Sydney Swans Secure Win Over Gold Coast Suns Amidst Injury Concerns for Errol Gulden

Image credits: AFL Photos

The Sydney Swans have emerged victorious in their AAMI Community Series match against the Gold Coast Suns, winning 12.12 (84) to 8.15 (63). However, the win was overshadowed by a serious injury concern for midfielder Errol Gulden, who suffered an ankle injury in the opening quarter. Gulden was helped off the field in obvious pain and did not return to the game, with the extent of his injury to be determined in the coming days. The injury could potentially impact the Swans' season opener against Hawthorn, with Gulden's availability uncertain.

The match was marked by a series of injuries, with Gold Coast's Mac Andrew, Charlie Ballard, David Swallow, and Lachie Weller all suffering setbacks. Andrew was ruled out of the game after a collision in the first quarter, while Ballard and Swallow did not return after suffering ankle and knee injuries, respectively. Weller was benched due to hamstring tightness. Despite the injuries, the Swans were able to secure the win, with Tom McCartin booting four goals in his new forward role. McCartin's move has been a key change for the Swans under new coach Dean Cox, and his performance against the Suns was a positive sign for the team.

The Suns, meanwhile, were led by newly-appointed captain Noah Anderson, who had 35 disposals, nine clearances, and eight inside 50s. Daniel Rioli and John Noble, the Suns' new recruits, also had strong performances, with Rioli gathering 24 disposals and Noble having 26 touches. The Suns' recruitment of the two experienced halfbacks has added more run and dash to their team, and their performances against the Swans were a promising sign for the club. The pre-season series has been marked by a number of injuries, with several key players suffering setbacks in the lead-up to the season.

The Swans' win was also notable for the performance of Matt Roberts, who had 27 disposals and 11 marks. James Jordon and James Rowbottom also had strong outings, with Jordon sealing his 26-disposal game with a goal late in the final quarter. The Swans' victory was a positive sign for the team, but the injury to Gulden will be a major concern in the lead-up to their season opener. The team will be hoping that Gulden's injury is not too serious, and that he will be able to return to the field soon.

Here are the match scores:

• GOLD COAST: 3.1, 5.6, 5.12, 8.15 (63)
• SYDNEY: 4.5, 7.7, 9.10, 12.12 (84)

And here are the goal kickers:

• GOLD COAST: Clohesy 2, Ainsworth 2, Weller, King, Budarick, Anderson
• SYDNEY: McCartin 4, Amartey 2, Wicks, Warner, Lloyd, Jordon, Hanily, Gulden

The best players for the Suns were Anderson, Weller, Rowell, Jeffrey, Noble, and Ainsworth, while the best players for the Swans were Roberts, McCartin, Jordon, Rowbottom, Francis, and Sheldrick.

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