Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Swans swamp injury-hit Suns in AFL trial

The Sydney Swans have beaten Gold Coast by 42 points in an AFL pre-season game in Lismore, with Aliir Aliir a standout.

Sydney have thumped a youthful Gold Coast outfit by 42 points in an AFL pre-season game, with the Suns suffering several injury issues.

The Swans kicked seven straight goals either side of half-time at Oakes Oval in Lismore on Sunday on their way to a 19.9 (123) to 11.15 (81) win.

The Suns' cause wasn't helped by injuries during the game to last year's No.3 draft pick Izak Rankine and Aaron Young.

Rankine, who goaled with a drop punt from almost 60 metres in the first quarter, appeared to damage a hamstring, while Young had a leg and ankle issue.

Both men will have a scan before any decision is made about their availability to face St Kilda in the opening round of the AFL.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Sydney star Isaac Heeney also spent some time off with an ankle issue.

"Isaac rolled his ankle, we finished him up a bit early and so he's okay," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

The Swans made two late changes to their team with Jake Lloyd ruled out through illness and ruckman Callum Sinclair withdrawn.

Swans officials said Sinclair was being managed and isn't in doubt for their first-round clash with Western Bulldogs on February 23, but his absence meant Aliir Aliir did most of the Swans' ruck work.

While the Suns dominated the hitouts via Peter Wright and Jarrod Witts, Sydney won the clearances, with Aliir impressing around the ground.

"He was good today, he gave us some real contest around the centre bounce, but also gave us some real spring and some run and carry," Longmire said.

First-round draft pick Nick Blakey produced an assured showing, but Longmire stopped short of declaring him an opening-round certainty as he waits on injury news from key forwards Lance Franklin, Dan Menzel and Tom McCartin.

Luke Parker led Sydney's goalkicking with three and tallied 25 touches, while Tom Papley and former North Melbourne player Ryan Clarke also impressed.

Brayden Florini was lively for Gold Coast while Wright amassed 17 touches, 18 hitouts and kicked two goals and two behinds.

"It got away from us out of the middle in the second, obviously you can get some real momentum with the 6-6-6, not many safety nets," Suns coach Stuart Dew said.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world