Isaac Heeney’s record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne

Sydney have kept their improbable finals hopes alive and they had one man to thank after his extraordinary performance at the SCG.

Sydney have kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive for another week with a 31-point victory over an uninspiring North Melbourne outfit at the SCG.

The Kangaroos briefly hit the front early in the second term, but never got back within striking distance for the rest of the match as the Swans won 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46).

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Superstar Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with his sixth-ever five-goal haul at AFL level, before being dragged to the bench with half a dozen minutes to play in the match.

The 29-year-old finished the match with 34 disposals — 16 contested – 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, nine inside 50s and five majors to finish with one of the games of the 2025 season.

Isaac Heeney dominated in a record-breaking performance. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

It was also revealed Heeney’s combination of at least five goals and more than 11 clearances had never been achieved in the same game in AFL history.

For North, the absence of star ruck Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, as replacement ruck Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a calf injury before quarter-time in his first AFL game for 477 days.

It meant rival star Brodie Grundy spearheaded a ruck bloodbath to register 22 disposals, 62 hit-outs and 11 clearances before being rested for the final 11 minutes of the match.

“Xerri’s not playing, he’s been their driver (and) dynamo all season — but no one’s really stepped up in and around,” 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said as the final siren at the SCG loomed.

The Swans have now won 13 of their past 14 games against North Melbourne, including a current streak of 10 victories. North last came up trumps against the Bloods back in Round 7, 2018.

Isaac Heeney ⭐

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By extension, the Roos have also lost 13 of their past 16 games at the SCG.

“Isaac Heeney destroyed this game today … who from the Kangaroos of those elite picks can go to that level?” two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said on Super Saturday Live post-game.

While Heeney was dominating, fellow star Errol Gulden was penalised for a highly unusual abuse call in the third quarter.

With two minutes left in the term, Nick Blakey and Gulden exchanged a handpass one-two, with the “Lizard’s” errant handpass setting Gulden a task.

He tried to handpass to Heeney, but the umpire had called the ball out of play and it’s fair to say the All Australian wasn’t happy.

Errol Gulden had some choice words for the umpire. Photo: Fox Sports

Gulden threw his arms out before taking out his mouthguard so he could send some obviously choice words in the umpire’s direction

The umpire swiftly said: “Free kick North Melbourne. Free kick for abuse.”

Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy: “Gee we haven’t seen an abuse free kick paid in a long time. Dissent. We haven’t seen that.

“Fair enough though, that is the rule. It’s just unusual in season 2025 for it to get paid.”

Mark Howard added: “It did look rather vehement from Errol. Now the crowd are also showing a touch of dissent.

Heeney and former Swan Luke Parker at the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

While it wasn’t always pretty, Sydney remains alive in the finals race after wearing down North Melbourne and all eyes were on that man Heeney.

From early in the contest, his Swans teammates were understandably lowering their eyes trying to pick him out inside 50.

“They are trying to isolate him almost every time Isaac Heeney when he pushes into that forward line,” Healy noted.

“He can get you in the air and he can get you on the ground.”

Dual All-Australian Montagna at half-time pondered whether North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson would seek a different matchup for the unstoppable Swan.

“Isaac Heeney’s first half; you can’t do much more — 19 disposals, five inside-50s, six score involvements, he’s kicked a couple himself and he has eight clearances,” Montagna said.

Brodie Grundy also had a day out for the Swans. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/for Getty Images)

“He is doing absolutely everything and that’s why he’s one of the best players in the competition.

“Maybe they might have to find a different matchup — Tom Powell trying to go with him at clearance but just doesn’t have the size or class to match. So, it’ll be interesting if Clarko decides to make a change.”

Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Heeney reeled in a high Hayden McLean entry with one hand, prompting caller Mark Howard to remark: “He can do it all, this man.”

“He’s just playing with them, Isaac Heeney,” Montagna added in reaction.

North Melbourne closed the gap to 12 points at the final change, but couldn’t get any closer as Heeney kicked a goal in the first minute of the fourth and then another before taking a rest on the bench in the closing stages.

Originally published as Isaac Heeney’s record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne