Mick McGuane’ mid-season AFL report card: Sydney ‘a long way’ ahead of premiership rivals

Sitting pretty at the top of the AFL ladder, Sydney has looked unstoppable this year. In his latest report card, MICK MCGUANE has an ominous message for the Swans’ premiership rivals.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 23: Isaac Heeney of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 11 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on May 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Two years after surging to a Grand Final appearance few saw coming, Sydney is an overwhelming premiership favourite at the midway point of 2024.

Mick McGuane examines how John Longmire’s side has become the envy of the AFL.

Mick’s Mid-Season Report Rating: A

Traditionally the Swans haven’t been renowned for being a high-scoring team.

But their offensive profile is off the charts this year — and is a big reason why they sit atop of the ladder midway through the season.

Sydney is averaging 102.9 points per game — its most since its premiership season of 2012.

Drill down a little deeper and there are plenty more positives.

Isaac Heeney has gone to another level as a midfielder. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Swans rank No. 1 for both points from turnovers and points from defensive half, along with No. 3 for points from stoppages.

They are the most efficient team at scoring once inside 50 and have taken the fourth-most marks inside the arc.

Don’t forget that this is a side which waved goodbye to one of the game’s greatest ever forwards in Lance Franklin last year.

Young key forward Joel Amartey continues to elevate his game, complementing Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean as key targets in attack.

Joel Amartey has helped fill the void left by Lance Franklin in attack. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

That trio are among seven players who have already kicked double-figure goals to this point of the season.

Such a spread of goalkickers creates serious headaches for opposition sides because there is always someone bobbing up.

If it’s not Tom Papley getting you or Isaac Heeney pushing forward to hit the scoreboard, we know Errol Gulden can kick goals from the wing and Sam Wicks has an ability to find space over the back of the opposition defence.

Talking of defence, the Swans rank second to Fremantle for average points against.

The backline is getting a boost this week, too, with Tom McCartin set to return after three weeks on the sidelines with concussion.

John Longmire and Harry Cunningham enjoy a Swans win. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

He is so important to their structure, supporting Dane Rampe and the rest of the group in that part of the ground.

Generally, the Swans have managed to keep their list on the park this season, using only 27 players to this point of the year.

That’s a godsend in anyone’s language and is another reason why they are flying.

Chad Warner with an absolute thumper from outside 50 😍#AFLFreoSwanspic.twitter.com/AAiFOKA1db

— AFL (@AFL) May 10, 2024

TOUGH CALLS

The Swans need to squeeze Callum Mills back into their line up in coming weeks, but don’t expect Luke Parker to return for the tail end of the season.

As much as I’ve loved what Parker has done across his career, he’s not in Sydney’s best 23 right now.

The current onball brigade of Heeney, Chad Warner, Gulden and James Rowbottom have speed which Parker can’t match and are complementing each other so well.

Luke Parker can’t get back into Sydney’s team. Picture: Phil Hillyard

And competition for spots will only get fiercer once Callum Mills returns. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ruckman Brodie Grundy has been the icing on the cake in the middle.

Not only is Grundy winning hit-outs and finding plenty of the ball around the ground, but he is also tackling ferociously.

The recruit has laid 66 tackles this season — the second-most at the Swans behind Rowbottom (103).

No wonder the Swans are the second-best team at restricting opposition scores from stoppages.

FLAG FAVOURITES

Right now, the Swans are the best team in the competition by a long way.

They are not only getting the job done at home, but have also lost just one game on the road.

Strangely enough, that was to Richmond in round 4 — a result that still makes you scratch your head.

There’s still a long way to go, but this could well go down as John Longmire’s finest season in charge.

Originally published as Mick McGuane’ mid-season AFL report card: Sydney ‘a long way’ ahead of premiership rivals