Charlie Curnow's Quiet Night Raises Concerns for Sydney Swans

Charlie Curnow's quiet night in Sydney's 16-point loss to Adelaide Crows has raised concerns about the Swans' forward combination.

What happened?

On Friday night, the hosts won three more inside-50s than the Crows but managed a score-per-inside-50 rate of just 36 per cent - their fifth-worst result under Dean Cox. Sporting Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald, and Hayden McLean, who combined for a measly one goal, Sydney totalled just four marks inside 50 on a wet SCG.

Why it matters for Charlie Curnow

While conditions weren't ideal, up the other end, Adelaide's dominant duo of Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty teamed up for six goals and 10 marks without Taylor Walker. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Cox, probed on Curnow's quiet night, hinted that it was incumbent on others as much as it was Curnow to deliver.

What comes next?

Geelong champion Tom Hawkins questioned whether Sydney's current forward combination was at the requisite level. "I don't know if they've found the right mix in McDonald, Curnow, and McLean," he said. Triple Richmond premiership star Jack Riewoldt, meanwhile, called for the Swans to "change their mix", going into the business end of the year.

The loss to the Crows was the Swans' fourth loss from six games against top-six opponents, as they prepare to face the challenge of the finals series. With Joel Amartey likely two months away with his Achilles injury, the Swans will need to find a way to boost their key forward's output. "They've got to move some magnets around," Riewoldt said. "They need to find a running mate for Charlie Curnow... it's a real worry there."

The impact on Charlie Curnow

Curnow has been as consistent as anyone this season, but his quiet night has raised questions about his ability to deliver in big games. Cox acknowledged that Curnow has those nights, but hinted that it was up to the rest of the team to support him. "He has those nights. So, I know one thing - he'll get to work as quickly as he possibly can and want to play as well as he can next week."

The Swans will need to find a way to boost their key forward's output if they are to have any chance of success in the finals series. With the likes of Hawkins and Riewoldt questioning their forward combination, it's clear that the Swans have some work to do.

The road ahead

The Swans will face a tough challenge in the coming weeks, with games against top-six opponents looming large. They will need to find a way to boost their key forward's output and support Curnow if they are to have any chance of success. With the likes of Hawkins and Riewoldt questioning their forward combination, it's clear that the Swans have some work to do.

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