The burning question for Sydney Swans fans before this season was how the team would fare without Lance “Buddy” Franklin. The legendary forward, who scored 1066 goals across 354 games for both Hawthorn and Sydney, had been a cornerstone of the Swans’ attack. His retirement left a significant void and many wondered how the Swans would adapt.
Despite Franklin only playing 13 games last year, his impact was immense, accounting for 31% of Sydney’s inside-50 targets. In contrast, Logan McDonald, the next prominent forward, contributed just 12%. This heavy reliance on Franklin necessitated a strategic overhaul in the Swans’ offensive approach for the new season.
The Swans have embraced a more distributed offensive strategy, allowing midfielders like Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney to make their mark on the scoreboard. This season, Sydney leads the AFL with an average of 9.2 goalkickers per game, a clear indication of their diversified attacking threats. This is significantly higher than their closest competitors, Carlton and Collingwood, who average 8.5 and 8.2 goalkickers per game respectively.
Logan McDonald, although seen as a potential successor to Franklin’s goal-scoring role, has been primarily positioned at half-forward. While this role may not yield high individual goal tallies, it creates opportunities and space for his teammates. His unglamorous yet crucial role has kept opposing defenses unsettled and facilitated a more collective team effort in scoring.
Tom Papley, last season’s leading goalkicker, acknowledged that the Swans had meticulously planned for life after Buddy. The focus has been on ensuring a wider distribution of goal-scoring responsibilities. “From the pre-season, we aimed to be an unselfish team that shares the workload,” Papley explained. He has continued to excel as one of the league’s top small forwards, averaging 1.6 goals per game, while also contributing to the team’s broader offensive strategy.
Papley’s willingness to share the scoring load is exemplified by key forward Joel Amartey, who achieved a career-high nine goals in a recent 42-point win against Adelaide. Papley emphasized the team’s cohesive effort, noting, “We work together well, and although my personal stats might not be as high, it’s about the team’s success and creating a winning environment.”
As the Swans prepare to face the Giants, who are missing star defender Sam Taylor, the focus remains on their collective offensive prowess. Coach John Longmire’s team is aware that their success lies in their ability to generate scoring opportunities from multiple players across the field. This strategy not only keeps opponents on their toes but also embodies the Swans’ new era of shared responsibility and teamwork.