Sydney was not quite switched on against Hawthorn first up in the AFL. Swan’s learnings from Opening round defeat. I look at the players and observe their failures to find the ferociousness required to really compete at the top level of footy. Whether it be an unwillingness or an inability to reach that level, I don’t know, but it must shift if the Swans are to be successful. The Hawkes had that hardness and toughness, whereas Sydney floundered. It all centred on what happened in the middle and Brody Grundy let the club down.
Sydney Ruckmen Disappointing Against Hawkes In Round 0
You have to get that right! The ruckman and followers must lead by example and they didn’t. Straight away they were behind and chasing tail. Too many times the Hawkes waltzed out of the front of the stoppage and put the Sydney defenders under the pump. Grundy wasn’t up to it and was well beaten by Lloyd Meek. Not just at ball ups but all over the ground. Joel Amartey, who played pretty well, as the key forward with 3 goals, could not pick up the slack as the second ruckman. Will Dean Cox drop Grundy and replace him with Ladhams? Or will he bring in Hayden McClean as a forward and second ruck?
Swan’s Midfield Less Than Stellar In Opener
Isaac Heeney was good, 21 touches, without being stellar. Chad Warner was awesome breaking away from tackles and packs. He was clearly the better Swan on the night. Sam Wicks was great and gave them the grit they need in defence. Rowbottom got better as the night wore on without being at his very best. Sheldrick was a tad disappointing and hopefully will be better for the run if he plays against Brisbane. McInerney showed patches of brilliance but more is required for 4 quarters. Same with Braeden Campbell who needs to lift to provide more in the absence of Errol Gulden. Will Hayward has been disappointing of late and much more is required from him. Hawthorn showed up a lot of Swans and made them look soft. Sydney has a reputational issue around this factor, especially coming up against the Lions.
Too Many Passengers On Blood’s Bus
Ollie Florent had a stinker and what is up with him? His drive from half back is so important to the team. Nick Blakey is not a key defender and is wasted in this role. The Swans must get the Blakey run out of defence more often to win games. Robbing Peter to pay Paul comes to mind when considering Tom McCartin in the forward line. Coach Cox needs to work this quandary out. Melican needs to find more confidence in marking the ball and aerially competing. Rampe would hope to improve on his first outing. Sydney lack aerial power right now with Grundy down and McClean out of the side. Marking the ball is bloody important.
https://www.sydneyswans.com.au
Swan’s learnings from Opening round defeat. First and foremost is total application to the job at hand for every member of the 23. Stop cruising and f****** go hard at every contest! These privileged men and boys need to get out of first gear and get down and dirty. The GSW Giants were inspirational in this regard against Collingwood. The Swans let Jake Lloyd down in his 250th. Brisbane is the next challenge and an opportunity to raise their game. Sydney must get the midfield mix right and the ruck stocks. If they win the contest then much of the rest takes care of itself.
I noticed a sign at the SCG from a supporter, which read “Chad Warner please stay at Sydney and I will mow your lawn for the next 10 years!” Or words to that effect. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me and I understand the sentiment behind it. More Swans playing like Chad Warner would not go astray either. Take your chances and back yourself in the contest. There is no future in playing safe at this level.
RSH.
©GolfDom
