Caroline Wilson calls out ugly Sam Wicks footage as fresh Swans detail comes to light

Veteran AFL reporter Caroline Wilson has attempted to shut down the speculation around Sam Wicks and the Swans after the forward celebrating his goal by himself on the weekend. Wicks was omitted from the Swans squad in round three when reports claimed their was unrest in the squad after he was accused of a dispute with the players over a personal matter.

The club's investigation into the matter found no wrongdoing from any player and Wicks was included in the squad the next week. Coach John Longmire addressed the situation earlier this month and downplayed the drama. “Nah, we’ll get on with playing footy and that’s our focus this week,” he said.

“He’ll be available for selection, we’re working through that at the moment. He’s back in the squad, he’s back among the training group. I’m not going to go into the details other than to say we decided last week to pick the team that we thought was best to go to Melbourne and take on the Tigers.”

The speculation died down until footage emerged from the Swans' demolition of Hawthorn on the weekend when Wicks scored his second goal. With the Swans holding a 44-point lead, Wicks was put through in the 50 metres with no Hawthorn player close to him. Wicks scored his second and started to celebrate.

Although no Swans teammate was close to him and the players didn't get around the forward at any stage. The footage prompted plenty of speculation that their was still unrest in the squad as Wicks left the field to no celebration.

However, veteran reporter Wilson has moved to quell the drama and claimed the footage was taken out of context. While Wicks did not receive the warm celebration for his second-goal, which the Swans afforded for most of the game, Wilson said he did for his first goal.

"Sydney are filthy this has been brought up again," she said on Channel Nine's Footy on Nine. "And filthy the footage has been used...no other player was around the 50 metre arc." Wilson pointed out the previous goal in the first quarter when his teammates reacted differently.

"This is the previous goal. Look at this. The players are around him on that occasion. And last week he kicked a couple of goals and players came up to him then," she added. "I don't mind the way they are handling this...I think that Wicks probably has a bit of work to do...I don't buy this is as big of an issue as as people are saying from that one bit of vision." The Swans will be hoping the issue is put behind them as they focus on a top of the table clash against Greater Western Sydney this Saturday.

Sydney Swans prepare for big GWS showdown

Sydney head into the GWS clash having started with gusto in 2024. Chad Warner (22 disposals, six clearances), Jake Lloyd (26 touches) and Errol Gulden (28) were all brilliant against Hawthorn at the MCG on the weekend. Too add to the form, James Rowbottom put up 24 disposals and five clearances in his 100th game milestone.

The Swans are 6-1 and have been without Luke Parker (broken arm) and skipper Callum Mills (shoulder) this season. Although Parker is pushing for a comeback having played VFL on the weekend. He put up a game-high 34 disposals in a losing side and coach Longmire addressed his potential return.

"He came in today (and said he pulled up) pretty good, so that's a good sign," Longmire said. 'We'll sit down this week and see what we need to do. Obviously the Giants are in red-hot form and it's going to be a massive game."

Isaac Heeney has been unbelievable for the Swans in midfield this season as he covers a number of injuries for the Swans. Against Hawthorn he put up 21 disposals, four clearances and three goals.

"He's been able to play midfield and still hit the scoreboard," Longmire said. "The thing that we've noticed - and you wouldn't see it outside the club - but the footage that we show is what he's doing for his teammates and defensively working so hard. That's what we love about him. He's able to play both sides of the ball, plus being really hard and tough. I hope he keeps going."