Sydney opens floodgates late for confidence-boosting win over Southport

Sydney stormed home in the final quarter for a gritty 47-point win at Blacktown on Saturday evening.

With the match delayed by six hours due to flight cancellations, the Sharks put up a fight before conceding six goals to one in the last to fall 14.12 (96) to 7.7 (49).

Swans midfielder Ryan Clarke dominated with 41 disposals, 10 marks, 11 clearances and seven inside 50s as the floodgates eventually opened up after being an arm wrestle for most of the game.

The Sharks booted two goals to one in the first term for a slim five-point lead at quarter-time, before Sydney turned the match in their favour with a four-goal-to-two second term as they marched into half time with a nine-point lead.

It was goal-for-goal in third until Sydney’s Joel Amartey slotted a brilliant goal on the run from 50m as the three-quarter time siren sounded, gifting the Swans important momentum as they held on to a 16-point lead at the final change.

A great transition of play ended with Zac Foot goalling on the run to start the last, and the Swnas kept the foot on the pedal as they produced four in a row to seal the result.

Sydney defender Ryley Stoddart played a starring role for his side for the second week in a row, collecting 28 disposals, 11 marks and a goal to lead the Swans to victory alongside Clarke in the midfield.

Elsewhere, Dan Menzel (two goals) and Hayden McLean (three) – who impressed with with his contested marking and work around the contests – were among Sydney’s best players.

Southport co-captain Andrew Boston never stopped battling, finishing with 29 disposals, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s.

Similarly, defender Rhys Clark (15 disposals, six marks, eight rebound 50s) was outstanding and Tyler Roos worked hard with 30 disposals, five clearances and six rebound 50s.

The victory means Sydney moved to equal second with Southport on the ladder and closed the gap on percentage to just 1.7%.

Next week, Sydney has the bye and Southport takes on Redland at Scottsdale Park.

Sydney Swans v Southport Sharks at Blacktown International Sportspark

SYDNEY 1.3 5.6 8.8 14.12 (96)
SOUTHPORT 2.2 4.3 6.4 7.7 (49)

GOALS – Sydney: H McLean 3 J Amartey 2 D Menzel 2 R Stoddart S Thorne S Wicks J Barling Z Foot R Fox J McVeigh. Southport: C Ford 2 J Hall J Lyons J Mentha D Mutu T Bowie.
BEST – Sydney: R Stoddart R Clarke D Menzel H McLean R Fox J Amartey. Southport: A Boston R Clark T Roos.

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