Sydney on verge of AFL minor premiership after Essendon win

The Sydney Swans have all but clinched the 2024 AFL minor premiership after defeating Essendon by 39 points on Friday evening in round 23 of the AFL season.

Unless they suffer a loss in Round 24 against the 15th-placed Adelaide Crows, currently a $3.14 chance according to the top AFL bookmakers, the Swans are on track to finish at the top of the ladder, which would be their 10th minor premiership in club history.

Even if Port Adelaide, GWS, or Geelong win their remaining matches and Sydney struggles against Adelaide, the Swans maintain a percentage lead, making it highly unlikely for them to be surpassed.

Nevertheless, concerns linger over the Sydney Swans recurring starts.

Against Essendon, Sydney allowed 37 points inside the 50s by halftime, giving the Bombers chances to seize control.

The team’s difficulties in the first quarters have been an issue, with just two first quarter wins since Round 10 and only eight victories throughout the season.

Sydney coach John Longmire has acknowledged these starts as problematic but has praised their strong second-half performance as “outstanding.”

Despite these worries, the Swans ability to recover from their midseason slump and bounce back from setbacks like the 148-36 loss to Port Adelaide in round 21 indicates that they still possess the potential to make an impact in the finals.

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