Inside Sydney Swans’ victory over Collingwood which has put AFL premiership rivals on notice

It’s never easy to silence the Magpie army. But by three-quarter-time on Friday, several headed for the exit. LACHLAN MCKIRDY lifts the lid on how Sydney stormed the MCG.

Sydney's Logan McDonald celebrates kicking a goal during the Round 1 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Sydney Swans at the MCG on March 15, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only – Phil Hillyard **NO ON SALES** – ©Phil Hillyard )

The Swans knew they were in enemy territory at the MCG on Friday night.

Coming off an Opening Round loss to the Giants, Collingwood was determined to set the record straight. The reigning premiers wanted to remind the competition that their footy is still to be feared.

They didn’t need any extra motivation either, with their premiership flag being unfurled ahead of a record home-and-away crowd for a Swans game in Melbourne.

But while the home fans started loud, by halftime it was only ‘Syyyyydney’ chants that could be heard. And before the final siren sounded, empty seats were littered across stands that were full of black and white only an hour earlier.

It was an emphatic performance from the Swans, and the players came from the ground knowing that they were even more dominant than the 33 points that separated the two teams at full time.

“It was very loud early, but we spoke about it as a team embracing that and we knew it was going to be loud and a big crowd,” Logan McDonald said. “We saw it as a challenge and used it as fuel and it sort of worked.

“I did support [Collingwood] growing up. But it’s amazing that when you get drafted I immediately lost all love or feeling towards them. They were the pinnacle of the competition winning a premiership last year and we matched ourselves to them last night.

“There were a few Sydney chants going on by the end of the night, which is good, and we definitely appreciate those.

“We were happy with how we performed with our defensive contests and hopefully we can get the chance to maybe unveil a flag soon.”

The Swans had plenty to celebrate after their dominant win over Collingwood. Picture: Phil Hillyard

After an injury-hampered season in 2023, John Longmire’s side couldn’t have written a better start to this year. Wins over Melbourne and now the Pies have given them plenty of momentum to rack up more victories early in the season.

Every time the Swans have started 2-0 since 2001 they’ve gone on to make finals. And while they know the job is far from done, Longmire has encouraged them to appreciate their work across the opening fortnight.

“It’s always a great mood after a win,” McDonald said. “Everyone’s happy but we’re not getting too ahead of ourselves. It’s only two games in.

“We’re young and we want to keep bringing our best consistently throughout games and throughout the season. We think our best stacks up against any side, so if we can do that for long enough, we think we’ll put ourselves in a good position.”

McDonald was one of the Swans’ best against Collingwood, finishing with four goals including two he walked in from inside the goalsquare – “You always try to kick it as high and as hard as you can and I think someone said I got one into the second or third tier which was a pretty big effort.”

The Swans finished with 19 marks inside 50 to Collingwood’s nine, with McDonald the beneficiary on a number of occasions. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

But it’s reward for effort for the 21-year-old who looks primed to capitalise on the biggest pre-season of his career. The key forward has worked extensively on his strength and ability to create a contest and the early signs – including five goals against two of the best defensive sides in the AFL – suggest he’s on the right track.

“It’s just improving in everything, all-round,” McDonald said. “It’s getting stronger and better with my bodywork so I can compete more on the straight line.

“Then it’s bridging the gap between the best and my worst, that’s been a big focus point, finding a way to have any impact when I’m struggling. So it was a good step forward in that regard.

“I was lucky to get on the end of a few. But I think that’s what makes us such a dangerous forward line, we’re so versatile and have a lot of numbers that can spin through there and hit the scoreboard.

“Our forward line is full of runners all across the ground and big tanks. We back ourselves to run teams into the ground and try to get easy shots at goal and I think we kicked a few from the goalsquare last night.

“We’re starting to build that cohesion … it’s exciting and another pre-season helps. We’re only getting fitter and stronger and we’ve shown over the first few weeks the running power this team has.”

Since 2001, the Swans have made finals every time they’ve started the season 2-0. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

And while McDonald’s performances will continue to attract scrutiny – whether it’s stepping into Buddy Franklin’s shoes or being one of the most in-demand, off-contract key forwards in the competition – the fourth-year player is excited for another season where he can prove himself at AFL level.

“I’m definitely starting to feel more comfortable,” McDonald said.

“I have played a few big games now and the occasion or crowds don’t really faze me as much anymore.

“Buddy’s impossible to replace and there’s always going to be talk about him and things like that. But I’m just trying to be my own person.

“This footy club is a great place to be and I just love putting on the jumper and playing each week and trying to help contribute.”

Originally published as Inside Sydney Swans’ victory over Collingwood which has put AFL premiership rivals on notice