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AAP
AAP
Sport
Adrian Warren

Less-heralded Swans reaping rewards of focus on Curnow

Joel Amartey has benefited from the presence of Charlie Curnow in the new-look Sydney forward line. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS)

High-scoring Sydney are less focused on Charlie Curnow's low goalkicking output, instead relishing how their star recruit helps the rest of their attack fire.

Sydney (2-0) passed 100 points in each of their first two games against Carlton and Brisbane, with 29-year-old Curnow kicking just three of their 35 goals.

The former Carlton spearhead was kept goalless by Ryan Lester against Brisbane, but his presence has clearly benefited fellow talls Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald.

Logan McDonald
Logan McDonald kicked two goals in the Swans' round-one win over reigning premiers Brisbane. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS)

Amartey, 26, kicked five goals against Brisbane and now has eight for the season, while McDonald, 23, chipped in with two against the Lions.

"That's just what Charlie brings to the side," midfielder James Rowbottom told AAP.

"He's such a focal point, he allows the other boys to go about their business.

"They are amazing in their own right, doing what they do, and we're seeing that in the first couple of weeks."

Sydney hit the road for the first time this season when they take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Thursday.

Charlie Curnow has made his presence felt.
Charlie Curnow has made his presence felt at the Swans after switching from Carlton. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

One area in need of improvement for Sydney, who will be without star midfielder Errol Gulden (shoulder), is their clearance game.

Brisbane finished 45-23 ahead in that important category, with the Swans only having shaded Carlton by one in their Opening Round clash.

"It's obviously your job as a midfield crew to win the clearances, so it's always disappointing when you lose," Rowbottom said.

"You always try to get ascendancy out of the middle."

James Rowbottom
James Rowbottom says the Swans will not rest on their laurels, despite being unbeaten this season. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS)

Midfield stalwart Rowbottom says the impressive unbeaten Swans still have work to do to produce a four-quarter performance, and will need to bring their A game against Hawthorn.

Sydney lost the first quarter against the Blues and the third against Brisbane, with the undermanned Lions shading the second half by four points on Saturday night.

"We haven't put together a real four-quarter performance yet, so that's obviously the aim when you play a team game, to put consistent football together," Rowbottom said.

"When we get that done we'll be hitting our straps, but still a bit of work to do."

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