AFL 2026: Sydney Defeats Melbourne; Rosas Jr. Scores Career-High Seven Goals

Sydney Swans Fly to Top of the Ladder with Grinding Win Over Melbourne

The Sydney Swans have claimed top spot on the AFL ladder after a hard-fought 19.17 (131) to 17.12 (114) victory over the Melbourne Demons at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The win moved Sydney to the top of the AFL ladder.

Rosas Jr. Runs Riot

Malcolm Rosas Jr. was the match-winner, kicking a career-high seven goals for the Swans. The 24-year-old forward, formerly of the Gold Coast Suns, was unstoppable in the first half, booting five goals before the main break.

Rosas Jr. was acquired by Sydney in a trade the previous year, arriving with pick 62 in exchange for picks 51 and 69.

Milestone and Injury Blow

The match was also a milestone day for ruckman Brodie Grundy, who played his 250th AFL game. Unfortunately for Melbourne, key forward Brodie Mihocek suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter and is expected to miss multiple matches.

Match Summary

Rosas Jr. opened the scoring for the match and then exploded in the second quarter, adding four goals in a blistering six-minute period. This blitz helped Sydney build a 17-point lead at halftime.

Melbourne mounted a spirited fightback in the final quarter, kicking 7.4, but they could not bridge the gap, with Sydney holding on for a 17-point victory.

Sydney: Rosas 7, Amartey 4, McDonald 3, Papley, McInerney, Lloyd, Grundy, Curnow

Melbourne: Sharp 2, Gawn 2, K. Pickett 2, van Rooyen 2, L. Pickett, Windsor, Sparrow, Laurie, Jefferson, Heath, Chandler, Turner, Langford

Coach's Comments

Sydney coach Dean Cox praised the impact of his new forward, stating that Rosas Jr. was brought into the team to provide a different element to the forward line.

Melbourne coach Steven King said he was disappointed with the result but proud of his team's effort in the final quarter.

Off-Field Note

Actress Sydney Sweeney was in attendance at the SCG, watching her namesake team claim a crucial victory.