THE SYDNEY Swans’ season is delicately placed following a 19-pointloss to Collingwood at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.
The Swans were outgunned by the Magpies, going down 10.16 (76)to 8.9 (57) to leave them with a 6-6 record after 12 rounds and facing adaunting trip to Geelong next weekend.
Uncharacteristically for the Swans, they never really lookedin the contest.
The Magpies controlled the opening term and the margin mighthave been a lot more than 16 points at quarter-time had it not been for somewasted opportunities in front of the sticks.
The Swans struggled to get their hands on the ball early,despite Collingwood heading into the match missing several big names.
But the Magpies weren’t the only ones hit with injury, withformer black and white star Nick Davis a late withdrawal (ankle) and HeathGrundy coming into the side.
However it was Luke Ablett who booted the Swans’ first goalof the game, that coming at the 21-minute mark after a 50-metre penalty broughtthe midfielder within range.
Still, the Magpies looked far the better side as they led3.5 to 1.1 at the first change.
The Swans’ disposal let them down throughout the openinghalf, while powerhouse Collingwood forward Anthony Rocca was causing plenty ofheadaches.
Most of the 64,222 people at Telstra Stadium were silent asthe Magpies raced to a 35-point lead before Ryan O’Keefe tried to inspire themen in red and white with a big pack mark and goal from 20 metres out straightin front.
But the Swans simply struggled to get their hands on thefooty, and when they did they seemed to lack confidence and direction.
Nick Malceski and Adam Goodes found enough of the ballalthough even the usually reliable Brownlow Medalist’s ball use let him down attimes as the Swans missed targets, while Collingwood was far cleaner by handand foot.
The only area that let the Pies down was their conversion,as they again failed to capitalise on their supremacy but still took a healthyadvantage into the main break, leading 6.11 to 2.1.
The Swans threatened to challenge in the third term, withMichael O’Loughlin looking lively and booting a goal while O’Keefe provided atarget.
But the Magpies answered every challenge, with the weight ofscoring shots telling the story as they took an unassailable 39-point lead intothe final term.
Barry Hall kicked his first early in the last quarter and “Spida”Everitt gave the Swans hope with another shortly after.
But the Magpies steadied, with a couple of gems to theimpressive Dale Thomas ensuring a happy night for the Magpies.
COLLINGWOOD 3.5 6.11 8.13 10.16 (76)
SYDNEY SWANS 1.1 2.1 3.4 8.9 (57)
Goals: Collingwood: D Thomas 4 A Rocca 3 TCloke S Pendlebury A Didak. Sydney Swans: M O'Loughlin 2 B Hall 2 P Everitt L Ablett RO'Keefe A Goodes.
Best: Collingwood: S O'Bree S Pendlebury H ShawD Thomas A Rocca T Cloke S Burns P Licuria. Sydney Swans: R O'Keefe B Kirk A Goodes NFosdike.
Umpires: M Vozzo D Margetts SRyan.
Official crowd: 64,222 at TelstraStadium.
