Tom Papley expressed joy after reaching the milestone of his 200th game, despite only scoring two goals in the match.
The second game of the day was not competitive, but it provided insights into both teams’ performances.
The West Coast Eagles continue to develop, particularly in the absence of experienced player Elliot Yeo.
Conversely, the Sydney Swans demonstrated their offensive strength, especially with Isaac Heeney on the field, complemented by Charlie Curnow’s impressive four-goal contribution.
Earlier in the day, Port Adelaide secured a necessary victory over Richmond at the MCG, marking Coach Josh Carr’s second win and leveling the team’s record at 2-2 before they return home for Gather Round.
Tomorrow afternoon will feature another double-header, commencing with Melbourne facing Gold Coast at the MCG. Unfortunately, Christian Petracca will miss the match against his former team, but the game is expected to be highly entertaining.
The day will conclude with the Western Bulldogs going up against Essendon at Docklands.
I am Andrew McGarry, and I appreciate your participation in today’s blog. Wishing you all a pleasant evening.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter addressed the media following the challenging defeat at Perth Stadium.
“The Swans displayed an exceptional performance, possibly the best I’ve seen this season,” he stated. “Their ball movement was dynamic, and they exhibited remarkable speed.”
McQualter noted that his young Eagles team—featuring ten of the youngest players, including six under 20—might have been at a disadvantage compared to the more experienced Sydney squad.
“They taught us a valuable lesson. We don’t want the scoreline to reflect such a disparity,” he commented. “We need to show greater resilience against stronger teams.”
Isaac Heeney dazzled with a stellar display, accumulating 26 disposals and four goals, while Charlie Curnow added four goals as Sydney delivered a harsh blow to West Coast with a resounding 128-point victory in Perth.
The Swans dominated the match, scoring the first 11 goals and ending with a remarkable 24.19 (163) to 4.11 (35) win in front of 50,723 spectators at Perth Stadium.
Heeney, returning from a hamstring injury, was the standout player with 26 disposals, 12 score involvements, 518 meters gained, and four goals, including an impressive mark over Harley Reid.
Curnow, who had previously scored only five goals in his first three games for the Swans, achieved 4.2 during the match, while Brodie Grundy excelled in the ruck with 28 disposals, 33 hitouts, nine clearances, and one goal.
This match also served as a memorable celebration for Tom Papley, who marked his 200th game with two goals and three assists from 24 possessions.
The win improved Sydney’s record to 3-1 ahead of their upcoming clash with Gold Coast for Gather Round. Meanwhile, West Coast, following recent victories over North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, slipped to 2-2 and faced one of their largest defeats in club history.
Star midfielder Harley Reid struggled to make an impact, managing only 17 disposals and one clearance while under the watchful eye of tagger James Jordon, with fellow midfielders Elliot Yeo (groin) and Deven Robertson (suspended) absent.
Angus Sheldrick of Sydney may face scrutiny for a forearm strike to Reuben Ginbey’s head in the final quarter, while Malcolm Rosas was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury.
Heeney swiftly set the tone for the match, registering 10 disposals, four clearances, and a goal as Sydney raced to a six-goal lead in the first term.
The Swans maintained their momentum in the second quarter, highlighted by Papley’s running snap and Chad Warner’s impressive fend-offs.
Remarkably, despite Sydney scoring 11 goals to West Coast’s none, the inside-50 count stood even at 25-25, showcasing a stark contrast in entry effectiveness.
Sydney’s precision allowed their forwards ample space, while West Coast’s hurried offensive attempts were easily intercepted by the Swans’ defense. The Eagles finally found the scoreboard at the 25-minute mark of the second quarter, with Jake Waterman scoring on the run, but by then, the game was effectively decided.
The margin reached 100 points when Heeney scored his fourth goal midway through the third quarter, and Sydney continued to dominate.
In response to inquiries about the largest winning margin in AFL history, it is noted that the Swans’ 128-point victory, while significant, is far from the record margin of 190 points set by Fitzroy in 1979 against Melbourne.
Swans coach Dean Cox expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their strong start against West Coast. He praised Heeney’s outstanding return, referring to him as an “unbelievable player” over the years.
When questioned about the absence of star midfielder Errol Gulden, Cox highlighted Justin McInerney’s contributions, stating, “His two-way transition is crucial for us.” He also mentioned the efforts of Jordon and Sheldrick in the midfield, alongside Warner’s powerful play. “The current mix is adequate, but I would prefer to have Errol available,” he added.
Tom Papley discussed his milestone 200th game in an interview with Fox Footy, expressing pride in his team despite his personal performance not being at its best.
