Sydney Swans former rookie Jake Lloyd, and veteran Jarrad McVeigh, put on a masterclass of football in Sydney’s 59-point Round 9 demolition of Fremantle at the SCG on Saturday night.
The Swans collected all 30 AFLCA coaches votes, with Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Dane Rampe and captain Josh Kennedy getting in on the action, while Jake Lloyd and Jarrad McVeigh picked up 9 votes each.
Lloyd lead all comers with game-high disposals (41), marks (15), rebound 50s (9) and metres gained (545), dominating the backline with intercept marks, intercept disposals, and setting up attack after attack.
309-game veteran Jarrad McVeigh is playing with renewed vigor that belies his age, playing out of the backline and leading the Swans defence alongside Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe.
While his pace has been a cause for concern among the Swans faithful, his poise, calmness under pressure and composure have never been in doubt, nor his leadership and ball use, all of which come to the fore this season.
McVeigh’s 31 disposals were his highest since Round 23, 2016, his highest kicks in a game since Round 20, 2016 and arguably his best game since Round 18, 2015. Jarrad’s never been one to poll many Brownlow votes but he is in for a chance for all 3.
Luke Parker was near his best against Fremantle with 23 disposals, 7 clearances and 5 tackles, spending more time forward than in the midfield, register 7 inside 50s.
Callum Mills was superb for the Swans in defence, constantly out marking his direct opponent and occasionally flying in front or packs without regard for his own safety to help his team mates.
Dane Rampe was sensational alongside fellow former-rookie Heath Grundy, the pair almost indomitable in defence, while Isaac Heeney lead the Swans midfield and captain Josh Kennedy booted three goals for the match.
GOAL KICKING LEADERBOARD
31 Ben Brown (Nth)
28 Jack Darling (WCE)
24 Jack Riewoldt (Rich)
23 Luke Bruest (Haw)
21 Jeremy Cameron (GWS)
21 Lance Franklin (Syd)
AFLCA VOTES: SYDNEY vs FREMANTLE
9 Jake Lloyd (Syd)
9 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd)
6 Luke Parker (Syd)
2 Callum Mills (Syd)
2 Dane Rampe (Syd)
1 Isaac Heeney (Syd)
1 Josh Kennedy (Syd)
AFLCA SYDNEY SWANS LEADERBOARD
24 Luke Parker
20 Callum Sinclair
18 Lance Franklin
15 Jake Lloyd
15 Isaac Heeney
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