Isaac Heeney Opens Up About Stress Fracture Pain During Sydney's Grand Final Loss
Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney disclosed he played through the finals series with a stress fracture in his ankle, which worsened during his last match against Brisbane. Despite strong earlier performances, Heeney's contributions dwindled as the Swans suffered a heavy defeat. He expressed frustration over not being able to perform on such a critical day, reflecting on the team's disappointing overall results in recent grand finals.
Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney has disclosed that he played through the finals series with a stress fracture in his ankle, impacting his performance during a crucial match against Brisbane, where the Swans faced a significant defeat.
Heeney details his injury struggles throughout the finals
Isaac Heeney, 28, revealed that he was contending with a stress fracture in his ankle during the entire finals series. After outstanding performances earlier on, where he garnered perfect scores from coaches, Heeney was seen as a key player heading into the match against Brisbane. However, he reported feeling an aggravated injury that limited his effectiveness on the field during the grand final.
Frustrating end to the grand final for Heeney
Heeney's performance in the grand final was disappointing, managing only 14 touches and a single goal when the outcome had already shifted in favor of the Lions, who won by 60 points. He expressed his disappointment after being forced off the field due to the injury, admitting it was frustrating to see the team unable to perform as expected when it mattered most.
The Swans' uncharacteristic struggle in the final match
Despite a strong season and being slight favorites, the Swans did not capitalize on their opportunities during the grand final. After a close first quarter, Brisbane seized control, scoring seven goals in the second term, which left the Swans unable to recover. Heeney noted that the defeat was especially difficult given their prior successes throughout the season.
Comments from former players on the Swans' performance
Jude Bolton, a former Swans great and Channel 7 commentator, shared his disappointment in the team's execution, calling their effort "embarrassing." He highlighted the low tackle count and the lack of control Sydney exhibited throughout the match. As the Swans struggle with form in big games, this loss marks their fourth consecutive grand final defeat, underlining a troubling trend for the club.
