Chad Warner is quickly becoming the AFL's most watchable player.
But why?
Is it his confidence to look at an opponent and say, 'I've got you covered'?
Would it be his flashy Nike TN boots? Or his crafty ball use?
How about his goal-kicking prowess?
The answer is 'e', all the above.
Warner talks the talk, but he makes sure he walks the walk.
CHAD WARNER CAN DO IT ALL 🙌@VirginAustralia | #AFLDogsSwans pic.twitter.com/I7uguntTKt
— AFL (@AFL) May 23, 2024
The 23-year-old is definitely not short of confidence, and Thursday night's performance is a clear reflection of that.
Putting together a career-best campaign to date, Warner was the answer to all of Sydney's questions as it surged to its 10th victory of the season.
Slotting four goals from 25 disposals and delivering the all-important double-digit win, it was more than a coming-of-age effort. It was a claim for the most dynamic player in the game.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Swans coach John Longmire was amazed by Warner, but he believes there is still untapped potential.
"He's learning. He'll keep learning, he played well last week. He played against a gun midfield tonight, I thought at halftime they were really good, the Doggies. The Doggies' mids were all over us,” Longmire said post-game.
“Certainly Chad played a little bit differently in the third quarter. He played a bit more forward and he was able to hit the scoreboard and was pretty dynamic, and that's a reasonable sign that he's able to switch on like that and get himself going like he did in that second half.
“Hopefully the players are learning that like we are every week that opposition teams are good, and we need to find a way when we're not at our best, both individually and as a team.”
Warner's stirring form has catapulted the Swans into clear premiership favouritism as they avenge their poor performance in the 2022 decider.
Sydney will have next week off as the mid-season byes commence, joining Brisbane, GWS and North Melbourne on the sidelines.
Once returned from the week off, the Swans will look to continue their winning ways against Geelong at the SCG.
