Consistency of Joel Amartey emerges in Sydney’s latest statement victory

The Amartey Party has often been fleeting in the AFL. But a first full pre-season has lead to the 24-year-old Swan putting together his most consistent season to date.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 17: Joel Amartey 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 Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

John Longmire was quick to deliberately touch the trestle table beneath him during his post-match press conference on Friday night.

The Sydney coach was in a jubilant mood following his team’s impressive victory over the Blues, revelling in their two-game gap on top of the AFL ladder.

But the action was in response to a question about the form of Joel Amartey, who had one of his most dominant games with two goals, six contested possessions and four score involvements.

The Swans’ forward has had an injury-plagued start to his career, playing just 13 games across his first five seasons in the competition. However, he looks to have finally found consistency in his game and body, showcasing his athletic ability against Carlton.

It’s what Longmire knew was there all along, and what he hopes will continue. Touch wood.

“It wasn’t just what he was doing on the scoreboard, he was able to hit the contest hard,” Longmire said.

Amartey exuded confidence against the Blues. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“Weitering got injured and went off the ground which would have been hard, but he was still creating that contest in our front half and that’s what we want. If we can get contests from our big fellas in the front half, generally we’re gonna hit the scoreboard.

“(The talls) play a system, rotate around and change their roles up during the game. If it’s helping the team win, and helping the team hit the scoreboard, terrific. The young key forwards, they’re doing a good job of it.”

It’s the sixth time this year that Amartey has finished with two or more goals as the 24-year-old comes into his own as a damaging forward.

The second quarter was where he shone, taking a brave contested mark flying back with the flight of the ball, creating a contest for a Tom Papley major and finishing the term with two goals to his name.

He credits the first full pre-season of his career for providing him with the belief that his body can hold up to the rigours of playing in the AFL.

The key forward’s athleticism proved a handful for the Carlton defenders. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“You always like hitting the scoreboard as a key forward,” Amartey said. “Winning also feels nice.

“We started slow for 15 minutes, but then we got the game on our terms with the pressure. The forwards got into it, got some nice one-on-ones and we were able to get on top.

“But starting pre-season without training to get my body right, set me up for this year and hopefully it continues this way.

“It’s the first pre-season I’ve been able to train. Usually, I’ve had a soft-tissue (injury) or something, so it was nice to train and build that stamina and consistency.

“Then you can learn, with me, Logan and Dos (McLean) as young forwards, how to play with each other on the back of that effort on the track.”

While there has been a lot of attention on the Swans’ forward line ‘post Buddy’, Sydney’s success has come on the back of their mix of scoring options.

They have seven players who have kicked more than 10 goals, while Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney have combined for 31 goals between them.

Amartey wants nothing more than to always be kicking majors, but even he finds himself admiring the work of his midfield.

“I find myself just looking on like you guys do on the sidelines,” Amartey said. “I can sit back, put my hands on my hips and watch the boys go to work.

“It’s pretty exciting seeing Chad with running bounces in the rain, it’s so exciting.

“That’s the beauty of our forward line and mids, you don’t know who’s going to have a good game each week. Whoever gets their lick of the ice cream, it doesn’t matter as long as we put in the effort.”

Warner has already kicked 15 goals this year, including an equal season-high three against Carlton. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Celebrating the processes has always been a priority for a Longmire-coached side, but it was turned up a notch against Carlton. Goal assists were the commodity of the day as tackles and spoils were praised more than goals themselves.

It points to an attack full of confidence, but also a forward line that is always wanting to improve.

“It’s a big emphasis on celebrating who created the goal rather than the goalscorer themselves,” Amartey said.

“We’ll review this in a couple of days and find ways to get better. We still want to put four quarters together, because we haven’t played our best footy yet. That is exciting.”

Originally published as Consistency of Joel Amartey emerges in Sydney’s latest statement victory