AFL round 10: Sydney strengthens grip on top spot with victory over Carlton

Carlton’s top-eight spot was on the line and after 14 minutes, it led by 26 points. What unfolded from then on was a brutal reality check for Michael Voss’ side from a rampant Sydney.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 17: Will Hayward of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the round 10 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Carlton Blues at SCG, on May 17, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Carlton is set to drop out of the top eight for the first time this year after being handed a football lesson by the Swans who opened a two-game gap on top of the AFL ladder.

What looked set to be an arm wrestle early in the match became a procession by the final quarter as Sydney continued their clinical start to the year.

The Blues got out of the starting blocks quickest with an incredible opening 15 minutes. They kicked the first four goals and had all the momentum early.

It sapped the energy out of the capacity crowd at the SCG as Carlton’s forwards capitalised on some poor defensive reads. Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow both got on the board early, and it looked as though it could be a long night for a Sydney defence missing Tom McCartin.

Will Hayward and Taylor Adams celebrate a Swans goal. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

But the ladder leaders knew they had to work themselves into the game. And it was James Jordon who was the first to light up. The former Demon forced a turnover to help Will Hayward kick the Swans’ first, before then getting in on the action himself with a long bomb from 55 metres out.

The quick response gave them confidence and the rest of the team adapted on the fly. Lewis Melican and Aaron Francis went from looking overawed to matching the physicality of McKay and Curnow. Sydney made sure every contest became a two-on-one and they were able to launch their rebound game off the back of it.

Inaccuracy meant the Blues kept the lead into quarter time, but it didn’t last long as the Swans’ onslaught really began.

Carlton made a fast start before the Swans rallied. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Joel Amartey was a menace across the field, bringing the ball to ground and helping Papley get his second of the match. Amartey managed to add two of his own before a Chad Warner special from a stoppage put the cherry on top of a four-goal to-zero term.

Warner was head and shoulders above every other player on the ground for most of the match. He ran through the contest like a headless Swan and wasn’t afraid to break a tackle. Isaac Heeney wasn’t far behind, continuing to rack up the contested ball he has seen so much of in 2024.

Curnow kicked his second early in the third term and his passionate celebration suggested the Blues thought they were a chance. Seven straight goals to the Swans in the next 20 minutes indicated that optimism was misplaced.

Chad Warner was electric for the Swans as they rallied from 26 points down in the first quarter. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Heeney kicked two goals, Warner added another two to his tally before Sam Wicks, Hayden McLean and Harry Cunningham all got in on the fun. Slick ball movement was met with lethal finishing, with the Swans celebrating every score assist more than the end product.

Every move that John Longmire made paid off. Sam Walsh threatened early but Jordon continued his successful streak of tagging. Nic Newman, in the familiar surrounds of Moore Park, was the only Blue able to find the ball with any regularity.

Jacob Weitering was subbed at halftime with a corked thigh. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Swans relished the contested game and were simply more physical than their opponents. James Rowbottom summed up their intensity, breaking his record for most tackles in a match with 15.

It was a night where Michael Voss was given a reminder of what his team needs to be a genuine contender in 2024. While they’ve impressed in patches, they’re lacking the consistency to threaten and Friday night’s result added further pain.

Jacob Weitering was subbed out of the game with a reported corked thigh, while the Blues could also slide out of the eight by the end of the round.

But this result was all about the Swans. Their elite midfield tore Carlton to shreds, their attack put on the second-biggest score the Blues had conceded in 2024 and their defence further enhanced their record as the best in the competition.

In front of the third biggest home-and-away crowd at the SCG in history, this was a night to remember for Sydney.

Originally published as AFL round 10: Sydney strengthens grip on top spot with victory over Carlton