“A FAIR FALL FROM GRACE”: THE KEY STAT THAT HIGHLIGHTS ALL-AUSTRALIAN’S DROP-OFF
After a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2022, the recent form of Isaac Heeney somewhat embodies the drop-off of the Sydney Swans this season.
Heeney, who turned 27 earlier this month, has regressed year-on-year on almost every key measure in 2023, including disposals, goals, tackles, inside 50s and clearances.
But Garry Lyon pointed to Heeney’s one-on-one performances in suggesting the dynamic midfielder might have been overrated by fans.
“Isaac Heeney, only Luke Jackson had a better one-on-one win rate last year, only Luke Jackson,” Lyon began on SEN Breakfast.
“46 per cent of the time you went to
Isaac Heeney last year he won one-on-one contests. He’s winning 16 (per cent) this year. That’s horrible.
“Have we overrated Isaac Heeney? You look at some of the contemporaries he got drafted with… you put him up against the players in his draft class… he hasn’t got anywhere near the resume.
“It’s a fair fall from grace, and there are people out there who are suggesting we’ve overhyped him.”
Heeney was drafted in the first round of the 2014 National Draft alongside the likes of Christian Petracca, Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore and Jake Lever.
Last year, Heeney went goalless just twice in what was his best season to date. In 2023, that number is already three just nine rounds into the season.
Lyon’s sentiment is a similar one to that recently shared by Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson.
“This guy should be on the half-forward flank or forward pocket of the AllAustralian team,” Johnson told SEN Sportsday in May of Heeney.
“I absolutely love Isaac Heeney, I mentioned a few years ago he could be the best player in the competition because of his attributes.
“His numbers aren’t great when we look at his start to the season.”
Johnson and Sydney Hall of Famer Gerard Healy both asserted that Heeney should move into more of a full-time midfield role.
Heeney’s attended just five per cent of centre bounces in 2023, down from an average of 13 per cent last season.
His struggles mirror that of the Swans to some extent, with John Longmire’s men languishing in 14th place with just three wins.
Sydney will hope for a confidence booster against North Melbourne this weekend before meeting Carlton ahead of the bye.