Swans won't give up despite "impossible" finals dream
The tenth-placed Swans had to beat cross-city rivals GWS to keep their slim post-season hopes alive and looked primed to do so when they built a 35-point lead before the main break.
But the Giants stormed away with a sensational third-quarter performance to set up a 44-point win.
The visitors had slotted six straight goals in the opening half despite losing key forward Hayden McLean (concussion) early.
In the second, they kicked just one through Justin McInerney and notched a total of eight points.
Sydney's usual stars struggled to fire against the relentless pressure of the Orange Tsunami.
After a best-on-ground performance against North Melbourne, Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney was kept to just 22 disposals and two clearances.
While Errol Gulden had 32 touches, Chad Warner had just 19.
Swans livewire Tom Papley, on return from a hamstring injury, kicked just one goal in the opening half and was kept to three touches in the second.
"We played the footy we did in the first half with the same team (as in the second half)," Cox said.
"The disappointing part was the second half and the way we played, but we need to make sure we fight this year out as well as we possibly can.
"We understand that it's probably mathematically impossible to make the finals, but we're going to have a throw at the stumps as long as we possibly can."
Sydney sit tenth (9-10) ahead of the weekend's clashes, eight points behind Gold Coast (11-6).
The Western Bulldogs (11-8) are also on 44 points but sit eighth on percentage, while Fremantle are seventh on 48 points.
With just four rounds left, Sydney will need a miracle to make finals.
Sydney play a struggling Essendon (SCG) outfit first, before Brisbane (Gabba), Geelong (SCG) and West Coast (Optus Stadium).
Cox also expects Joel Hamling to miss out on game time after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
"One thing we need to do is to make sure that we can build as much as we possibly can towards the back end for pre-season and for next year," Cox said.
"And every time I say to a player, every time you represent this football club in that jumper, you have to fight as hard as you possibly can to win games of footy."
Sydney coach Dean Cox looks at the ladder and knows a finals berth is mathematically impossible, but he won't let the Swans give up on ending their season on a high.
The tenth-placed Swans had to beat cross-city rivals GWS to keep their slim post-season hopes alive and looked primed to do so when they built a 35-point lead before the main break.
But the Giants stormed away with a sensational third-quarter performance to set up a 44-point win.
The visitors had slotted six straight goals in the opening half despite losing key forward Hayden McLean (concussion) early.
In the second, they kicked just one through Justin McInerney and notched a total of eight points.
Sydney's usual stars struggled to fire against the relentless pressure of the Orange Tsunami.
After a best-on-ground performance against North Melbourne, Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney was kept to just 22 disposals and two clearances.
While Errol Gulden had 32 touches, Chad Warner had just 19.
Swans livewire Tom Papley, on return from a hamstring injury, kicked just one goal in the opening half and was kept to three touches in the second.
"We played the footy we did in the first half with the same team (as in the second half)," Cox said.
"The disappointing part was the second half and the way we played, but we need to make sure we fight this year out as well as we possibly can.
"We understand that it's probably mathematically impossible to make the finals, but we're going to have a throw at the stumps as long as we possibly can."
Sydney sit tenth (9-10) ahead of the weekend's clashes, eight points behind Gold Coast (11-6).
The Western Bulldogs (11-8) are also on 44 points but sit eighth on percentage, while Fremantle are seventh on 48 points.
With just four rounds left, Sydney will need a miracle to make finals.
Sydney play a struggling Essendon (SCG) outfit first, before Brisbane (Gabba), Geelong (SCG) and West Coast (Optus Stadium).
Cox also expects Joel Hamling to miss out on game time after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
"One thing we need to do is to make sure that we can build as much as we possibly can towards the back end for pre-season and for next year," Cox said.
"And every time I say to a player, every time you represent this football club in that jumper, you have to fight as hard as you possibly can to win games of footy."
Sydney coach Dean Cox looks at the ladder and knows a finals berth is mathematically impossible, but he won't let the Swans give up on ending their season on a high.
The tenth-placed Swans had to beat cross-city rivals GWS to keep their slim post-season hopes alive and looked primed to do so when they built a 35-point lead before the main break.
But the Giants stormed away with a sensational third-quarter performance to set up a 44-point win.
The visitors had slotted six straight goals in the opening half despite losing key forward Hayden McLean (concussion) early.
In the second, they kicked just one through Justin McInerney and notched a total of eight points.
Sydney's usual stars struggled to fire against the relentless pressure of the Orange Tsunami.
After a best-on-ground performance against North Melbourne, Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney was kept to just 22 disposals and two clearances.
While Errol Gulden had 32 touches, Chad Warner had just 19.
Swans livewire Tom Papley, on return from a hamstring injury, kicked just one goal in the opening half and was kept to three touches in the second.
"We played the footy we did in the first half with the same team (as in the second half)," Cox said.
"The disappointing part was the second half and the way we played, but we need to make sure we fight this year out as well as we possibly can.
"We understand that it's probably mathematically impossible to make the finals, but we're going to have a throw at the stumps as long as we possibly can."
Sydney sit tenth (9-10) ahead of the weekend's clashes, eight points behind Gold Coast (11-6).
The Western Bulldogs (11-8) are also on 44 points but sit eighth on percentage, while Fremantle are seventh on 48 points.
With just four rounds left, Sydney will need a miracle to make finals.
Sydney play a struggling Essendon (SCG) outfit first, before Brisbane (Gabba), Geelong (SCG) and West Coast (Optus Stadium).
Cox also expects Joel Hamling to miss out on game time after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
"One thing we need to do is to make sure that we can build as much as we possibly can towards the back end for pre-season and for next year," Cox said.
"And every time I say to a player, every time you represent this football club in that jumper, you have to fight as hard as you possibly can to win games of footy."
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The Australian
32 minutes ago
- The Australian
Wait almost over to see Toyota's GR Supra Supercar, ahead of 2026 debut
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News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Pretty pathetic': Dark horse's brutal wake-up call after Dogs demolition
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It's the first time in 17 years a pair of players in the AFL had kicked five goals or more in back-to-back weeks. Dogs ruck Tim English was one of several other players to put in a monster shift against the 'Orange Tsunami', finishing with 20 disposals and 2.3 to well and truly beat direct opponent Kieran Briggs. South Australian Lachie McNeil kicked an equal career-best three goals also, while Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore combined for 17 clearances amid a clearance schlacking. 'They're just not invested at the moment the Giants,' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said early on. 'This is an assassination!' Fox Footy commentator Matt Hill said as Naughton slotted through the Dogs' 11th for the half, in a display St Kilda great Leigh Montagna labelled an 'exhibition' offensively. The win gives the Bulldogs' their ninth in 10 matchups against the Giants, having only lost once since the 2019 elimination final between the two sides. This was also comfortably GWS' biggest loss to their modern-day rivals, surpassing their 61-point loss also in 2019. Adam Kingsley's side were dearly missing their three players who made way from their side on Thursday night, with captain Toby Greene (suspension), Jack Buckley (calf) and Josh Kelly (calf) all missing the match. Notably, it was a big omission from each of their lines across the field. The 48 intercept possessions from the Giants was their lowest number in Adam Kingsley's 66 games as head coach of the club. Speaking on ABC Sport post-game, midfielder Tom Green said: 'Pretty pathetic. Anytime you get beat by 50 in the contest (contested ball)… we just haven't rocked up as a side… That's just not good enough by us.' The Bulldogs went into the clash unchanged for just the second time this year, and for the first time since Round 4. THE 3-2-1... (with Ben Cotton at Marvel Stadium) 3. 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It might backfire defensively, but this is how (Beveridge) wants his team to play,' Saints legend Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy at half-time. 'If they continue to play like this the last four weeks of the season, watch out come September.' Hawks champion Jason Dunstall also backed the Dogs doubling down on their offensive brand. 'A lot of people talk about who does defence better than the Dogs. Well, no one does offence better, so why not do what you do well better than everyone else does? And make it your number one strength and big weapon. It's what sets you apart,' Dunstall added. 'They're showing the Giants a clean set of heels. I don't know how many teams would've been able to stop them what they're doing. My goodness, they are on song tonight.' While the Dogs were gliding across the ground with maximum damage, the Giants at times couldn't even move the ball and were 'clamped,' as put by North Melbourne great David King. It was a hard watch at times as the Orange Tsunami was completely shut down, with the Giants in the first half having 22 chains from their defensive half for just five inside 50s. After such a strong seven-week stretch including six-straight wins to surge back into flag contention, the Giants regressed badly. Tigers legend Jack Riewoldt noted Adam Kingsley's side had 'lost their way' and had 'no system,' while King called it 'big brother v little brother stuff'. 'You can look at all the stats you want, this is nothing to do with anything but attitude,' the Kangaroos great said of GWS. 'They've been humbled at contest, they're stepping out the front of stoppage, the ball movement from the defensive end to the forward 50 with ease. 'This is a good old fashioned smacking and the coach will be livid. 'You just wonder, have they come to play tonight? Have they really been ready to roll? Were they ready for what the Dogs were going to offer?' 2. GIANTS FINALS SPOT 'VULNERABLE' IN KEY LADDER RAMIFICATIONS It was a key result with big ramifications on the top eight and race to finals in a good old fashioned eight-point game. It was particularly critical for the Giants in a massive percentage swing. The Dogs started the round with a percentage of 132.6 and climbed to 137.3, while the Giants dropped from 118.4 to 111.3 and now sit just a game inside the top eight. It comes with both these clubs among the sides jockeying for a spot in the top eight in one of the tightest roads to September we've seen. 'The Dogs don't have much of a worry with percentage. But what it will do is it tightens the gap with Fremantle on the table, it brings (GWS) down to well below Hawthorn,' Kangaroos legend David King said. 'It makes them really vulnerable now to make the eight given their percentage will be the lowest of that group. 'There's no guarantee of playing finals if you win 15 games, that's the reality. Percentage is going to play a huge part. When you look at the ladder, it's incredibly tight. 'The Giants have a lot to play for … they've dropped.' Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt added: 'Adam Kingsley and his coaching group would be aware of that, this is bigger than just the four points tonight. This is form, this is everything.' Whoever finishes ninth, which looks likely to be one of Hawthorn, GWS, Fremantle, Gold Coast or the Dogs, will be unlucky and might miss the finals with 15 wins. That would be extraordinary given no team has ever missed the top eight with 14 wins before. And GWS, who faces North Melbourne (Canberra), Gold Coast (away) and St Kilda (ENGIE Stadium) to finish its home and away campaign, did itself no favours on Thursday night given how important percentage will be in that race. Meanwhile the Dogs, who are back in the eight for now, meet Melbourne (MCG), West Coast and Fremantle (both Marvel Stadium) on their run home. 1. DOGS' 'TWO-HEADED MONSTER' GOES OFF It was the Aaron Naughton-Sam Darcy show at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night as the Dogs' 'two-headed monster' shined with five goals each. Darcy was on early with two of the first three goals of the night, while Naughton quickly joined in the fun with three of his goals during the Dogs' dominant second quarter blitz. You knew it was the Dogs' night when Naughton took a freakish one-handed, juggling mark, then drew a 50m penalty to extend the Dogs' lead to 64 points around 10 minutes out from half-time. Sam Darcy kicks the opener for the Bulldogs ðŸ'� You can watch with the alternate call in Hindi on channel 507 or on Kayo ðŸ'Š ðŸ'° Watch #AFLDogsGiants on Ch.504 or stream on Kayo: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 31, 2025 'It looked early as if it would be Sam Darcy. Even Sam Taylor, the best defender in the competition, couldn't defend Darcy one-on-one,' Saints legend Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy at half-time. 'But when the attention started to go to Darcy, Naughton started to work himself into the game. '(Naughton is) just full of confidence now, his leading patterns are really good. Now we're seeing an evolution where he has some real forward craft about him. 'They've got the two-headed monster the Giants have no answers for.' Leek Aleer had his hands full in a tough night on Naughton, while Kangaroos legend David King noted he'd 'never seen Sam Taylor beaten like this' as he was constantly under the pump with the nightmare Darcy matchup. '(Taylor is) yet to have an intercept disposal, yet to win the ball back for his team. That is amazing,' King said during the third quarter. 'The size of this man (Darcy) has rendered Sam Taylor useless.'
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
Jason Collett has an appetite for more Group 1 success after breakout year
The evolution of Jason Collett sits on the precipice of entering its most significant phase. Collett, one of racing's quiet achievers, has been riding in Sydney for the past decade but there's a sense the Kiwi-born hoop is riding as well as ever. This week alone, the 34-year-old has ridden seven city winners – headlined by a four-timer at Royal Randwick last Saturday. It helped cement Collett's best-ever finish in the Sydney jockeys' premiership, a second behind James McDonald, with a new career benchmark of 74 city winners for the campaign. Add in his biggest ever Group 1 triumph aboard Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile in the autumn and a career-best 18 stakes winners, it's easy to see why now more than ever Collett is considered among Sydney's elite. Behind it all remains a laid-back and calm demeanour with an insatiable appetite for more. 'I want more Group 1s,' Collett said. 'I want bigger race wins and those stakes wins help lead to that. 'That's what you need. To get on more of those better horses in those better races but it's evolving nicely.' Collett is quick to identify Stefi Magnetica and Group 1 Champagne Stakes runner-up Within The Law as two of those 'better horses'. Just this week, he got the chance to jump back aboard Within The Law as the Bjorn Baker-trained filly had her first trial this preparation at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday. Baker has aspirations of aiming Within The Law at Sydney's Princess Series with a Group 1 Flight Stakes tilt on the agenda on October 4 where she is an $8 third elect. • Rosehill Turf Talk: Mitch's big throw at stumps on $151 shot Within The Law saves her best work for race day with Collett keen to see her back at the races. 'She doesn't show a lot in trials or a lot in trackwork either so there isn't really a great deal to get excited about after a trial,' he said. 'We gave her a nice hitout and she was pushed out, that's the norm with her. 'It would be great to get a Group 1 with her and the Flight Stakes would be the target and we know she will run the mile. 'The 1400m and a mile is going to be her and those early races could potentially be a bit sharp.' Stefi Magnetica gave both Baker and Collett the biggest wins of their careers when she won the Group 1 Doncaster Mile on Day 1 of The Championships. Another big spring campaign looms. 'She is going to head towards weight-for-age racing now because she has won two of the biggest handicaps (including the Stradbroke),' Collett said. 'I have no worries she will be able to do it. 'Hopefully she can win another Group 1 now.' While Group 1s are sweet, Collett has made a habit of making his presence felt on regular occasions in town in recent seasons. He isn't one to set specific premiership targets at the beginning of a season but the carrot of finishing second in the Sydney title race for the first time added fuel to his late form surge. A midweek treble at Warwick Farm helped Collett eclipse his previous season best of 72 Sydney winners and edge out Zac Lloyd (67 winners) for the runner-up spot. 'When it got to the last month and a half and I thought I was obviously close enough to Zac, I thought we will try and get second if we can,' Collett said. '(wife) Clare and I had a family holiday booked in early July but in saying that, as it evolved, I thought if we were close enough it would be good to get. 'As it turned out it ended up being quite comfortable in the end.' Collett can pick up where he left off and get the new season off to a flying start aboard the Chris Waller -trained Narbold in the Capitivant @ Kia Ora Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Waller runners will make up half of the field in the opener with Narbold ($4.20) only shaded by Amusing ($2.90 favourite) in betting. Collett partnered Narbold two starts ago when a close second behind Centenario in a 1550m event at Canterbury before the gelding finishing fourth behind Amusing at the same track and trip last start. 'He just seemed to find one better when he loomed up two starts ago off a good tempo,' Collett said. 'His run last start was good when he was ridden on speed and I think he is better when he's ridden a bit quieter. 'From the barrier he should get a soft run in what looks to be a small field.' The Richard and Will Freedman -trained Cold Brew mirrors Collett's hot streak with the emerging talent set to hunt three straight wins in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m). Cold Brew, a $4.80 chance, has put together victories at Hawkesbury and Newcastle and deserves another crack in town. 'He's in a Midway horses where there is a few older horses there but he's progressive,' Collett said. 'I am looking forward to him. 'The ground will no doubt be a question mark for every horse but he is going well and when I rode him two back he won easily. 'He was tough last start when they got to him and he was a bit green but he is going well.' • NSW racing in the hands of weather gods Collett is hopeful King Taurus ($15) can bring his polytrack form to town in the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1200m) while he's happy to wait patiently for the chance to pilot Catch The Glory ($15) late in the card. The Jason Coyle -trained Catch The Glory ($15) is second-up in the Congratulations Chris Waller Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m). 'I think Catch The Glory is a good ride,' Collett said. 'She was out of her grade last start but had been trialling up really well. 'She is out of Zousain so should handle the wet and I think she is going well this horse.' Racing is expected to take place on another heavy track in Sydney with rain forecast on Friday and race day. Few ride wet conditions better than Collett. 'I don't have any secret to it, it's just get them to travel and balance and if they get through it, they get through it,' Collett said.
