Adelaide have heaped misery on Sydney, pulling off a hard-earned 16-point win in a wet-weather scrap at the SCG after Swans superstar Isaac Heeney suffered a concerning injury scare. Second-placed Sydney lost to Fremantle last week, and Dean Cox’s men are still in prime position to host a qualifying final despite the setback. However, the loss to Adelaide raises questions about the Swans’ form heading into the finals series, with two consecutive defeats exposing some cracks in their previously well-oiled machine. The wet conditions at the SCG made for a grinding contest, with both sides struggling to generate fluent football and the game degenerating into a contested slog.
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Heeney’s injury added to Sydney’s concerns, with the star midfielder forced from the field in worrying circumstances late in the third quarter after a heavy collision. He was seen clutching his left shoulder and immediately went down the race for assessment, not returning to the field. The Swans will be hoping the injury is not serious as they approach the business end of the season, and early reports suggest that while he will miss next week’s clash, the damage may not be season-ending. Adelaide, meanwhile, will take great confidence from the victory, having overcome the elements and a quality opponent on their home turf, with the Crows’ midfield brigade led by Jordan Dawson dominating the contested ball.
