AFL

Sydney thump Hawks in AFL as young Swans forwards fire

By AAP Newswire

Mar 26, 2023

Sydney have outclassed Hawthorn in their AFL clash. — Sydney have smashed an understrength Hawthorn with an 81-point AFL victory at the SCG. -AAP Image

A red-hot Sydney have outclassed Hawthorn to secure a commanding 81-point triumph as a pair of emerging key forwards made the most of being the focal points in attack.

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The Swans were too powerful and polished for the young Hawks and all but cruised to their 17.16 (118) to 4.13 (37) victory as Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey enjoyed breakout performances at the SCG on Sunday.

The highly touted McDonald has been earmarked as Lance Franklin's successor since being taken with the No.4 pick at the 2020 draft, and made the most of his star teammate's absence due to suspension to finish with a career-high five goals.

The talented 20-year-old was able to hit the scoreboard in a variety of ways while having as much impact roaming outside the forward 50.

Amartey lit up the first half in just his 14th AFL match after coming in for Franklin, and had a career-high four goals to halftime that could have been more if not for a couple of easy misses.

The 23-year-old was quieter in the third term in his return from being sidelined with hamstring issues, and was substituted out at the last break.

Small forward Tom Papley was typically busy and finished with two majors, while also taking an early mark of the year contender when sitting on teammate Chad Warner's shoulders to pull down a soaring grab.

Co-captains Callum Mills (28 disposals, two goals) and Luke Parker (27, 1) controlled the midfield, while Errol Gulden (28) and Oli Florent (25) stood out with their pace and clever kicking.

The Hawks battled hard around the stoppages and more than matched the Swans at clearances with 35-27, but the hosts proved to be far more organised with ball in hand.

Will Day again impressed in a more central role for the Hawks with 26 touches and seven clearances, while revitalised onballer James Worpel (22, 6) took charge at the coalface and Dylan Moore (23) was a threat in attack and around the ball.

Skipper James Sicily was a rock in defence on a difficult day for the Hawks with 25 disposals, while the visitors can take something from notching the last two goals.

The Swans are likely to face a tougher test when they meet Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, while the Hawks can chase a breakthrough victory against North Melbourne in Launceston on Saturday.Â