As the AFL season progresses, Sydney finds itself in a precarious position. The Swans were the talk of the town after Round 15, boasting only one loss and sitting comfortably three games clear at the top of the ladder. However, as we approach the end of Round 21, their once-impregnable lead has evaporated. The Swans now sit just two points clear, with five losses in their last six games, and the memory of their dominant first half of the season seems to be fading rapidly.
The Fall from Grace
Sydney’s shocking 112-point loss to Port Adelaide last weekend marked a new low for the team. The defeat broke a series of records, making it the largest margin of defeat by a ladder leader since 1983, and their worst loss since 1993. The Swans also conceded their highest score since 2002, compounding the misery of what has been a catastrophic slide in form.
This dramatic fall has left fans and analysts alike questioning what has gone wrong for the Swans. Once flying high, Sydney is now in real danger of slipping out of the top four altogether. The team’s recent performances have been marred by inconsistency, and last weekend’s humiliation has only amplified concerns about their ability to recover.
Can Sydney Bounce Back?
In response to their recent struggles, Coach John Longmire has made four unforced changes to the team. These decisions signal a no-nonsense approach as he looks to arrest the slide and restore confidence. The return of Dane Rampe in defense and Joel Amartey up forward will be a welcome boost, adding experience and firepower to a side in desperate need of both.
The question now is whether these changes will be enough to turn the tide for Sydney. Can they find the resilience to bounce back from such a demoralizing performance? The match against Collingwood could provide the perfect opportunity to do so, but it will require a complete turnaround in form and mentality.
Collingwood’s Rollercoaster Season
While Sydney grapples with its decline, Collingwood’s season has been a rollercoaster in its own right. The Magpies started the year with three consecutive losses, sparking fears of a “premiership hangover.” However, they responded in style with an eight-game unbeaten run, only to lose five of their next seven matches.
Despite these ups and downs, Collingwood has shown signs of life in recent weeks. Back-to-back wins have restored some confidence, though it’s worth noting that one was against the likely wooden spooners in Richmond, and the other came in Scott Pendlebury’s milestone 400th game, a match the Pies simply couldn’t afford to lose.
However, the Magpies have been dealt a significant blow with the season-ending hamstring injury to star midfielder Jordan De Goey. His absence will be keenly felt, and while Joe Richards steps in, it’s not exactly a like-for-like replacement.
The Road Ahead
Sydney’s clash with Collingwood at the SCG on Friday night is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter. The last time these two teams met in Round 1, Sydney emerged victorious with a 102-69 win, driven by standout performances from Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney. The Swans will be hoping for a repeat of that result as they look to stop the rot and reclaim their place at the top of the ladder.
For Collingwood, the focus will be on consolidating their recent form and pushing for a top-eight finish. The loss of De Goey is a significant hurdle, but the Magpies have shown resilience before and will be eager to prove their mettle once more.
As both teams enter this crucial match, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Sydney, it’s about redemption and survival at the top. For Collingwood, it’s a chance to continue their resurgence and keep their finals hopes alive. Friday night’s showdown promises to be a fascinating contest, and the outcome could have major implications for both teams’ seasons.
