Sydney have stamped their premiership credentials with a 19-point upset win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
The Swans led at every break, holding a tough Bulldogs outfit at bay from late in the first term.
While John Longmire’s side has been somewhat inconsistent in 2021, they’ve continued to impress against the AFL’s best sides, with impressive scalps now including the Dogs, Cats, Lions, Eagles and Tigers.
Jordan Dawson (three goals, 26 disposals), Callum Mills (31 disposals) and Luke Parker (one goal, 27 disposals) found plenty of ball to control the game around the ground despite stunningly losing the clearance battle 46-26.
With the majority of Sydney’s scoring coming off the turnover, it was the Swans’ unheralded defence that helped set a platform for the win as they controlled the ball in the air throughout the game.
For the Bulldogs, Bailey Smith (one goal, 27 disposals), Caleb Daniel (one goal, 30 disposals) and Marcus Bontempelli (27 disposals) continued their strong seasons, while Jack Macrae (25 disposals) failed the reach the 30-disposal marker for the first time this year.
Both sides look to have escaped the game without any serious injury concerns with neither medical sub being activated.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Sydney’s aerial dominance sets up win
Sydney’s victory was set up through a strong defensive effort and the ability to keep the ball away from the ground.
The Swans dominated the marks count 123-67, and were stronger in both uncontested (103-59) and contested (20-8) grabs across the game.
They were able to go at such a clip having used the ball at 76% efficiency, and keeping the ball off the ground helped them negate the Dogs’ ability to run and link via handball chains.
Having now beaten three of the current top four sides, it looks like a proven game plan which can stand up against the best teams.
They’ll be growing in confidence by the week on what they can achieve come September.
Ugle-Hagan’s quiet debut not all that it seems
Number one pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan made his highly-anticipated debut in today’s game.
While his stats – seven disposals, one mark, one tackle – appears on surface level as a poor showing, he still showed glimpses of his obvious talent.
The 19-year-old was able to get himself in position on multiple occasions to take big grabs, but wasn’t able to stick them as his timing was slightly off.
Despite this, he had five score involvements as his inside 50 nous was evident to see with his running patterns and smart touches off the football.
If he can start sticking those marks, watch out.
Dogs fans shouldn’t be dismayed with Jamarra’s first appearance by any stretch.
What’s next?
Sydney face local rivals GWS in the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ while the Bulldogs travel to Queensland to face the Suns.
FULL SCORE
Western Bulldogs: 3.2, 5.5, 6.6, 8.12. (60)
Sydney: 4.2, 7.4, 9.8, 11.13. (79)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Bruce, English, Smith, Daniel, Richards, Scott, Wallis, Young
Sydney: Dawson 3, Hayward 2, Franklin, Amartey, Florent, Bell, Heeney, Parker
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bailey Smith, Tim English, Caleb Daniel, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Dale
Sydney : Callum Mills, Jordan Dawson, Jake Lloyd, Luke Parker, Tom McCartin, Tom Hickey
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