Sydney Swans blame loss to slow start, not McDonald’s missed shot.

Sydney coach John Longmire attributed his team’s one-point loss to Fremantle at the SCG to a sluggish start rather than Logan McDonald’s missed after-the-siren shot that could have secured a win or draw. McDonald missed a set shot from just outside the 50-meter arc, failing to make the distance, which allowed the Dockers to break the Swans’ 10-match winning streak.

Longmire mentioned that McDonald was “a bit disappointed” but did not expect him to aim for just a behind with the last-gasp shot. He emphasized that other moments in the game were more crucial and required improvement to avoid relying on luck.

The Dockers scored the first three goals and added another four to Sydney’s two in a strong opening term, putting the Swans behind early for the fifth time in six matches. Despite their previous ability to score quickly and overturn deficits, the Swans couldn’t catch up this time as the Dockers maintained their lead.

Longmire acknowledged the need to address the team’s slow starts, stressing the importance of basic footy and early pressure. Fremantle’s Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson dominated in the ruck, with Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, and Matthew Johnson controlling the clearances.

The Swans’ midfield struggled, with Dockers veteran Nat Fyfe effectively neutralizing Isaac Heeney, who only had six disposals by halftime but finished with 20.

Fyfe gathered 23 touches and eight clearances. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir praised Fyfe for his role in monitoring Heeney and his crucial contributions in chaotic moments.