Tweet
Backman takes a giant step forward
By Jessica Halloran
Canberra
April 19, 2004
Jason Saddington has found a new direction playing on the forward line.
Picture: Getty Images
Sydney's lost football soul found his confidence and some form on the forward line at Manuka Oval yesterday. Jason Saddington, a self-confessed struggling defender, snared four goals for the Swans in his revamped role.
The haul took the 24-year-old's career total of goals to 37.
His third goal in Sydney's 51-point win was not pretty but was effective, as he soccered the ball through the posts.
"I just threw the boot out, hoped it would dribble into the goal square and that someone would pick it up. Good for it to go through. I've been watching the soccer a bit," Saddington said.
He said he would like to hold on to a position in the forward line.
advertisement
advertisement
"It worked out well for me today. I was able to get a few kicks and kick a few goals, so I've been enjoying the work up forward," Saddington said..
"I was probably lacking a fair bit of confidence down back. I was getting beaten a little bit, so to go up forward and actually chase the ball myself and not worry about a man so much, it's been a good change and, yeah, I've been able to sort of turn it around.
"I really enjoyed it. I'd certainly like to stay there."
Saddington, who has played 129 games, admitted he was at a career crossroad after what coach Paul Roos described as "a flat spot".
"I've been struggling down back, and not playing as well as I can or should. I have lost my way a bit," he said.
Playing in defence, Saddington was thoroughly beaten by Brisbane's Martin Pike in round one, and was first played up forward against Fremantle the following week.
But yesterday was another step up. Saddington finished with eight marks and 18 disposals, and his display impressed Roos.
"The way he competed, which he has been the last couple of weeks, that's the best thing I like about his game and that's what has turned his form around," Roos said.
Saddington's second coming gives the Swans another option up forward - and Sydney's attacking power will be boosted next weekend with Nick Davis due back from a hip injury, and Michael O'Loughlin also certain to be available for the match against Melbourne at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.
Full-back Andrew Schauble (hamstring) could also return for that match.
By Jessica Halloran
Canberra
April 19, 2004
Jason Saddington has found a new direction playing on the forward line.
Picture: Getty Images
Sydney's lost football soul found his confidence and some form on the forward line at Manuka Oval yesterday. Jason Saddington, a self-confessed struggling defender, snared four goals for the Swans in his revamped role.
The haul took the 24-year-old's career total of goals to 37.
His third goal in Sydney's 51-point win was not pretty but was effective, as he soccered the ball through the posts.
"I just threw the boot out, hoped it would dribble into the goal square and that someone would pick it up. Good for it to go through. I've been watching the soccer a bit," Saddington said.
He said he would like to hold on to a position in the forward line.
advertisement
advertisement
"It worked out well for me today. I was able to get a few kicks and kick a few goals, so I've been enjoying the work up forward," Saddington said..
"I was probably lacking a fair bit of confidence down back. I was getting beaten a little bit, so to go up forward and actually chase the ball myself and not worry about a man so much, it's been a good change and, yeah, I've been able to sort of turn it around.
"I really enjoyed it. I'd certainly like to stay there."
Saddington, who has played 129 games, admitted he was at a career crossroad after what coach Paul Roos described as "a flat spot".
"I've been struggling down back, and not playing as well as I can or should. I have lost my way a bit," he said.
Playing in defence, Saddington was thoroughly beaten by Brisbane's Martin Pike in round one, and was first played up forward against Fremantle the following week.
But yesterday was another step up. Saddington finished with eight marks and 18 disposals, and his display impressed Roos.
"The way he competed, which he has been the last couple of weeks, that's the best thing I like about his game and that's what has turned his form around," Roos said.
Saddington's second coming gives the Swans another option up forward - and Sydney's attacking power will be boosted next weekend with Nick Davis due back from a hip injury, and Michael O'Loughlin also certain to be available for the match against Melbourne at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.
Full-back Andrew Schauble (hamstring) could also return for that match.
, he started out as a half forward flamker/winger and eventually found his straps down back.
Comment