Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans
TALKING POINTS: Swans mids fill the gap left by Buddy and Tippett
1. No Buddy problem
The Swans did not miss key forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett at the Gabba as 12 goalkickers put their name on the scoresheet. Although Adam Goodes played forward for much of the game, there was no permanent presence in the attacking fifty with midfielders taking it in turns to move forward with great effect. Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker all kicked two and had multiple marks inside 50, with the Lions often left chasing shadows.
2. Life without Browny
The Lions got a glimpse of what life might be like without Jonathan Brown, who missed the match with general soreness. While dominated in all aspects of play by the Swans they did manage 38 inside 50s, from which they accumulated just three marks. With the Demons winning in Adelaide, the Lions are now in line for the first pick in this year’s draft. If they stay propping up the ladder, it will be odds-on a tall forward once again is the first name called out.
Usually one of the Lions’ most consistent players, Daniel Merrett has been far from his best this season. The full-back proved a handful for defenders when thrown forward by the Lions last season but has been largely ineffective in the past two games, playing up the field since returning from suspension. Even at full-back in the first three games of the season, he was far from his best, perhaps leading to his frustrated lashing out at Gold Coast’s David Swallow. The Lions were confident the broken ankle suffered in round 22 of last season would not affect him, but he has not looked the same player since.
4. Nice moment for milestone man
Rhyce Shaw, playing his 200th game, kicked just his second goal in his past 27 matches, capping an all-round effective performance with 27 touches and eight marks. In truth he will have had few easier matches with the Lions applying little pressure as the Swans moved the ball through the midfield at will. It was a match where the Swans’ old guard all showed up, with Goodes kicking three goals (including the first two of the game) and Jarrad McVeigh the best on ground with 35 possessions.
5. Pyke potentially a big loss
Although John Longmire could not have asked for an easier build-up to Friday’s crunch clash with reigning champions Hawthorn, the victory seemed to come at a cost with Mike Pyke limping off with a hamstring injury in the second quarter. The Canadian’s likely absence at the SCG would mean Tom Derickx shouldering the vast majority of the ruck load – another reason why the Swans would be delighted to have Tippett back in the side. Pyke’s early exit meant returnees Sam Reid and Goodes played the whole game, which may have been more of a risk had the game not been comfortably in the bag in the second half.
GETTABLE: Blues' big bid for Swan, Tiger play to keep star, clubs vie for Saint
Riley Beveridge and Cal Twomey discuss the latest trade and draft news, highlighting the ‘most wanted’ players
32:03
Talkin' It Up: Zac Williams on love, loss, his culture and footy
Join Megan Waters, Andy Krakouer and Carlton star Zac Williams as they explore his upbringing, Indigenous heritage, footy highlights, hardships, and the joys of marriage and parenthood
01:14
Michael Barlow Medal: The best R8 cash cows
Roy, Calvin and Warnie deliver the round eight Michael Barlow Medal votes
40:27
ROUND TABLE: AFL's united stand, strife at the Dogs, Met Gala madness
Join Josh Gabelich, Sarah Olle, Nat Edwards and Damian Barrett for AFL Round Table ahead of another huge round of footy
LISTEN TO GETTABLE: Who are the most wanted players in the AFL?
Join Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge for this week's episode of Gettable
We got it wrong: Gun Sun set for role change for Darwin trip
Jack Lukosius looks set to return to his familiar role in the forward line after Damien Hardwick conceded it was the wrong decision to play him in defence
Roos on the hunt for a new head of AFLW
Nathan Hrovat's new role means the Kangaroos are on the hunt for a head of their women's program
Talkin' It Up: Zac Williams' year in rehab, footy heroes, family joy
Carlton star Zac Williams joins hosts Megan Waters and Andy Krakouer for the first episode of new podcast series Talkin' It Up