Sydney coach Dean Cox has lamented his side's lack of discipline in the first half against Essendon after they conceded a staggering seven 50 metre penalties throughout the course of the opening two quarters.
The Swans trailed by close to 40 points at the halftime break as they conceded six goals from turnover, providing easy opportunities for Essendon to capitalise on.
In conjunction with the Bombers' sharpshooting, Essendon established a 39-point buffer at the half, scoring 9.1 (55) to the Swans' 2.4 (16).
Despite Sydney's determined response in the second half, inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Swans a chance to steal the four premiership points late as they claimed an eight-point defeat by the final siren.
Cox said the Swans' lack of discipline was the key factor in costing Sydney the game, with the goals from turnover and the aforementioned 50 metre penalties ultimately paying the price of victory.
"(I'm) frustrated in the end. Disappointed with the first half, that's probably the way I'd sum it up," Cox said post-game.
"To allow six turnover goals, seven 50 meter penalties was really disappointing, and then from there to, in the second half, to be able to rally and give ourselves a chance.
"Frustrating and proud of the players, but the first half cost us."
Cox said he immediately brought up the Swans' ill-discipline at halftime to condemn the players' actions, which fortunately was responded to, albeit the final result suggested it was too little, too late.
"I spoke to the players as soon as I walked off the ground. Just wanted to make them clear about some clips and edits, things that we don't really stand for," Cox said.
"Then from there, to their credit, they responded.
Discipline and also stepping off the mark (were the key contributors to the 50 metre penalties). So when you get told to stand, you have to stand.
"And we need to make sure that the frustration from giving away a free kick doesn't go the next step, which is to the umpires and then the 50 meters from that. So we need to make sure that we're as disciplined as we possibly can be. Tonight, we weren't.
"That disciplinary stuff we need to address, because it's hard enough getting the ball, you can't give them every opportunity by giving a free kick, and then also giving them yardage as well."
With the latest Swans loss, the club slump to a 3-6 record on the season and sit within the bottom five on the ladder.
A win against another underperforming side in Carlton will be crucial in Round 10, with the home fixturing sure to provide belief for Sydney after a rough travelling trip to Victoria this weekend.
