Collingwood Dominates Sydney in Gather Round Showdown at Adelaide Oval

The highly anticipated AFL Gather Round clash between the Collingwood Magpies and Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval on Friday night delivered an electrifying spectacle, with Collingwood emerging victorious by 31 points. The match, which ended with a scoreline of 16.13 (109) to 12.6 (78), showcased the Magpies' depth and dominance despite missing key players, while Sydney struggled to keep pace in crucial moments.

Collingwood's Depth Shines

Collingwood entered the game without stars Dan Houston, Jordan De Goey, and Lachie Schultz due to suspension and injuries. However, their replacements stepped up in style. Veteran Steele Sidebottom led the charge with a near-best-on-ground performance, amassing 28 disposals and a match-high 13 score involvements. Rising star Nick Daicos also dazzled with 34 disposals, nine tackles, and nine clearances, while Ned Long contributed significantly with 29 disposals and eight clearances.

The Magpies' forward line thrived as Brody Mihocek, Bobby Hill, and Jamie Elliott each booted three goals. Hill set the tone early by kicking the opening goal of the match, energizing the crowd and his teammates. Beau McCreery added two goals and brought relentless energy to Collingwood’s attack.

Sydney's Struggles

The Swans entered the game unchanged from their previous victory but were hampered by injuries to key players like Errol Gulden (broken ankle). Their forward Joel Amartey suffered a hamstring injury during the first half, further compounding their challenges. Isaac Heeney was a standout for Sydney, delivering his best performance of the season with 27 disposals, seven clearances, and two goals. However, he lacked consistent support from his teammates.

Despite moments of resistance—such as Hayden McLean’s brilliant set-shot goal—the Swans could not sustain enough midfield pressure or capitalize on opportunities to close the gap. Their all-white clash jumper was a talking point among fans but did little to change their fortunes on the field.

Game Flow

The game began evenly, with both teams trading goals in an exciting first quarter. Sydney kicked three of the first four goals before Collingwood responded strongly to end the term. The Magpies took control in the second quarter with a six-goal surge, including highlight plays from Jack Crisp and Bobby Hill. By halftime, Collingwood held a commanding 17-point lead that Sydney could not overcome.

Collingwood’s defensive unit also played a pivotal role, led by Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor, and Brayden Maynard, who nullified Sydney’s attacking threats throughout the game.

Controversy Over Welcome to Country Omission

The absence of a Welcome to Country ceremony before the match sparked discussions among fans and commentators. While no official explanation was provided during the broadcast, this omission drew attention given its importance in Australian sporting events.

Looking Ahead

With this victory marking their fourth consecutive win since an Opening Round loss to GWS Giants, Collingwood solidified their status as premiership contenders. They now prepare for a challenging Easter clash against reigning premiers Brisbane at The Gabba. Meanwhile, Sydney faces questions about its depth and consistency as it falls to a 2-3 record under first-year coach Dean Cox.

This Gather Round showdown reinforced Collingwood’s reputation as one of AFL’s most formidable teams while serving as a reality check for Sydney’s aspirations this season.