Our next opposition, Sydney Swans continued their disappointing start to the season following a 19-point defeat at the hands of Carlton at the MCG last Saturday.

Opening as a scrappy contest, the Swans held an 11-point advantage at the first break with Swans players Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy slotting straightforward running shots to give their side the lead.

By the second quarter the match seemed on even terms, with Carlton cutting the deficit before Sydney steadied to kick the final two goals of the quarter and take back an eight-point lead.

The Blues stepped up early in the third term, dominating play to push ahead by 23 points. Lacking the competitive drive that has sustained the Swans success in recent seasons, the team scraped through to a disappointing 11.12 (78) to 15.7(97) defeat.

Swans midfielder Jack Lloyd proved to be one of the team’s most consistent players with 32 disposals. While Vice-captain Luke Parker made the most of every opportunity to lift his side with nine tackles and 27 disposals, consistent with his 2016 game average of 26.9 disposals.

The Swans 0-6 season has proven a remarkable drop on the former grand finalists form.

Senior Coach John Longmire said his team need to get back to the basics to turn things around and ignite a sense of competitiveness in their game.

“It’s unacceptable. We’re playing an unacceptable brand of football. It’s nowhere near the brand we like to play,” said Longmire.

“It’s an overall competitive spirit to the contest, with the ball and without the ball. We’re not playing anywhere near the standard that’s required to compete on a regular basis at AFL level.”

This Sunday the Swans will come up against Brisbane Lions in front of a home crowd at the SCG.

Injury List

Sydney Swans speedster Gary Rohan was knocked unconscious following an awkward landing on the back of his neck midway through the third quarter last weekend. Rohan was stretched from the ground and taken to hospital for scans. Fortunately, Rohan has been cleared of any structural damage but was confirmed to have suffered a concussion. Rohan will be assessed by Swans medical staff throughout the week but it is unlikely he will return this week.

Lions Health Centre: Injury List

Meanwhile, Kurt Tippett continues to recover from a hip injury suffered during training last Thursday. Tippett was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s game. Coaches will continue to assess Tippett’s injury throughout training this week with the possibility of Tippett returning for the Sunday’s match.

Harry Marsh (hamstring) will undergo final tests this Friday and is likely to return for Round 7. Meanwhile, Kieren Jack (hip) is expected to be ruled out of this week’s clash, continuing to regain strength in his hip over the following week.