Why Swans passed toughest test yet in Essendon Bombers with flying colours

Essendon may not have been a tougher line-up on paper, but the Bombers put Sydney to their sternest test of the season. After they found their feet, the Swans passed it with flying colours

When the pressure is on most, that’s when the best players rise to the occasion.

The Swans were under the pump for the majority of their match against Essendon on Saturday night.

It was an incredibly physical encounter with players from both sides going at it. The tone was set early after Peter Wright’s high bump on Harry Cunningham in the first quarter with spot fires continuing to erupt until the final siren.

But it was the class of the Swans’ midfielders that proved the difference as Sydney continued their perfect start to the season.

From the first bounce, Essendon showed that they were up for the challenge with a flawless inside 50 entry and goal. Before two minutes had left the clock, the Bombers had opened up a 12-point lead with the Swans yet to get a touch.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Lewis Melican of the Swans and Sam Draper of the Bombers tussle during the round two AFL match between Sydney Swans and Essendon Bombers at SCG, on March 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

After two dominant midfield performances against Melbourne and Collingwood, the Swans were overwhelmed around the stoppages early. The combination of Sam Draper and Todd Goldstein was too much for Brodie Grundy to handle.

And importantly, they kept Isaac Heeney quiet. He only touched the ball once inside the first 10 minutes, a far cry from the incredible numbers he had put up as the best player in the competition across the opening fortnight.

However, a lack of cutting edge from the Dons came into play. The Swans, who had woken from their early slumber, were ready for the fight.

Two goals to Will Hayward, as well as majors to Hayden McLean and Joel Amartey, lifted spirits. They went into the first break with 4.3 – all seven scores coming from Essendon turnovers.

Will Hayward celebrates with Hayden McLean after the Swans edged towards a remarkable victory in Sydney. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

The game continued to seesaw as the sides traded the lead. Sam Draper’s visceral celebration of his goal emphasised the Bombers’ determination, but they continued to be their own worst enemy, turning the ball over in dangerous positions, and concerningly, to destructive players.

Errol Gulden’s laser-like left foot found Tom Papley in a sea of red and black, while Braeden Campbell’s composure to find targets created countless opportunities.

Sydney’s work without the ball also came into play as the likes of Nick Blakey and Matt Roberts were constantly two steps ahead of their opponents with the Bombers trying too hard to work it through the channel.

The ability to then quickly transition into attack created plenty of chances which the Swans were good enough to capitalise on.

Making the most of their inside-50 entries was the difference as the Swans finished with 19 marks inside 50, 10 more than the Bombers. Papley led from the front with four for the day, while Amartey, McLean and Will Hayward all hit the scoreboard on multiple occasions.

Essendon continued to keep the Swans honest well into the final term as three straight goals brought the margin back to 11 points. But Papley and Gulden landed two late daggers, while Chad Warner’s first of the night all but ended the Bombers’ spirited fight.

As for keeping Heeney quiet, his turnaround was the perfect summation of Essendon’s fortunes. He might have started slowly, but he finished with his best numbers of the year: 32 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal.

Jade Gresham is tackled by Isaac Heeney. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

A 3-0 start has given the Swans the ideal foundation to surge for a top-four finish after another impressive final-quarter surge. They’ll also be looking to go into their round five bye unbeaten with games against Richmond and West Coast in the next fortnight.

The final margin of 30 points flattered the Swans in some regards and didn’t truly account for how close much of the game was. But it was the perfect showcase for Brad Scott of the small touches of quality his side is missing as they look to become a regular top-eight team.

Originally published as Why Swans passed toughest test yet in Essendon Bombers with flying colours