Sydney have been slammed for an “embarrassing” first-half performance against a rampaging Adelaide side at the SCG on Saturday night.
The Swans kicked the opening goal of the match, but that was as good as things for the home side.
Adelaide remarkably kicked the next 12 goals to lead 12.3 (75) to 1.4 (10) at half-time and all-but seal the result.
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It signalled a remarkable fall from grace for the Swans, who played off in last year’s grand final.
They have been dealing with a string of injuries to key players, but Saturday night’s performance was hard to fathom given many were expecting a big response after last week’s poor loss to Melbourne.
AFL great Garry Lyon didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Swans’ effort during the remarkable first half, labelling them “reserves” grade.
“Nightmare unfolding here,” Lyon said.
“There was supposed to be a response. This is embarrassing.”
At one point late in the second quarter the Swans had taken just two marks for the term.
“Marks 25-2 for quarter … Don’t think i’ve ever seen anything like it,” Lyon added.
When the Crows slammed through their sixth unanswered goal of the second quarter, Lyon said the performance could have long-term ramifications.
“This is getting to the territory of real damage for the Sydney Football Club,” he continued.
“Adelaide are treating them like a reserve side right now and this could have big long-term ramifications for a side that played off for a premiership last year.
“Haven’t seen them humiliated like this on their home deck.”
There was worse still to come as the Crows added another goal — their seventh of the quarter and 12th of the half — before the Swans kicked a point from a rare foray forward.
In “humiliating” scenes for the Swans, the home fans cheered the behind.
“That is humiliating,” Lyon said.
To Sydney’s credit, they came out after half-time with renewed energy and kicked four of the first five goals.
But any hopes of a miraculous comeback were quickly extinguished by the Crows, who responded with the next five goals to extend their lead to 75 points at the final change.
Adelaide held the Swans goalless again in the final quarter as they ran out 90-point winners.
It continues a nightmare first season in charge for rookie coach Dean Cox.
The Swans have won just four matches and their finals hopes already appear shot.
The Crows enjoyed even contributions across all lines, with goal-kicking responsibilities shared among 14 players.
Josh Rachele and Ben Keays kicked three goals, with Alex Neal-Bullen (25 disposals) and Josh Worrell (24) getting plenty of the ball.
Sydney are left languishing in 14th (4-8) after falling short of emulating the Bloods ethos that in 2005 netted the club’s first premiership in 72 years.
The 2005 winning team did a lap of honour at halftime to mark 20 years since their breakthrough, with legend Adam Goodes among the honorees, and powerhouse forward Barry Hall also present at the coin toss.
But the celebration could not inspire the home side.
– With AAP