The Sydney Swans’ season is wanting unsalvageable after they slumped to a fourth straight loss in opposition to Fremantle on the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Swans led by 12 at quarter time however Fremantle took the lead within the second time period and by no means appeared again, happening to assert a 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86) victory.
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Sydney’s harm disaster worsened when co-captain Callum Mills was dominated out with a calf harm within the first quarter, whereas key ahead Logan McDonald limped off with a left leg concern.
With Tom and Paddy McCartin, Dane Rampe and Sam Reid out injured, it was at all times going to be powerful for the Swans.
Lance Franklin had simply 4 disposals and didn’t kick a aim for the second week in a row. It’s the primary time since 2013 Franklin has gone goalless in consecutive video games.
The champion ahead has been effectively under his finest this yr and he had an all-time mind fade early within the third quarter.
Franklin was paid a mark on the prime of the goalsquare however selected to play on and try and snap via a aim as an alternative of going again for the set shot.
However he didn’t realise Luke Ryan was proper behind him and the Dockers defender pounced, tackling Franklin and successful a holding the ball free kick.
The commentators couldn’t imagine their eyes as Franklin one way or the other gave up a sure aim.
Leigh Montagna exclaimed on Fox Footy: “What’s he doing? Bud! He simply bought too excited.
“He had no have to play on from two metres out. He hasn’t finished that in 347 video games of soccer.”
Dermott Brereton mentioned: “It’s virtually like he misplaced himself.”
9 rounds into the season, Franklin’s choice to play on for another season after the Swans misplaced final yr’s Grand Closing has appeared just like the unsuitable name.
McDonald, seen as Franklin’s inheritor obvious within the ahead line, kicked one aim from three disposals earlier than he was injured within the second quarter.
However on the proof this yr, it appears McDonald and Franklin can’t perform in the identical ahead line and the Swans are a greater crew when the 347-game veteran doesn’t play.
Two of Sydney’s three wins this season have come when Franklin has not been within the crew.
Fremantle claimed their first win on the SCG since 2011 to get their season again on monitor with a fourth victory of the yr.
The Dockers leapfrogged Sydney on the ladder into twelfth spot, whereas the Swans are languishing in 14th.
