Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Charlie Curnow Coleman Medal hopes surged on Friday night as the Sydney Swans forward kicked six goals in a 35-point Australian Football League win over Western Bulldogs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Curnow’s haul helped Sydney win 13.12 (90) to 7.13 (55) in front of 35,227 fans, lifting him to 44 goals for the season and one clear of Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King in the Coleman Medal race.

For more Australian Football League coverage, read Adelaide Crows West Coast Win Powered By Darcy Fogarty’s Fast Start, while official match updates are available through the Australian Football League website.

Curnow Torments Bulldogs Again

Curnow had already hurt Western Bulldogs earlier this season with seven goals in Round 7, and he quickly became their biggest problem again. He kicked four first-half goals as Sydney took control of the contest.

The Bulldogs were stretched badly in defensive 50, with Rory Lobb spending time in the ruck to support a limited Tim English against Brodie Grundy. That left Sydney with the size and marking edge they needed near goal.

Swans Bounce Back Strongly

Second-placed Sydney improved to 13-3 after responding well to last week’s 43-point loss to Brisbane Lions. Dean Cox’s side did it despite six personnel changes for their annual Pride Game.

The Swans had been forced into injury changes, with Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald, Pete Ladhams and Sam Wicks all missing. Hayden McLean stepped up with three goals after earning his chance from the Victorian Football League.

Bulldogs Left With Fresh Worries

Western Bulldogs fell to 9-7 after another missed test against a top side. They also lost Connor Budarick to an ankle injury and Nick Coffield to concussion after a collision involving Chad Warner’s knee.

Matthew Kennedy may face match review attention for a high bump on Caiden Cleary, although Cleary finished the game. James Jordon also played a strong tagging role on Marcus Bontempelli, who had 19 disposals.

Brodie Grundy dominated the ruck with 61 hitouts, while Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey were busy around the ground. Back-to-back final-quarter goals from Curnow ended any late Bulldogs hope and sealed Sydney’s return to form.