Tackling

[floppinab]

Most commentators have pointed out how strong our tackling has been this year but IMO it's bringing an extra benefit in being able to break the oppositions tackling.

A couple of times on Saturday you can see our guys will go into the tackle with a fend, as opposed to the hands up approach (both hands on the with the ball in the air, to try and keep hands free to be able to hand ball away while in the tackle). If it comes off it often brings another opposition player into the tackle setting up the 'loose man' in a handball chain.

Leo's efforts early in the 3rd (which really set us up IMO) are the best indicator of this, firstly in wrapping up.... Eagleton I think for a HTB resulting in goal and breaking a tackle while similarly taking on the opposition, also resulting in a goal.

[penga]

im not sure if the eagleton one u r talking about was actually west, but the west tackle that barry broke was very similar to that of bazza's broken tackle to andrew williams

[dimelb]

Having grown up playing League and Union, I'd say someone from that direction has been showing them how to do it. I'm mildly surprised not to see more of it. Nothing like an old fashioned 'don't argue'!

[Ganjaman]

Leo Barry's dont argue was a ripper. Pure strength just shoving the opposite to the ground.

Some league players have entered the Swans camp in the past to show 'em some tackling skills. Its certainly helpful gaining any edge you can get, even if it is from the bum sniffers. Not sure if that should happen again though the way the leagies tackle these days all our boys will end up at the tribunal for rippin' peoples heads off.