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Round 5
Only if you could turn form on with the flick of a switch, a wave of a wand or a turn of a tap, this football caper would be an easy gig. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. There is no easy path to take. You have to work really hard to maintain a high standard and a consistent game and any slight variation in AFL terms can have adverse effects as was reflected in Saturday nights match against the visiting Demons. We went into the game confident after a good win over the Kangaroos last week. History doesn't count for much when the heat is on and especially if you don't learn from it.
We got off to a 'flyer' in the first quarter, dominating the game in the middle, giving our in form forwards plenty of ball to work with and they did not disappoint. A nice six goals put away compared to the two by the red and navy. What happened next was unlike the Swans and went against everything the team believes in. The Demons won the ball too easily out of the centre putting great pressure on our defenders, giving the likes of Neitz and Green an ideal opportunity to get back into the game. The siren to announce half-time was welcomed, a scenario that is becoming too familiar for us Swans. Melbourne had kicked eight goals which had put the "D"s in a commanding position going into the second half. In the rooms we received the 'charge' from our coach that we deserved and talked through and tried to eradicate some of our poor handling and decision making skills. But talk is cheap if you can't walk the walk...Third quarter here we go.
Being hard, disciplined, having a strong work ethic and supporting our teammates turned the game our way in the third. Hally was 'running-a-muck' and our midfielders started to get a well needed edge. Sloppy disposal in the last quarter cost the Swannies the game. We definitely had the opportunities, take nothing away from Melbourne they played some good footy, but it was obvious we lost the game.
I'm predicting an extensive video review focusing on our lapse in the second term and why we turned the ball over so much. Usually 'catch-up-footy' is our specialty, we thrive on it and generally come up with the goods. There is always next week and another game to play, that's the beauty of football (except if it is Round 22 and you are not going to make the finals). So it's off to the south, we're headed for 'G' to take on the mighty Bombers.
If I close my eyes and visualize the MCG in September, I can smell the freshly cut grass, hear the roar of the crowd and feel the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. As a footballer this is where you want to be come the ninth month, playing off in the Grand Final in front of a jam-packed stadium and a roaring crowd. The MCG I believe is the home of Australian Football and has a real 'aura' about it, a spirit that helps to make footy in Victoria a true religion come the weekend.
As a kid I would travel to the MCG once a year to be absorbed by the wonderous experience. I had always wanted to play AFL so to drive down to Melbourne and watch my idols play was a huge buzz.
Well lessons learnt hopefully and it will be a hard, disciplined Swans unit appearing on Saturday to take on Sheedy's black and red army. If you are hanging around down south drop in and get behind us. If you are watching from the comfort of your lounge room cheer loud, all positive vibes welcome.
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not - nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not - unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not - the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Ray Kroc the founder of McDonalds
Cheers Kirky #31
Reprinted from Optusnet newsletter.
Only if you could turn form on with the flick of a switch, a wave of a wand or a turn of a tap, this football caper would be an easy gig. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. There is no easy path to take. You have to work really hard to maintain a high standard and a consistent game and any slight variation in AFL terms can have adverse effects as was reflected in Saturday nights match against the visiting Demons. We went into the game confident after a good win over the Kangaroos last week. History doesn't count for much when the heat is on and especially if you don't learn from it.
We got off to a 'flyer' in the first quarter, dominating the game in the middle, giving our in form forwards plenty of ball to work with and they did not disappoint. A nice six goals put away compared to the two by the red and navy. What happened next was unlike the Swans and went against everything the team believes in. The Demons won the ball too easily out of the centre putting great pressure on our defenders, giving the likes of Neitz and Green an ideal opportunity to get back into the game. The siren to announce half-time was welcomed, a scenario that is becoming too familiar for us Swans. Melbourne had kicked eight goals which had put the "D"s in a commanding position going into the second half. In the rooms we received the 'charge' from our coach that we deserved and talked through and tried to eradicate some of our poor handling and decision making skills. But talk is cheap if you can't walk the walk...Third quarter here we go.
Being hard, disciplined, having a strong work ethic and supporting our teammates turned the game our way in the third. Hally was 'running-a-muck' and our midfielders started to get a well needed edge. Sloppy disposal in the last quarter cost the Swannies the game. We definitely had the opportunities, take nothing away from Melbourne they played some good footy, but it was obvious we lost the game.
I'm predicting an extensive video review focusing on our lapse in the second term and why we turned the ball over so much. Usually 'catch-up-footy' is our specialty, we thrive on it and generally come up with the goods. There is always next week and another game to play, that's the beauty of football (except if it is Round 22 and you are not going to make the finals). So it's off to the south, we're headed for 'G' to take on the mighty Bombers.
If I close my eyes and visualize the MCG in September, I can smell the freshly cut grass, hear the roar of the crowd and feel the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. As a footballer this is where you want to be come the ninth month, playing off in the Grand Final in front of a jam-packed stadium and a roaring crowd. The MCG I believe is the home of Australian Football and has a real 'aura' about it, a spirit that helps to make footy in Victoria a true religion come the weekend.
As a kid I would travel to the MCG once a year to be absorbed by the wonderous experience. I had always wanted to play AFL so to drive down to Melbourne and watch my idols play was a huge buzz.
Well lessons learnt hopefully and it will be a hard, disciplined Swans unit appearing on Saturday to take on Sheedy's black and red army. If you are hanging around down south drop in and get behind us. If you are watching from the comfort of your lounge room cheer loud, all positive vibes welcome.
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not - nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not - unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not - the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Ray Kroc the founder of McDonalds
Cheers Kirky #31
Reprinted from Optusnet newsletter.
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