Buddy Franklin and AFL world left shocked over 'putrid' Swans scenes
Swans fans couldn't believe the scenes unfolding at the SCG.
Buddy Franklin's reaction to sensational miss in the dying moments of the Swans' 54-54 draw with Geelong has left the AFL world stunned. The Swans and Geelong played out one of the more bizarre AFL games in recent memory with Sydney in particular shambolic in front of goal, which saw them miss 18 attempts in a dominant display that didn't reflect the scoreboard.
Sydney led 36-28 at halftime with 12 behinds and two kicks that went out on the full. The Swans had 32 shots to the Cats' 22, but only managed a wasteful 6.18 to 7.12 as last year's grand finalists finished level on 54 points.
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And in the second half they were only able to add 18 points after a dismal display summed up with two moments, one including Tom Hickey missed from 20m out in front of goal in the the second quarter. The ruckman was directly in front, but shanked his kick to leave the AFL world absolutely baffled.
"He's fluffed it and missed. Goodness me," Alister Nicholson said in commentary on Channel 7. "There is shock everywhere. Buddy can't quite believe what he's just seen."
The broadcast panned to Franklin in the Swans' box in utter disbelief. Robbie Fox then missed a similar opportunity in the final moments of the game with the Swans trailing 52-54.
After a scramble inside the 50, Fox broke away as he collected the ball and had no one in front of him only 15m out. However, Foxx hit the post to leave coach John Longmire visibly frustrated.
AFL world reacts to Swans' disastrous display
The loss leaves Sydney's season hanging by a thread as they missed out on the opportunity to jump in front of Geelong on the ladder. Instead, Geelong momentarily remain in the top 8 as fans blasted the Swans' abysmal night in front of goal as one of the worst displays in recent years.
Robbie Fox misses an open goal vs Geelong multi-call (MMM/3AW/AFL NATION/ABC) #AFLSwansCats pic.twitter.com/h9gUpNelIU
— Lace out (@laceoutofficial) June 30, 2023
The worst game of AFL footy you’ll ever see. Skill level is atrocious
— Johnny (@Johnnyorjm) June 30, 2023
Isaac Heeney, Robbie Fox and Tom Hickey combined for 0.7 from 10 shots at goal.
— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) June 30, 2023
The miss that ended their season 🤦♂️
— luke condick (@luke_pies) June 30, 2023
Kicking is disgraceful in the AFL at the moment. So called professionals looking farcical. 🤦🏻♂️
— Melbourne Dad (@SeanGibney9) June 30, 2023
Tough game to watch with all those missed goals (both sides). Can’t believe Fox missed that open goal just near the end 🤦♂️ #AFLSwansCats
— Charles Davis (@charlesdavis75) June 30, 2023
Still trying to work out how Robbie Fox missed that sitter?! In fact, describing it as a sitter is being kind. Probably costs them any chance of September action. Crazy. @afl #AFLSwansCats
— Benny Jones (@benjiman1983) June 30, 2023
After the match, coach Longmire lamented the goal kicking. "Our first half, we executed exactly what we wanted to do. I thought we were very strong in all aspects of the game, except the finishing," he said.
"That's an important part of the game, and we didn't do it, and if you look at the way the game was played, that first half, we did everything right except finish the work off on the scoreboard."
Cats coach Chris Scott said his team were fortunate to come away with two points after a baffling display. "It feels like two points is better than none. And none is probably what we deserve for large parts of it," Scott said.
"Having said that, we were the team in front late in the game. It's easy to think it's not your night. But I was pleased with the way our guys hung in. I'm assuming they (the Swans) would be pretty flat."
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