AFL 2024 round seven LIVE updates: Swans kick an early lead over Hawks at the MCG

The Swans have started the second quarter with back-to-back goals.

Isaac Heeney, the current Brownlow favourite, has added his name to the goalscorer’s list, while Logan McDonald got his second of the afternoon.

Heeney earned a free kick on the arc for a jumper tag and the shot never looked in doubt. He’s kicked at least one goal in every game so far this year, and is averaging 27 possessions a match.

McDonald then had a great finish on his set shot to extend the Swans even further.

Sydney by 38.

The late withdrawal of Mitch Lewis after he’d been selected has really diminished the Hawks’ chances in this match.

They are attempting to make do with a small forwardline, but the Swans are masters at getting numbers back to give opposition smalls little room to move when the ball hits the ground.

Sam Mitchell went straight to Chol, appearing to let him know what he thought of the free kick he gave away. Defender Jack Scrimshaw copped a burst from the coach too at the break.

Let’s see how this second quarter unfolds…

It’s clear Hawks’ fans are enjoying the return of midfielder Will Day for his first game back from a pre-season foot injury.

Every time he goes near the ball, the Hawks fans have erupted in anticipation. He is rusty and has kicked a behind but his class is evident.

The only issue is that it’s becoming clear the Swans have about three or four Will Day equivalents in their midfield with Errol Gulden and Ollie Florent kicking two nice goals.

Mabior Chol has cost Blake Hardwick a goal after the defender come forward gave the umpire the opportunity to reverse the free kick as the ball sailed through for a goal.

Chol gave his opponent a quick, unnecessary gut punch as they jostled near the goal square.

Of course, as often happens, the Swans rushed the ball straight down the other end to start an Amartey Party with a goal to Joel Amartey.

Chol is a frustrating player, yet he is the one expressing frustration, looking at the umpire and gesticulating whenever he is outmarked.

Sydney kicked the last four goals of the afternoon to give themselves a healthy lead at the first change.

Sydney lead by 25 at QT.

Errol Gulden gave Sydney the lead back with a huge kick, 50 metres out, on the run.

Then, Ollie Florent backed it up to extend out the margin further. Gulden was involved in that one, too, and has already racked up seven possessions and three score involvements.

Sydney by 13.

Hawthorn may be the underdogs against an in-form Sydney, but they are pressing hard and high up the ground, which has kept things tight early days.

Logan McDonald kicked Sydney’s second goal of the day but it was quickly answered by Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore.

Scores level at 13.

Swans star Isaac Heeney broke away from stoppage to drive the ball towards the Sydney goal. There Sam Wicks scooped it up and slotted it through for Sydney’s first major of the afternoon.

Cam Mackenzie then registered a minor score down the other hand to level the score.

Scores level.

Hawthorn’s Blake Hardwick has kicked the opening major of the game from a set shot to give the home side a good boost early.

The opening five minutes of the match saw both sides be a bit fumbly, miss kicks and lack some cohesion.

The Swans got the first score through a behind from Tom Papley.

However, so far, the pressure has been good.

Hawthorn lead by 5.

We’re underway at the MCG for the Hawks and Swans clash.

Can Hawthorn cause an upset or will Sydney will too strong?

We’re about to find out.

Hawthorn and Sydney champion ‘Buddy’ Franklin, the guest of honour at the MCG on Sunday, spoke briefly at the Hawthorn president’s lunch on Sunday before he has an on ground interview at half-time.

A source in the room said the recently retired great noted he didn’t love public speaking before thanking both clubs for his time there and said it was good to get back to Hawthorn training at Waverley on Saturday “where it all began”.

He also noted his two chidren Tallulah and Rocky were in Hawthorn colours for the day.

Franklin played 182 games for Hawthorn and 172 games for Sydney and kicked 1066 goals.

Gold Coast overcame a slow start at People First Stadium to pull away from West Coast in the second half and claim their fourth win this season.

It was looking dicey there for a second for the Suns. They were up by just three points at half-time but then kicked 10 goals to five in the final two quarters.

Eagle Jake Waterman continues to shine with a four-goal haul, while the Suns had eleven individual goalscorers, including Ben King with three.

Gold Coast defeated West Coast 17.10 (112) to 12.3 (75).