Callum Mills Dismisses Fatigue as Factor in Swans' Defeat
A dejected Callum Mills has firmly rejected any connection between the Sydney Swans' final-quarter fade-out against Hawthorn on Thursday night and his team's short break leading into the MCG thriller. The Swans held narrow leads at every change throughout the pulsating clash, entering the final term with an 11-point advantage. However, Hawthorn seized control, booting 5.5 to Sydney's 1.1 to storm to an impressive 17-point victory, finishing 14.15 (99) to 13.4 (82).
Mills Shuts Down Excuses After Late Collapse
In the immediate aftermath, Mills was asked how the game slipped away late. He responded, "Their contest was really good late, and we probably stopped running a little bit, moving the ball fast with our hands, and stuff like that. But I thought we had a fair crack. It was a good contest, and they were too good in the last quarter." When questioned about the impact of Hawthorn's run and carry, Mills acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the need for balance between defence and offence, stating, "Yeah, it is hard, but it's also hard when we do it as well, so we've just got to get the balance right, and yeah, that one hurts. We would have loved to get that one."
Further probing about the Swans' five-day break compared to Hawthorn's six-day break led Mills to dismiss the excuse outright. He said, "Nah, who cares, mate? Who cares?" This blunt response underscored his refusal to attribute the loss to fatigue or travel demands.
Charlie Curnow's Quiet Game and Team Adjustments
Alongside Sydney's fade in the final term, boom recruit Charlie Curnow went missing after the first quarter. The former Carlton key forward was dangerous early, kicking two first-quarter goals, but was then blanketed by Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass. After quarter-time, Curnow went without a kick and was limited to just three handpasses. This followed a season-opening win where he kicked three goals against the Blues and a goalless performance in a follow-up victory over Brisbane.
Sydney coach Dean Cox conceded that Curnow will take time to adjust to his new team's game style after another quiet showing. Cox said, "The ability for Charlie to perform consistently, he's still working his way through at our football club. One thing we try to say is, 'At all times, compete as hard as you possibly can and try to read the cues up the ground when we are bringing the ball through'. There's some inconsistencies throughout that at times, and it will be a work in progress we've got to put time into."
Ruck Rule Adjustments and Midfield Struggles
Cox also addressed Swans ruck star Brodie Grundy's adjustments under new ruck rules introduced this season. Grundy gave away two free-kicks by crossing the centre line before engaging his opponent, which gifted the Hawks centre clearances. Cox discussed this with Grundy at quarter-time, noting, "It was just about being decisive with your approach. Whatever you decide to go with, do it. If you want to stay down you just can't cross the line. You know that, otherwise the timing adjustment you need to do. It's always learning, and he gave away a couple last week, so it's just a different rule that they're trying to get used to. He fixed that, which was good."
Cox lamented Sydney's inability to win the ball at the coalface in the second half, when Hawthorn dominated the contested possession count 89-57. However, he refused to blame the loss on the absence of star duo Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney, who were out with injuries. Heeney (hamstring) is a short-term prospect, while Gulden (shoulder) is expected to miss four months. Cox stated, "At times you're going to miss your players that don't play. But we went into the game extremely confident that the 23 that played could get the job done, and for parts of it they showed that."
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
Sydney now has a 16-day break before their next game, when they take on Cox's former side West Coast in Perth. This extended period offers an opportunity for reflection and improvement as the team aims to bounce back from this disappointing loss. The Swans will need to address their late-game execution and integrate new players like Curnow more effectively to maintain competitiveness in the AFL season.
