In one of the games of the season, the Sydney Swans rallied for a last gasp win over the Saints at the SCG in Round 13.
It was an epic contest, with the Swans only hitting the front in the dying stages of the game.
Already, I am seeing people talking down the Saints, and I cannot understand why. Did you not see the effort in this game, from both sides? Did you not see how far they pushed a team many believe will be performing on the last Saturday in September? Did you not see the future becoming the now right before your eyes?
I did, and it took a Herculean effort from Sydney to get over the line.
In the end, the Saints fell short, with the Swans riding their champion midfielder to victory. With clean hands at a forward stoppage, it was Isaac Heeney farming the footy out to Jai Serong, who snapped the go-ahead goal with 14 seconds left to break St Kilda hearts and put the Swans ten points clear of the Hawks in second place. On the ladder.
If you’re a fan of good hard footy, this game had plenty of it, with players from both clubs putting it all on the line. The slippery surface at the SCG played a bit of havoc as the game progressed, but if anything, it rewarded those who put their head over the footy and ran in a straight line at the footy.
Lots to get through in this game, and I am afraid to say, those who read these reviews hoping I whack someone will likely be pretty disappointed. It is difficult to pick fault with players who are working their arses off like both sides did in this one.
Here are seven things I learnt
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
