Swans shock Brisbane in qualifying final despite suspending five key players
Sydney's Swans beat defending premiers Brisbane in a qualifying final on Saturday without five suspended star players.
Sydney Swans suspended Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner on 18 August for breaching club standards. All five are key players.
Heeney ranks second in the league for score involvement. Warner leads for goal assists.
Blakey is one of the best rebounding defenders. The Swans faced Brisbane, the back-to-back premiers.
Their replacements were Jake Lloyd, Harry Cunningham, Caiden Cleary, Angus Sheldrick and James Rowbottom. The Swans won at the SCG.
Sydney made 24 tackles in the third quarter to Brisbane's 10. This showed non-stop pressure.
Chairman Andrew Pridham called it the club's best SCG performance. He praised the unity and strength shown in impossible circumstances.
- 5
- Suspended players
- 18 August
- Suspension date
- 24 vs Brisbane's 10
- Third quarter tackles
- Back-to-back premiers Brisbane
- Opponent
Why it mattersThe Swans proved that depth and teamwork can overcome losing your best players. This reshapes expectations for the rest of their season.
AustraliaThe Swans remain a genuine chance in the AFL finals despite self-inflicted damage, keeping Sydney football fans engaged through spring.
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