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Thomas hints at forward revamp
By Nikki Tugwell
June 4, 2004
GRANT THOMAS has hinted at downsizing the Saints' four-stroke power forward structure to cope with the small confines of the place he calls "the graveyard" the SCG.
Sydney coach Paul Roos has consulted Brisbane Lions full forward Alastair Lynch and is tipped to borrow the flooding tactic of the triple premiers, who have come the closest to toppling St Kilda.
The "graveyard shift" of the Saints' celebrated forward line is likely to leave Fraser Gehrig and Aaron Hamill with opportunist forwards Stephen Milne and Brent Guerra.
"Whether or not four power key forwards up at Sydney's ground works as effectively as it does at Telstra Dome is yet to be seen," Thomas said.
"But there is some decision making we have to do there. Structurally we might do something a bit different. It is interesting how Roosy gets his side set up and we might be able to push a few guys into different positions."
Roos does not want to engage in a shootout with St Kilda, who have kicked 60 more goals than the Swans, while Thomas is anticipating some left-field tactics from Sydney's coach.
"Opposition sides will try some different things and Sydney this week, particularly being a smaller ground that they play well and a ground that has been a graveyard for a lot of teams in the past," Thomas said.
"When a side is undefeated there comes a great deal of excitement and anticipation by the sides you are playing against.
"With that comes extra intensity, especially early in a game of football and as weeks go on, we are going to see more and more strategies applied to offset where we've been reasonably successful."
But despite the anticipated tactics, expect the unexpected on Sunday.
Intrigue has centred around how the Swans plan to contain St Kilda's forward line of Gehrig, Hamill, Guerra, Milne, Nick Riewoldt and possibly Justin Koschitzke and Nick Dal Santo.
Sydney have premium quality in each zone in Adam Goodes (defence), Paul Williams (centre) and Barry Hall (forward) but the pivotal players could be the surprise.
Should the likes of Michael O'Loughlin and Nick Davis (forward) Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk (centre) and Leo Barry and Craig Bolton (defence) have big games, the Saints could have a contest on their hands.
Barry and Kirk have been among the most consistent Swans this year and both have the dual-elements to their game, as exceptional attacking defenders whose courageous play inspires teammates.
Barry shut down Western Bulldogs' Jade Rawlings last week and Hawthorn's Mark Williams (and a cameo on Trent Croad) the week before.
"It's been a good challenge," Barry said.
"The defensive part of my game has become really solid so I've shut down a few blokes. If I am able to run that is just a bonus I suppose."
The Daily Telegraph
By Nikki Tugwell
June 4, 2004
GRANT THOMAS has hinted at downsizing the Saints' four-stroke power forward structure to cope with the small confines of the place he calls "the graveyard" the SCG.
Sydney coach Paul Roos has consulted Brisbane Lions full forward Alastair Lynch and is tipped to borrow the flooding tactic of the triple premiers, who have come the closest to toppling St Kilda.
The "graveyard shift" of the Saints' celebrated forward line is likely to leave Fraser Gehrig and Aaron Hamill with opportunist forwards Stephen Milne and Brent Guerra.
"Whether or not four power key forwards up at Sydney's ground works as effectively as it does at Telstra Dome is yet to be seen," Thomas said.
"But there is some decision making we have to do there. Structurally we might do something a bit different. It is interesting how Roosy gets his side set up and we might be able to push a few guys into different positions."
Roos does not want to engage in a shootout with St Kilda, who have kicked 60 more goals than the Swans, while Thomas is anticipating some left-field tactics from Sydney's coach.
"Opposition sides will try some different things and Sydney this week, particularly being a smaller ground that they play well and a ground that has been a graveyard for a lot of teams in the past," Thomas said.
"When a side is undefeated there comes a great deal of excitement and anticipation by the sides you are playing against.
"With that comes extra intensity, especially early in a game of football and as weeks go on, we are going to see more and more strategies applied to offset where we've been reasonably successful."
But despite the anticipated tactics, expect the unexpected on Sunday.
Intrigue has centred around how the Swans plan to contain St Kilda's forward line of Gehrig, Hamill, Guerra, Milne, Nick Riewoldt and possibly Justin Koschitzke and Nick Dal Santo.
Sydney have premium quality in each zone in Adam Goodes (defence), Paul Williams (centre) and Barry Hall (forward) but the pivotal players could be the surprise.
Should the likes of Michael O'Loughlin and Nick Davis (forward) Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk (centre) and Leo Barry and Craig Bolton (defence) have big games, the Saints could have a contest on their hands.
Barry and Kirk have been among the most consistent Swans this year and both have the dual-elements to their game, as exceptional attacking defenders whose courageous play inspires teammates.
Barry shut down Western Bulldogs' Jade Rawlings last week and Hawthorn's Mark Williams (and a cameo on Trent Croad) the week before.
"It's been a good challenge," Barry said.
"The defensive part of my game has become really solid so I've shut down a few blokes. If I am able to run that is just a bonus I suppose."
The Daily Telegraph
