Adelaide’s chief executive, Tim Silvers, has reached out to his Sydney counterpart, Tom Harley, to express regret over comments made by defender Wayne Milera after Adelaide’s impressive 90-point victory on Saturday. Following the match, Milera candidly described the Swans’ performance, stating that they appeared to be “a bit of a rabble” as they struggled against the Crows’ intensity.
Although Milera’s remarks were not intended to be malicious and the game result supported his view, the Crows deemed it necessary to apologise. According to reports from Nine’s Will Crouch, the Swans have accepted the apology.
The match proved to be a dismal one for Sydney, and while Adelaide sought to clarify their stance, former Essendon player Matthew Lloyd did not shy away from criticising the Swans. He remarked on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show that while injuries can impact performance, Sydney’s collapse in structure was evident. Lloyd noted, “They are all at sea,” indicating that they failed to adapt or implement any strategic changes during the game. He also mentioned ongoing issues within the coaching setup, alluding to sentiments expressed about coach John Longmire leaving at a critical time.
In contrast, former Adelaide star Rory Sloane praised his team, calling it their finest win in eight years. He stated that it was a mature performance, likening it to their stellar 2017 preliminary final against Geelong. Sloane noted that the team was flawless, and head coach Matthew Nicks must feel satisfied, claiming it was his best result since taking charge. Notably, possession numbers reflected a strong team effort, with James Peatling and James Dawson each recording 21 disposals.
Looking ahead, Sydney is set to face Richmond at the MCG next weekend, while Adelaide will host a high-stakes showdown against Brisbane on Friday night.