The build-up to the clash between West Coast and Sydney was all about Nic Naitanui’s highly anticipated return under the lights of the new Optus Stadium.
But it was Lance Franklin who changed the narrative as only he can, finishing his night with eight goals, five of which were kicked in the first half.
Although a spirited West Coast third term gave them a glimmer of hope going into the last quarter, the Swans ultimately prevailed as 29-point victors.
Despite missing fellow tall Sam Reid in the forward line, Buddy was on fire early, worrying the Eagles’ defence from the outset, exposing Tom Barrass one-on-one.
Throughout the first half, Sydney placed extreme emphasis on isolating Franklin, allowing him to capitalise on his hot form while also nullifying the impact of West Coast’s intercept specialists Jeremy McGovern and Elliot Yeo.
The contrast between the forward lines was telling, with the delivery to Franklin exactly where he needed it.
Conversely, when the Eagles were able to manufacture a forward movement - seven of which came courtesy of Luke Shuey - there was an obvious lack of chemistry between their midfielders and inexperienced forwards.
The Swans looked sharper around the stoppages, as the Eagles’ midfield struggled to adapt to the slippery conditions.
Naitanui started the game in impressive fashion, winning the majority of hitouts and applying strong presence at ground level, although he was limited to about 50 per cent game time for much of the match.
Mark LeCras, under pressure last season, took advantage of a couple of opportunities early to keep the scores close, ending his night with three majors.
The Swans’ defence were all over the Eagles’ young forward line, with Dane Rampe, Nick Smith, Lewis Melican and Callum Mills all instrumental in limiting the Eagles in the first half.
Once the Swans got the ball forward they were able to lock it in, and the ball lived there for most of the first half.
Isaac Heeney was sensational, winning the ball in close as well as being a weapon on the outside for the Swans, racking up 26 touches for the game.
The third quarter was a different story, as the Eagles managed to spend more time in the forward half, booting 5.4 opposed to the Swans' 2.1.
The home crowd were incensed after LeCras’ goal celebrations were cut short by a free for kicking in danger, before Franklin immediately converted number six at the other end, with a rare right foot snap.
The Swans continued to move the ball more cleanly, but they were slower through their half-forward line and weren’t able to use Franklin as much as the first half.
In the shadows of three-quarter time, the Eagles at last capitalised on their dominant quarter, with Liam Ryan, Jack Darling, Naitanui and LeCras all converting to bring the margin back to just five points.
Yet their hopes of a resurgence fell through as the last quarter began with two quick goals to Sydney.
Although the Darling became a presence up forward, the margin never dipped below 10 points.
The Swans continually had a response to any Eagles goal, including a brilliant bicycle-kick over his head from by Luke Parker to get both Swans and Eagles fans on their feet.
Eventually the Swans outlasted their opponents, scoring a few late goals, including a pair to Hayward, to finish with a 29-point lead.
The Swans will play their first home game against Port Adelaide next week in a Sunday twilight match at the SCG, while the Eagles will fly over to the east face the Western Bulldogs.
WEST COAST 4.2 5.3 10.7 13.8 (86) SYDNEY 5.1 9.5 11.6 18.7 (115)
GOALS
West Coast: Darling 3, LeCras 3, Hurn, Yeo, Naitanui, Duggan, Waterman, Masten, Ryan
Sydney: Franklin 8, Hayward 2, Parker, Jones, Jack, J.P. Kennedy, Towers, Parker, Lloyd
BEST
West Coast: Naitanui, Shuey, LeCras, Sheed
Sydney: Franklin, Heeney, Parker, Lloyd, Mills
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Sydney: Nil
TALKING POINTS
1. FREAKISH FRANKLIN
Commentators ran out of superlatives for Buddy ten years ago, but against a team whose only strength leading into the game seemed to be a strong backline in the air, Franklin kicked eight goals on a sodden oval with a slippery ball.
Now 31 years of age, it is truly astonishing how Franklin still has such explosiveness and power.
So often he was able to push off his opponents and accelerate away, instantly opening up space between them.
His skills were as dazzling as ever, and it remains to be seen if he can break through the elusive 100-goal barrier this season for the first time since 2008.
On a drier day, against opponents less credentialed than McGovern, he would seem a red-hot chance if he manages to find as much space.
2. NIC NAT’S RETURN
When Naitanui was around the contest, his influence exceeded any Eagles’ fans wildest dreams, as he feasted on hit-outs against his former teammate Callum Sinclair (with Dean Cox now acting as Sydney’s ruck coach).
His work around the ground was terrific, as he followed up from his hit-outs, flew for marks (taking some), laid tackles and kicked a crucial goal near three-quarter time to bring the crowd to their feet.
However, he was visibly frustrated by his restricted minutes, as the Eagles took a cautious approach to their talisman’s return, given he didn’t play at all in the JLT series.
Provided he recovers well from his first AFL game in 18 months, he should have a huge influence this season if tonight’s match was anything to go by.
3. SYDNEY'S FAST START TO 2018
After famously starting last season 0-6, Sydney were very impressive in their opening game of the season.
While Franklin will rightly dominate headlines, John Longmire would be thrilled with the performance of the developing players such as Will Hayward, George Hewett, and Lewis Melican, while Oliver Florent and Dean Towers also showed positive signs.
With former captain Jarrad McVeigh underdone and less influential than normal, and Sam Reid and Dan Hannebery to set to return in the near future, the Swans, already very impressive with their combination of grit and skill, still have plenty of improvement left in them.
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