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Since 1996, our stellar year of the past 60, we have really struggled for consistency during a season. Until we rectify this we will never be a true challenger.
In 1996, after a slow start we were able to win 12/14 games. However, instead of falling off, we maintained this effort, and won 6 of the next 8 to make the GF.
In 1997, we struggled for the first half of the year. Then we won 7 of the next 8 games. Suddenly we hit a form slump - we lost a game at home to St Kilda after leading comfortably at 3QT, we beat the lowly Hawks, and then lost 3 games in a row to crash embarrassingly out of finals.
In 1998, we started on fire winning our first 5 games. Another form slump, winning only 3 of the next 9 games. Regain some form to win 5 in a row, but then lose it again, to win only 2 of the next 5 games to drop out of finals.
In 1999, never gained form and not managing to win more than 3 games in a row at any stage. Destroyed by Essendon in finals.
In 2000, same as '99 but missed finals.
In 2001, very mixed form early, had a run toward end of the year with 5 wins in a row, but then form deserted us again, winning only 1 of next 5 games, being thrashed by a sadly out of form (going into finals) Hawthorn.
In 2002, generally struggled.
In 2003, good form through middle of the year with 11 wins from 13 matches. Form drops off at end, with only occasionally recoveries (eg: Port finals) and win 3 of 7 games, smashed in final match.
In 2004, mixed form all year, although short periods of winning form in middle and late, although inexplicable lapses during that time, in both games won and lost. Form completely deserts team from opening bounce in last final.
At least under Roos we haven't been thrashed more than a few times, but we really struggle with form and have done for a long time. When we are up, we seem to become overconfident or careless or something, perhaps believing the good press about the team.
The key to our success is to solve this perennial Swans problem.
In 1996, after a slow start we were able to win 12/14 games. However, instead of falling off, we maintained this effort, and won 6 of the next 8 to make the GF.
In 1997, we struggled for the first half of the year. Then we won 7 of the next 8 games. Suddenly we hit a form slump - we lost a game at home to St Kilda after leading comfortably at 3QT, we beat the lowly Hawks, and then lost 3 games in a row to crash embarrassingly out of finals.
In 1998, we started on fire winning our first 5 games. Another form slump, winning only 3 of the next 9 games. Regain some form to win 5 in a row, but then lose it again, to win only 2 of the next 5 games to drop out of finals.
In 1999, never gained form and not managing to win more than 3 games in a row at any stage. Destroyed by Essendon in finals.
In 2000, same as '99 but missed finals.
In 2001, very mixed form early, had a run toward end of the year with 5 wins in a row, but then form deserted us again, winning only 1 of next 5 games, being thrashed by a sadly out of form (going into finals) Hawthorn.
In 2002, generally struggled.
In 2003, good form through middle of the year with 11 wins from 13 matches. Form drops off at end, with only occasionally recoveries (eg: Port finals) and win 3 of 7 games, smashed in final match.
In 2004, mixed form all year, although short periods of winning form in middle and late, although inexplicable lapses during that time, in both games won and lost. Form completely deserts team from opening bounce in last final.
At least under Roos we haven't been thrashed more than a few times, but we really struggle with form and have done for a long time. When we are up, we seem to become overconfident or careless or something, perhaps believing the good press about the team.
The key to our success is to solve this perennial Swans problem.
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