After their 20-point opening-round loss to Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans gathered in the home changing room to reflect on what had just happened at the SCG.
There was disappointment as players shuffled slowly to meet their family and friends, but no visible anger. New coach Dean Cox reflected the mood: pleased at his side’s fightback in the third quarter, but aware of the challenges he has inherited. What did we learn from Cox’s first game in charge?
Heeney cannot do it alone
Two hours before the first bounce, Isaac Heeney smiled as he stopped to chat with fans on his way to the Swans’ headquarters in Moore Park. By the start of the third quarter, Heeney’s default amiable demeanour had given way to rare glimpses of frustration.
He led his team in clearances with 10 and tackles with seven. Given Heeney’s career average in clearances is 2.5, it gives an idea of the extra workload he took on in the absence of captain Callum Mills in the midfield.
Heeney competed tirelessly, hunting the ball on the inside and taking physical punishment but, ultimately, it completely negated his influence as an offensive weapon.
Heeney recorded just two inside 50s, depriving the forward line of quality distribution, which was exacerbated in the absence of Errol Gulden.
Isaac Heeney took on increased responsibility against Hawthorn – and paid a physical price for it.Credit: Getty Images
The Swans desperately needed another option as a ball winner in the midfield. Rookie Angus Sheldrick managed a single clearance and will need time to settle into the team. James Jordon was impressive with seven clearances, but more is needed from others. Glaringly, the Swans had 33 clearances compared to the Hawks’ 47 at the final siren.
Heeney will always take a team-first approach, but he needs to be allowed the freedom to get involved in scoring opportunities.
Ruck depth a concern
A huge part of the Swans’ early success last season was due to ruckman Brodie Grundy. Chad Warner, Heeney and Gulden had silver service and dominated with the ball.
Grundy played 26 games in 2024, equalling the most games he had played since 2018 for Collingwood, and the effort took its toll on his body.
Cox is one of the AFL’s greatest ruckmen and will be sensitive with Grundy’s conditioning, but the coach also knows there is nobody else close to him in terms of ability at the Swans.
Mabior Chol of the Hawks and Brodie Grundy of the Swans contest the ball.Credit: Getty Images
Grundy had been nursing a knee injury in the lead-up to the Hawthorn game, and he was outplayed and outmuscled by Lloyd Meek. Below Grundy, Cox has the option of understudy Peter Ladhams or taking Hayden McLean from the forward line into the ruck, but neither is an adequate replacement.
Cox has a conundrum: Grundy must be managed carefully, but the Swans have little option but to play him given the lack of suitable alternatives.
Two experiments with different results
Cox made two major experiments at the SCG: one provided a eureka moment; the other needs more time and development.
Pacy forward Sam Wicks had impressed in pre-season in the back line and thrived against the Hawks.
Wicks finished with 18 disposals, reducing talented forward Nick Watson to just four. Wicks could easily become a key contributor in this new role and highlights Cox’s ability to spot potential.
Tom McCartin takes a shot at goal against Hawthorn at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images
At the other end of the field, Tom McCartin’s move forward provided more mixed results. The logic is sound: the Swans needed bigger bodies in the forward line, particularly in the absence of the injured Logan McDonald. McCartin also started his career as a forward, so understands the role well.
Although McCartin competed well and managed a goal, his loss was felt in the back line, leaving Lewis Melican with a bigger workload.
Cox should persist with McCartin against Brisbane on Saturday at the SCG, but will soon decide whether the benefits of having another tall forward option outweigh the need for a tried and trusted defender.
Warner focused on football
Every week, there will be a discussion about Warner’s decision to stay or go. The player is determined to focus on contributing on the field, and impressed against Hawthorn, particularly in the absence of Gulden.
Warner finished with two goals and 21 disposals, reminding the club of his value. The midfielder also led both teams in score involvements with 12, providing the ability to turn momentum.
The contract talks are likely to continue well into the year, and without his close friend Gulden beside him in the midfield, Warner knows he has to take on a bigger workload.
On paper, Warner has a single season left in Sydney and showed complete commitment to his current employer in the season opener. Of course, by playing his best football, Warner is also helping to drive up his value in negotiations. Regardless, a fit and firing Warner is critical to the Swans’ hopes of another crack at the premiership.
