AFL world all says same thing after dominant Sydney Swans win

On top of the ladder entering round 10, there were still queries over the Sydney Swans this AFL season. Not anymore.

If there were any question marks remaining over the Sydney Swans’ premiership credentials in 2024, they seem to have been emphatically silenced on Friday night.

Early in the SCG clash with fellow flag fancy Carlton, the Swans were under the pump as the Blues kicked the opening four goals of the match.

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From that point on, it was a red and white tidal wave as the home side kicked 17 goals to five the rest of the way to march to a 17.15 (117) to 9.11 (65) thrashing that had experts and fans alike reaching for superlatives.

There was extra star power in the Swans’ room, with UFC great and Sydney fan Alex Volkanovski invited in to sing the team song, as you can see in the video player above.

With Brownlow Medal favourite Isaac Heeney, best on ground Chad Warner and the ridiculously skilful Errol Gulden leading the way, four-time premiership-winning Hawk Jordan Lewis made an enormous statement on Fox Footy.

“The one thing they have on their side is age,” Lewis said after the 52-point win. “Heeney’s 28, Warner is 22, Gulden is 21.

“They’re already in the conversation of the best players in the AFL at the age they are at.

“That’s the thing, if they can build on that, get people around them like they are, they could possibly be the best combination of the modern era.”

Chad Warner and John Longmire. Photos: Getty Images

That is one almighty wrap for a side that was knocked out by the Blues in the first round of last year’s finals series.

But Friday night’s win took the Swans two games clear atop the ladder with a 9-1 record early in round 10 with a humungous percentage of 154.7.

Former Melbourne champion Garry Lyon backed Lewis’ calls about the Swans’ leading talents.

“There was a lot of talk through the week that Carlton had the best group of five players in the competition,” Lyon said.

“Well we might have to revisit that during the week because when you start with these two (Heeney and Warner), and then throw Errol Gulden into the mix as well, you can take your pick of the other two.

“(Heeney) is just at the top of his game right now.”

It was another outstanding performance from the Brownlow favourite. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

There was an outpouring of respect for the manner of Sydney’s win and the way the list is playing under coach John Longmire.

“Bloody good win,” David King wrote on X. “So good to watch the Swans go to work!

“The beautiful game with an anger that’s uncommon. J Longmire is so underrated as a top liner.”

Former Essendon spearhead Matthew Lloyd was also gushing about the Swans’ potential in 2024.

“They are clearly the number one seed, and the favourites to win the premiership this year, if they can keep a healthy list,” he said on 3AW.

There were a raft of other comments on X all suggesting the Swans are now undoubtedly the team to beat.

Triple M Footy wrote: “The flag favourites make an almighty Friday night statement.”

It proved a tough night for Michael Voss and his Blues. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Fox Footy tweeted: “SWANS MASTERCLASS. Sydney smash the Blues to improve to two games clear on top of the ladder in a scary statement.”

The official AFL account tweeted simply: “Can anyone stop the Swans?”

Footy fans were also in agreement.

“Daylight is second at the moment,” wrote one.

“The real deal. Polished,” added another.

“Sydney’s flag to lose,” declared a third.

With nine wins already on the board, the Swans are perfectly placed for an all-important top-four finish for an assault on a first flag since 2012.

Next up they take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, before clashes with Geelong, Adelaide and the cross-town Giants.

Originally published as AFL world all says same thing after dominant Sydney Swans win