Sydney Swans coach John Longmire attributed the team’s narrow defeat to Fremantle at the SCG to their sluggish start rather than Logan McDonald’s missed shot after the siren. The missed kick could have secured a dramatic comeback win or at least a draw for the Swans, but it wasn’t the primary reason for their loss.
During the final moments of the match, McDonald had a chance to clinch victory with a set shot from just outside the 50-meter arc. Unfortunately, his kick veered off course and fell short, allowing the Dockers to break Sydney’s impressive 10-game winning streak. While McDonald felt disappointed, Longmire emphasized that the team missed several other critical opportunities throughout the game.
Longmire acknowledged McDonald’s disappointment but stressed that the young forward shouldn’t be solely blamed for the loss. Instead, he encouraged McDonald to trust his routine and learn from the experience. The coach highlighted that there were numerous other moments in the game that were more significant in determining the outcome, underscoring the importance of minimizing reliance on luck in such high-pressure situations.
The Swans struggled from the outset, conceding the first three goals and finding themselves trailing by four goals to two at the end of the first quarter. This marked the fifth time in six matches that Sydney had lagged at the first break. Despite their ability to score rapidly and decisively in previous matches, the Swans couldn’t recover this time, as the Dockers maintained their lead until the final siren.
In addition to their slow start, Sydney’s midfield, including key player Isaac Heeney, was effectively contained by the Dockers. Veteran Nat Fyfe played a pivotal role in neutralizing Heeney, who only managed six disposals in the first half before finishing with 20. Fyfe, on the other hand, recorded 23 touches and eight clearances, demonstrating his experience and composure during critical moments of the game.
Reflecting on the match, Longmire noted the importance of sticking to basic football principles and increasing pressure earlier in the game. He expressed confidence that addressing these areas would lead to better outcomes in future matches. Despite the disappointment, the Swans are focused on learning from this experience and bouncing back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
