Sydney Swans blew away the Brisbane Lions with a stunning 53-point victory in their AFL qualifying final at the SCG on Saturday, winning 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88). The win revives a season that club chair Andrew Pridham had described as "torpedoed" just weeks ago, following the suspension of five players for a breach of club standards.
Swans' resurgence built on midfield dominance
Even without suspended stars Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Nick Blakey, the Swans looked sharp and familiar. The rapid ball movement that has defined their season was on full display, with Errol Gulden leading the midfield charge. Gulden finished with a game-high 34 disposals, eight clearances, 915 metres gained, and a goal, setting the standard with relentless running and tenacity.
James Rowbottom also impressed, while unheralded recruit Jai Serong played the most influential game of his career, clamping down on Lions' dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.
Mills injury mars victory
The victory came at a potential cost, as captain Callum Mills jarred a knee late in the first term and was helped from the field, taking no further part in the game. Mills slipped while attempting to tackle Lions midfielder Will Ashcroft, collapsed to the turf, and immediately grabbed at his knee.
Mills had earned respect for fronting up to answer questions after the club's off-field issues and leading the side to a stirring win over North Melbourne. Now the Swans hope for the best but fear the worst, in a reminder of how harsh the game can be.
Curnow and McDonald deliver career-defining performances
On a wet day at the SCG, key forwards Charlie Curnow and Logan McDonald delivered career-defining games. Curnow, who moved to Sydney from Carlton in last year's trade period, booted five goals, smashing his finals average. He had only three goals from three finals matches with his former club.
McDonald kicked a career-high six majors, while firebrand forward Tom Papley added five goals after passing a pre-match fitness test. The Swans' opening-term blitz, which included four goals in six minutes, left the Lions shellshocked.
Lions face longer road to three-peat
For Brisbane, the loss means their path to a third consecutive premiership will now take a longer route. They will host a home semi-final against the winner of an elimination final between Adelaide and Western Bulldogs.
Sydney, meanwhile, will have a week's break before facing the winner of the Fremantle and Geelong semi-final. The Swans had averaged crowds of 44,283 at their three home finals at the SCG since 2022, but fewer than 37,000 fans turned up for this clash, possibly due to recent club turmoil or the weather forecast. The Swans did all they could to turn doubters into believers.
