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The only team from NSW or Queensland not to have won a game are last year’s grand finalists Brisbane, who join reigning premiers Collingwood on two losses after the Giants and Swans towelled up the Magpies over the opening two rounds.
The Swans were stunned by the reaction to round zero before a ball was bounced. Ahead of their first match against Melbourne on a Thursday night, they organised a “march to the match” from their headquarters to the SCG next door.
Swans coach John Longmire congratulates Braeden Campbell after Friday night’s victory over Collingwood.Credit: Getty
Involving past players as part of the club’s 150-year celebrations, the current squad had wondered if any fans would turn up. They were mobbed by thousands. The march was so successful the Swans are considering doing it again on Saturday night and for other home games this season.
“We’re just working through that at the moment,” Longmire said. “All the players have got different views. They enjoyed it. They thought it was a lot better than what they expected. They didn’t know what to think when they walked out the door.
“They were hoping a few people would turn up, so the good thing was there was plenty here and so that was great, but like anything new, everyone’s got different views.
“We’ll work through that, but we thought it was terrific for the game. It was a great experience and whether we do it from now on or night games only, who knows. There’s a bit to consider.”
The Swans celebrate their round zero victory against Melbourne in front of a sellout crowd at the SCG.Credit: Getty
More than 40,000 fans packed the SCG for a sellout against Melbourne.
The Swans’ triumph over Collingwood on Friday night felt like a final in front of almost 79,000 fans at the MCG, the club’s largest ever regular season crowd.
Commentators described the attendance as “slightly disappointing” given it was the unfurling of Collingwood’s premiership flag. Most fans had left by the time the Swans extended their lead to 50 points during the last quarter.
The most remarkable aspect of the Swans’ start to the season is that two strong victories against quality opponents have come with their experienced midfield trio of captain Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams all out injured.
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Longmire said Parker (broken arm) and Adams (knee) were at least a fortnight away from resuming.
Mills, who injured his left shoulder wrestling with teammate Jacob Konstanty at the club’s Mad Monday celebrations last October, is expected to return midseason.