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The Sydney Swans look destined to secure a third consecutive Rising Star nomination following Chad Warner’s breakout performance against the Richmond Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
The defending champions were humbled by a fierce Swans outfit at the MCG, going down 17.15 (117) to 10.12 (72) in the round three clash.
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But all the discussion was focused on Sydney’s classy young guns, who continue to turn heads within the AFL community.
After small forward Errol Gulden and midfielder Braeden Campbell claimed Rising Star nominations in the opening two rounds, Warner could help the Swans claim a rare trifecta in round three.
The 19-year-old kicked two goals against Richmond, also contributing 20 disposals and five tackles.
He caught the attention of footy pundits late in the second quarter, seamlessly shrugging off Jack Graham’s tackle and booting a goal from 45 metres out.
Playing in just his fifth AFL game, Warner made some of the competition’s powerhouse stars look ordinary.
AFL reporter James Mottershead tweeted: “Chad Warner is something else. He is killing Martin, Cotchin etc … This is turning into the good, the Chad and the ugly.”
AAP journalist Oliver Caffrey posted: “The Swans’ kids are outrageous! Warner’s had some sort of first-half in just his fifth game.”
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After making his AFL debut last year at half-forward, Sydney has trusted Warner with his preferred inside midfield role this season.
“Since I’ve got to the Swans they’ve really pushed me to try to play on the outside more,” Warner told AFL.com.au this week.
“The big thing was getting my higher speed running up, and understanding all the wing running patterns. I worked a lot on my sprint numbers in the pre-season too.”
Tom Papley kicked four majors for the Swans, while Callum Mills mustered a game-high 31 disposals.
The undefeated Swans have now recorded three consecutive wins to start the 2021 premiership, cementing themselves as genuine finals contenders.
Sydney will next face the Essendon Bombers at the SCG on Thursday evening, while Richmond will travel to South Australia to face Port Adelaide.
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