Indeed,the Giants’ own credentials took a hit on multiple fronts:not only was this by far their most disappointing performance of the year,but they may have lost star midfielder Tom Green and forward Callum Brown for multiple weeks.
Green was subbed out early in a rainswept second quarter after his left ankle was trapped under an opponent in a tackle – and his misfortune helped swing the game Sydney’s way.
Toby Greene and the Giants look on after Sydney’s win.Credit:Getty
With the Giants’ prime mover out of the picture,the likes of Gulden,Warner,Heeney and the rest of Sydney’s midfield brigade frolicked in his absence,winning more of the ball (43 clearances to 31) and generating more inside 50 entries (67 to 42). Soon enough,those discrepancies were reflected on the scoreboard.
“They had a real thirst for the contest we didn’t have,” Giants coach Adam Kingsley said. “[Our midfield was] comprehensively beaten.”
Minutes after Green succumbed to his injury – the severity of which,Kingsley said,was unclear immediately post-match – the Swans had to activate their substitute after Tom McCartin was left concussed by Brown in an incident that is certain to attract a hefty suspension and sparked a mini-melee.
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McCartin and Brown were chasing a loose ball,but the former got to it first – and a split second later,the latter had taken him out with a head-high bump which left him motionless on the ground. He was eventually taken into Sydney’s rooms,where he failed his HIA,ensuring he will sit out Friday night’s trip to face Fremantle due to concussion protocols,while Brown is facing at least a three-week suspension.
A remorseful Brown apologised to McCartin as he came off the ground;the key defender has his own unfortunate history of head knocks,not to mention his brother,Paddy,who was forced into retirement last year due to repeated concussions.
Longmire described the incident as “disappointing” in his post-match press conference,while Kingsley said he hadn’t seen it.
“It’ll unfold as the week goes on,” Kingsley said. “He’s a ball-player. I don’t think he’s ever been suspended … he’s one of the fairest players in the game.”
The attendance of 40,337 was only 13 short of the previous record for a derby at this venue,set when the Giants and Swans faced off in the 2018 elimination final.
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