Buddy Franklin had his party crashed as the Saints clinched a thrilling win over the Swans

St Kilda Triumphs Over Sydney Swans in a Thrilling Match

Buddy Franklin’s Latest Milestone Overshadowed by Saints’ Victory

The Australian Football League (AFL) match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints on 8 June 2023 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a memorable match, as 30,123 fans witnessed Buddy Franklin’s milestone as he moved to fourth on the all-time goal-kicking leaderboard behind Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry, and Jason Dunstall. However, the Swans fell to the Saints, 12.8 (80) to 9.12 (66), as the underdogs continued their impressive performance under Coach Ross Lyon.

The Game

The match started slowly with an unattractive first quarter, with St Kilda leading with the only goal and the only two scores on the board. Sydney Swans couldn’t get any scores in the first quarter, something that hasn’t happened to them in an opening quarter since 1997. The game picked up in the second quarter, with Buddy Franklin equalising the score with his first goal and then adding a second. Sydney Swans then went on to score five consecutive goals. St Kilda showed their determination in the third quarter, where they scored two goals to bring them back in the game. The pace picked up in the last quarter, and St Kilda sealed their win with two goals in two minutes, securing the victory by 14 points.

The Players

Rowan Marshall dominated in the ruck with 50 hitouts, and Brad Crouch amassed 33 disposals and eight tackles. Jake Sinclair finished with 32 touches, seven clearances, and 607m gained, and Max King continued his strong return from a shoulder reconstruction with a game-high three goals.

Buddy’s Milestone

The match saw Buddy Franklin achieve another milestone in his career. He became only the 22nd player in VFL/AFL history to play 350 games, and moved into fourth spot overall on the all-time goal-kicking leaderboard behind only Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry, and Jason Dunstall. Lance Franklin’s presence on the field was a significant drawcard for fans. The Sydney Swans legend has always put more people in seats inside the SCG than anyone else in the last decade, and this match was no different.

Editorial and Advice

This match was a significant one for both teams, and it did not disappoint. St Kilda continues their impressive performance under Coach Ross Lyon, and despite Buddy Franklin’s milestone moment, the Swans lost their seventh game of the season. For Sydney Swans, this defeat raises concerns about their consistency and ability to compete with the top teams.

On the other hand, St Kilda has shown improvement under Ross Lyon’s coaching, and their victory in this game shows that they are potential contenders for the September finals. This match was an excellent opportunity for fans to witness Buddy Franklin’s milestone moment, but it also highlighted the Saints’ strength as a team and their determination to succeed.

In conclusion, it was an unforgettable match for AFL fans with St Kilda winning by 14 points. Fans got a chance to witness Buddy Franklin’s milestone moment, but it was overshadowed by St Kilda’s performance. The match highlighted the strength and determination of the Saints under Coach Ross Lyon. The Swans need to improve their consistency to compete against the best teams. As for St Kilda, they must continue this momentum and prepare to compete in the finals.