening.

The 23-year-old was able to create distance from his direct opponent Jayden Laverde, time his jump brilliantly and take a relatively uncontested pack mark.

It was one of six marks inside 50 in the first half for Amartey, whose ability to generate space was a highlight for Sydney across the first two terms.

Amartey combined with Sam Wicks beautifully as the Swans went into the main break with a 19-point lead, with seven goals between them.

Logan McDonald joined the party in the third quarter, converting from the pocket after a solid mark.

Joel Amartey keeps Brandon Zerk-Thatcher at bay. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Bombers reacted and kept Amartey quiet for much of the second half. However, he was still able to find a way to influence the result, producing the crucial assist for Tom Papley’s match-sealing goal.

In the end, the Swans’ first-half flurry of goals proved the difference as they were able to hang on to a narrow two-point victory.

It was hardly pretty late in the game with Sydney almost blowing a 37-point lead, but the win keeps the Swans’ season alive as they look to secure the most unlikely of finals appearances.

Sitting in the bottom four a month ago, three straight wins have reignited the belief that their year is far from over.

Amartey, Wicks and McDonald are all aged 23 and under and set to play an important role in their forward line in the years to come.

Reports circulated during the week that Franklin was considering playing on for one more season, but the Swans showed they would be fine either way.

Joel Amartey celebrates a goal against Essendon. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The focus for much of the year has been the spread of youth across Sydney’s midfield but Saturday showed they have young talent across the park.

Tom McCartin produced his best game since returning from concussion as he led from the back with five intercept possessions.

Errol Gulden continued on with his All-Australian form with yet another 30-plus disposal game.

But it was Amartey who really caught the eye with his energetic first-half performance.

His ability has never been questioned, but a slew of injuries has limited the impact he’s been able to have since being taken in the 2018 rookie draft.

A hamstring injury earlier this year threatened to sideline the Sandringham product once more, but he’s been able to return and have a big influence on the Swans’ forward line.

The fact Sydney opted to manage him against Richmond in round 17 emphasised how important he is set to be for their future plans.

Franklin’s calf concern means that Amartey will play an even more important role as the Swans surge towards the top eight.

The Swans put their faith in Amartey with a two-year contract extension earlier this season on the back of just 20 games since 2018.

His consistency at AFL level this season shows he’s ready to repay their loyalty.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Joel Amartey shows there’s life after Buddy for Swans