Swans v Bombers

[SWANSBEST]

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AFL

Back to the future

By TIM MORRISSEY

February 12, 2004

THE great Aussie back yard has produced plenty of champions over the years.


And Sydney coach Paul Roos is hoping that tradition will continue on Saturday when the Swans stage their annual version of backyard footy against Essendon at North Sydney Oval.

The exhibition game has its quirky rules. It's 15-a-side with unlimited interchange, hitting the famous Moreton Bay Fig tree is play on while there is a 50m line that's really 35m from the goals.


But the game is the first, and in some cases only, chance for the latest crop of Swans rookies to make their mark.


"I think if we go back 12 months ago we unearthed Adam Schneider, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Mark Powell in this game," Roos said.


The pint-sized Schneider turned out to be a revelation, kicking 30 goals in his first senior season, while Roberts-Thomson capped off a stunning transition from schoolboy rugby to AFL.


"Last year I wouldn't have said that Adam Schneider and Lewis Robert-Thomson were in our best 18 but by the end of the season they were," added Roos. "That's the key for the young guys in any team. If you can get in early it's very hard to get displaced. So if you've got good form going into round one, you're a good chance to play."


With up to 13 established players from last year's list either being rested or on injury rehab, the Essendon game provides ample opportunity for the Swans' new faces to leave a positive impression on Roos.


"It's going to be a good hit-out mainly for the younger guys," Roos said.


"We'll have [Swans No. 1 draft pick] Josh Willoughby, [No. 2 pick] Tim Schmidt, [fifth pick] Matthew Davis and [rookie] Nick Potter playing."


With established stars such as Barry Hall, Michael O'Loughlin, Ben Mathews, Leo Barry, Jared Crouch, Paul Williams and Matthew Nicks all out, the match will give several fringe players and 2002 draftees yet to make their senior debuts a chance to impress.


"It will be a good chance for guys like Luke Ablett, Jared Sundqvist, Amon Buchanan, Daniel Hunt, Sean Dempster and Nick Malceski. I'm looking forward to seeing those young guys playing," Roos said.


Essendon are also using the game to unveil their new talent. But the Bombers will still have a blend of youth and experience, with stars Matthew Lloyd and Mark Mercuri down to play.

Essendon squad: Mark Bolton, Kepler Bradley, Marc Bullen, Tristan Cartledge, James Davies, Ricky Dyson, David Hille, Sam Hunt, Matthew Lloyd, Andrew Lovett, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Mark Mercuri, Justin Murphy, Jay Nash, Damien Peverill, Ted Richards, Brent Stanton, Peter Summers, Darren Walsh, Jobe Watson, Andrew Welsh, Adrian Wilson and Jason Winderlich.

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1264&storyid=884132

[jixygirl]

That would be one hell of a game for the start of footy for the year. Its unfortunate the its not televised to my knowledge.

[TheHood]

I am sad to miss this one. I haven't missed this match for 4 years and its a tradtion that gets better with each year and each beer.

It used to be on a Sunday too. Why oh why did they bring it forward.

No doubt the RWO crew will give us a good run down Jixy.

[CureTheSane]

Roos seems to have a 'Sheedy' menatlity going with the youth.

Which is a good thing overall.

Only thing to avoid is the medioricy that Essendon have attained given their strangth over the years.

[TheHood]

Originally posted by CureTheSane
Roos seems to have a 'Sheedy' menatlity going with the youth.

Which is a good thing overall.

Only thing to avoid is the medioricy that Essendon have attained given their strangth over the years.

Mediocrity?

I suppose Vijay Singh is a hack and Ricky Ponting is out of form too.

Don't you think 4 flags in 20 years is an ok return? 2 flags a decade ok by you?

I would love it if we took 2 flags a decade as opposed to 2 flags a century.

Their talent isn't exactly purchased off the shelf either, it's predominantly home grown. They even make the finals in their lowest years such as 2003 which included an away win in Perth.

[CureTheSane]

Yes, I think they should have done better with the squad they have had.
Much like I think St.Kilda should have won a couple of flags in the heyday of their star line up.

Like I said, it is a good way to go, the Sheedy way, but making the finals so much should have reaped more rewards IMO

Having a bad day Hood?
Relax and smile

[penga]

Re: Swans v Bombers

Originally posted by SWANSBEST
"I think if we go back 12 months ago we unearthed ... Lewis Roberts-Thomson ... in this game," Roos said.

this quote, i hope, is not from roosy's mouth as lrt didnt play!!!

[TheHood]

Originally posted by CureTheSane
Yes, I think they should have done better with the squad they have had.
Much like I think St.Kilda should have won a couple of flags in the heyday of their star line up.

Like I said, it is a good way to go, the Sheedy way, but making the finals so much should have reaped more rewards IMO

Having a bad day Hood?
Relax and smile

You could call it MEDIOCRE.

[CureTheSane]

Alcohol will cure all

[robbieando]

Originally posted by TheHood
Mediocrity?

I suppose Vijay Singh is a hack and Ricky Ponting is out of form too.

Don't you think 4 flags in 20 years is an ok return? 2 flags a decade ok by you?

I would love it if we took 2 flags a decade as opposed to 2 flags a century.

Their talent isn't exactly purchased off the shelf either, it's predominantly home grown. They even make the finals in their lowest years such as 2003 which included an away win in Perth.

Despite the fact Essendon should of at least won 3 maybe 4 more in the same period. Despite the success they have had, it hides the fact they could of and should of had many more.

[Bron]

Originally posted by jixygirl
That would be one hell of a game for the start of footy for the year. Its unfortunate the its not televised to my knowledge.

Year before last, it was on fox and the only footy in sydney on the footy channel. Replay after replay for at least a week. I could recite the commentary! I could turn on the tv at any point and say the next line. How desperate was I for the season to start!

[Bas]

I'm surprised that there has not been any discussion on the game.

I sat near the scoreboard at ground level, and I find the game very difficult to follow as you don't get the "whole" picture.

Anyway, my impressions were as follows:

1. Matthew LLoyd is huge this year. He has really bulked up over the off season.

2. Saddo was hopelessly outclasssed by Lloyd. There was a fanatic female (late 50's) supporter siiting behind me who kept yelling out instructions to the poor guy. I nearly said to her that it's only a trial game. God help the people that have to sit around her during the season.

3. I can see why they say Tim Schmidt doesn't have an "AFL body". He's stocky and seems to have a large rear compared to others BUT he tried hard and as a mid fielder, does it matter?

4. I thought Bucky had a good game. I hope he has a big injury free year

5. Willoughby was good.

6. McVeigh has put on weight and was impressive. Comments from last year's RWO expert's please.

7. James stood out before getting the minor shoulder injury.

8. Fixter is back and playing well.

9. No major injuries which was the best result.

Can't say much more than that. Next week's game will give better indication.

It's a pity it wasn't done by Fox Footy. Foxtel did the NRL Charity Shield Game but that's been going for about 25 years now so I suppose all you can do is ask the Clubs to beg Fox Footy to do it in future. At least next week's game is live on Fox Footy and I'll be warming the lounge for this one!

[SwansBloke]

Originally posted by Bas
9. No major injuries which was the best result.

Indeed!!! Aaah well, we get the Swans Carlton game next week on FoxFooty

[liz]

Originally posted by Bas
I'm surprised that there has not been any discussion on the game.

There's been plenty - just on a different thread. See "Updates".