Sydney impressive against GIANTS to set up showdown with Brisbane

Sydney has continued its unbeaten in 2019 with a solid 45-point victory over cross-town rivals the GIANTS at Blacktown on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans were in control for most of the game, establishing a 17-point half-time lead before five goals to two in the last put icing on the cake in the 13.19 (97) to 7.10 (52) victory.

Zach Sproule – who’s been in top form to start the year – bagged two opening quarter goals for the GIANTS, but it was the Swans who held the early advantage with majors to academy member Johnny Pawle and listed pair Robbie Fox and Sam Wicks.

After the main break, Sydney made its run towards the finish line and could have put the game to bed if not for a 2.8 return for the quarter.

It gave the GIANTS a sniff at the last change, and they scored the opening goal through Zac Langdon to reduce the margin to 18 points.

But the margin was back out to 30 points by the nine-minute mark after two quick replies from Sydney, and they were never threatened thereafter to record their fourth straight victory.

The win was built on outstanding performances from Robbie Fox and Colin O’Riordan; Fox with 37 disposals, 15 clearances and three goals, and O’Riordan with 40 disposals, 12 marks and eight rebound 50s.

First-year draftee Sam Wicks backed up from his superb game last week with another 18 disposals, 11 tackles, five inside 50s and two goals.

The GIANTS were well served by Isaac Cumming, who led the disposal count with 28, plus eight rebound 50s.

Connor Idun (18 disposals, seven round 50s) and Lachie Keeffe and Dylan Buckley were among their better performers.

Sydney travels to take on Brisbane in a top-of-the-table showdown between the competition’s two undefeated sides next week, whilst the GIANTS face Canberra on Friday night at Phillip Oval.

Sydney Swans v GIANTS at Blacktown International Sportspark

SYDNEY 31 67 815 1319 (97)
GIANTS 24 38 510 710 (52)

GOALS – Sydney: R Fox 3 J Pawle 3 J Amartey 2 S Wicks 2 D Cameron T Tyson J Shumack. Giants: Z Sproule 2 Z Langdon 2 K Briggs 2 J Hately
BEST – Sydney: R Fox C O’Riordan S Wicks D Cameron J McInerney J Bell. Giants: I Cumming C Idun L Keeffe J Buckley.

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