Sydney Swans Poised for Historic Grand Final Comeback

The Sydney Swans are on the brink of a remarkable comeback as they seek to rectify a significant 112-point defeat earlier in the season against Port Adelaide. This effort aims to secure a place in the 2024 AFL Grand Final. The challenge comes as the Swans, who finished the season as minor premiers, face Port Adelaide in a crucial preliminary final at the SCG on September 20, 2024. This match becomes pivotal following Sydney’s unprecedented loss at the Adelaide Oval just last month.

The Swans dominated the initial stages of the game, managing to build a substantial lead over Port Adelaide. By halftime, Sydney led with a score of 9.1 (55) to Port’s 4.6 (30), showcasing strong performances from key players like Joel Amartey and Tom Papley. Papley’s contribution, particularly, has been noted for its intensity and impact, as confirmed by Jason Dunstall on Fox Footy: “It’s not a game unless Tom Papley is doing something like that.”

Port Adelaide, coached by Ken Hinkley, seeks to overcome its history of near misses, having lost in their previous preliminary finals. Their efforts saw brief moments of resurgence, notably through players like Mitch Georgiades, but they struggled to keep pace with the Swans’ relentless attack.

The Swans are aiming to rewrite history by advancing to the Grand Final despite the early-season loss to Port Adelaide. This feat has not been accomplished before in V/AFL history, where a team has not only suffered a defeat by more than 100 points but also reached the Grand Final within the same season. The precedent, dating back to Carlton in 1945, presents a formidable challenge for the Swans.

As Sydney’s Coach John Longmire steers his team toward what could potentially be his fifth Grand Final, expectations soar. The Swans’ ability to convert Port Adelaide’s errors into scoring opportunities seems to be a cornerstone of their strategy, further emphasized by Chad Warner’s and Tom Papley’s capitals on turnovers.

The preliminary final continues to draw significant attention, with both teams’ supporters eagerly anticipating the outcome. The winner will advance to face either Geelong or Brisbane in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, scheduled for Saturday, September 28.