MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S TOP 10: Sydney Swans may need to trade Chad Warner now in tough call for John Longmire

1. So how did it go so wrong for Sydney?

In the end, it felt like they relied too much on the three big stars in the midfield. Particularly in the last quarter of the season. If Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner were not at their best the Swans were flat, particularly if they were struggling to score. They need more from their key forwards in 2025. Warner had one goal late in the game when it didn’t matter. The rumour mill is in overdrive Warner will go west at the end of next year to play with one of the WA clubs in his home state. This issue will be a massive distraction all year for the Swans. With four grand finals losses in a row, the last two being soul-destroying defeats, maybe Sydney need to get aggressive in this trade period and move Warner on now. A very tough call to make, but it may be the right one.

2. Chris Fagan has become the oldest premiership coach in AFL history.

It’s one of the great footy stories. He did it differently to most having not played at the highest level. As a teenager I was lucky enough to be in a junior development program Fages coached in Devonport, Tasmania. We loved that program he put together. More than three decades he has reached the pinnacle of his career and I couldn’t be happier for him.

3. It takes the whole footy club not just the team to win a premiership.

Everyone has to be on the same page from the top to the bottom. When you look at the Lions leadership you can see why they are finally flag winners. The CEO Greg Swan and footy boss Danny Daly have both been around the block and are very levelheaded. Then at board level they the great Leigh Matthews. The club is in great shape to have continued success.

4. The Katy Perry saga has been settled at my house after I promised the world and delivered an atlas.

I told my daughters I could arrange for them to meet Katy. Clearly I couldn’t make it happen. We have now settled on tickets to her concerts next year. Pray that I don’t miss out.

5. Some players are just made for the big stage.

They thrive on the pressure and big moments. That guy for Brisbane is Kai Lohman. His game against Geelong helped lift his team into the grand final and when the match was in the balance early on he stamped himself on the game to help set up the win. He is a star on the rise.

6. Let’s hope that isn’t the last we have seen from big Joe Daniher.

Rumours are swirling that he is contemplating retirement. It hasn’t been dismissed by the club or his teammates with Daly saying today Daniher was 50/50 to play on. He has really found consistency in his game at the Lions and was a key factor in the grand final. The game needs intriguing players like Joe. He will be missed if he gives it all away.

7. If you want an example of perseverance, take a look at Ryan Lester.

He is now an integral part of a premiership defence. That success didn’t happen easily for Lester. He suffered injuries early in his career and ended up on one-year contracts before being delisted and then redrafted as a rookie. At age 32 he is now playing career best footy. What a great achievement.

8. Will Ashcroft is the youngest Norman Smith medallist.

What a professional this kid is. In his first two years he’s packed a lot in. He underwent a knee reconstruction then a year of but hadn’t missed a beat when he came back for the Lions late in the season. What an incredible achievement.

9. You have to take your hat off to Oscar McInerney.

It must be so hard after carrying the ruck load over the last few years to miss out on grand final glory. You would not have known it though. His body language and positivity were first class on Saturday. His teammates love the Big O. A selfless committed team man.

10. Finally, farewell to one of my Channel 7 colleagues Luke Darcy.

The Duke called his last grand final on for Triple M. He is focusing on growing businesses outside footy. What a great career he has had calling footy for more than a decade. Congratulations Big Duke.