The Sydney Swans have annihilated the West Coast Eagles, breaking the 200-point barrier for the first time in the AFL since 2011.

In an epic performance at the SCG, the Swans scored a total of 31 goals to West Coast’s five. Equaling Sydney’s club record for a game margin.

After a rough season, a monumental home game win is just what the Swans have needed to reinstate the fire that they played with throughout the 2022 season.

Isaac Heeney led the goal kicking with five goals, while young gun Errol Gulden was named best on field, finishing with a total of 32 disposals, seven marks and three goals of his own.

Swans Coach, John Longmire said: “It was tough for (West Coast), but from our perspective, it was really good quality team football.”

The return of team captain Callum Mills in the middle and Logan McDonald up front made a significant impact on the way Sydney were able to transport the ball up the field. Joel Amartey also led up front, kicking four goals.

Longmire emphasised the way his side played where “everyone was contributing where they had to and everyone was sharing the load”.

The game rubbed salt in the wound of the already struggling Eagles, who have suffered an extensive injury list throughout this season. In a statement from Paul Fitzpatrick their club chairman, he said: “Obviously Adam Simpson and his coaching staff have been limited with what they can do with such a long injury list, but regardless, we cannot tolerate performances of that nature and we expect a strong response against St Kilda next Sunday.”

Currently the Eagles’ injury list is 17-players long, and consists of big names such as Nic Natanui who has recently been ruled out for the season with an achilles injury.

This being said, the club are continuing to stand behind coach Simpson, despite the result at the SCG being named one of the “darkest days” in club history.

The 171-point winning margin matched the Swans’ all-time club record.

Young Gus Sheldrick received an NAB Rising Star nomination for his incredible performance of 29-disposals as well as kicking his second goal in the AFL>

The fate of the Swans 2023 season will ultimately be decided in this Friday’s clash against the Geelong Cats, which is destined to be a heated match; having lost to the Cats by 93 last time they played them in April.

Main image screenshot courtesy AFL.