Sydney’s forward woes continue as key forward unlikely to return

Sydney coach Dean Cox has been left without any answers as his side's forward problems persisted in Sunday's eight-point loss to Port Adelaide.

Without Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey, defender-turned-forward Tom McCartin was deployed inside 50 to combat the interceptors in Aliir Aliir and Esava Ratugolea, a move Cox has used throughout the year.

The Swans won the inside 50 count (61-53) but failed to capitalise on their territory dominance, as they slumped to 14th on the ladder.

2025-04-20T05:20:00Z

Port Adel WON BY 8 POINTS

SCG

SYD

77

FT

85

PORT

#AFLSwansPower

MATCH CENTRE ▶︎

McCartin recorded seven touches and one mark from the match, but was moved from the forward line later in the contest as Aaron Francis was injected into the game.

"Tommy, by his own admission, would say tonight wasn't a great night," Cox said.

"It didn't work. Happy to change it and try and find different avenues, whether it's ahead of the ball or behind the ball."

Francis became a beacon up forward for Sydney, kicking an equal game-high three goals from 14 touches and four marks, playing only 33 per cent of game time.

It was the former Bombers' first match of the year.

"I think he's warranted an opportunity to play again," Cox added.

"I think the thing with Aaron, and to his credit, he came back fit in the pre-season. He has been an emergency most weeks this year, and he goes, 'I'm going to keep working, and when I get my opportunity, I'll make sure I'm available and I'm ready for it'.

"His versatility is really important for the team."

The boost of Francis poses as a temporary solution to the Swans' forward problems, with Joel Amartey out for another month with a hamstring injury, and Cox reluctant to recall Logan McDonald, who has missed a large chunk of the pre-season and is building towards a return.

McDonald has spent the past fortnight in the VFL, kicking four goals across two games, whilst averaging nine possessions and five marks.

"That's something we'll have a close look at," Cox said.

"I think one thing you can't underestimate is how hard the game is, and when you miss a large chunk of footy, to get your form back, there's not too many players that I've seen ocer my time in footy, to be able to miss a massive amount of training and match play, and come back in as if they haven't left.

"So, Logan's had a couple of games, big training program, and it'll be a discussion on what we decide."

2025-04-27T03:15:00Z

Gold Coast WON BY 38 POINTS

People First Stadium

GC

117

FT

79

SYD

#AFLSunsSwans

MATCH CENTRE ▶︎

Sydney will be looking to rectify their poor performance against Port Adelaide as they start to prepare for a crucial clash against Gold Coast at People First Stadium.