Reserves

[liz]

Originally posted by Wil
Excuse my ignorance and lack of history knowledge. But what happened to the reserves competition? I.e. the reserves of each team playing each other before the match. When did it go?

Some time in the late 90s. I think it was partly a $ thing and partly an attempt to raise the level and profile of the VFL. The Swans were the team that were most affected because the other non-Vic reserves already played in their local comps.

[Wazza]

Yep dollars which really works well for the interstate teams from
WA SA and VIC as their kids get to play in tough competition every week. Many of the Lions current team were part of a successful reserves team in the last year of the reserves competition which is AFL finishing school.

The good news is the recently announced Institute for Aussie rules in Sydneys West, but again NSW AFL will probably target elite athletes from other sports and try to turn them into AFL players but again they will lack the hardnest of a good local comp.

There have been plenty of good players from NSW Im not bagging local talent.

Cheers

Waz

[liz]

Originally posted by Nico
Grundy again .

What about Earl Shaw. We are very short of rucks right now. Willo out for a long time we might be able to promote him or Grundy.

Someone mentioned earlier in the week that Shaw was the nominated rookie, meaning he can play. Seemed a bit of an odd choice but maybe now one with foresight. From the little I've seen of him I suspect he might be able to do OK at ruck contests at AFL level now, even though he's raw. But he won't contribute much around the ground (though probably more than MJ ever did at senior level).

I'm not convinced that Grundy would be much good as an AFL forward, at least not yet. Vogels is the one who might be able to do OK at the moment, though Saddo would be a better option.

In answer to Cliff, I think Saddo played (though didn't kick any goals). But by the time I made it to my seat after picking up hats and scarves, he wasn't on the ground.

[LittleSchneider]

I saw the whole game.

Saddington did play - he and Schauble played pretty well.

Fosdike came off in the first quater with a very serious injury - carried off and Roos came down and looked concerned - dont know whether it was knee or ankle.

McVeigh and Schneider had good games in the midfield - got a lot of ball, kicked some very good goals, had some good runs etc BUT the opposition was crap - they just let them run by the end of the first half.

Pretty good accuracy with handballs and kicks - but again the opposition was pretty weak.

Grundy and Vogels looked good - tried hard all game.

Not much else - but fitness wise the team was very sharp.

[NMWBloods]

Obviously if some of their games are like this, performance in the reserves is completely meaningless.

[ROK Lobster]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Obviously if some of their games are like this, performance in the reserves is completely meaningless.

I might duck down to Weston Creek on Tue night, see if I can't get a run...

[swan_song]

And it's this that I believe is a great detriment to the Swans developing players. You want your younger and inexperienced players, and those knocking on senior selection, to be tested in the ressies. Since the demise of the real 2nds competition we have really been hamstrung in this regard, playing in fifth and sixth rate competitions in that time...and for a while only half-heartedly at that! Playing in the ACT comp can only be of benefit for ball touch and running fitness, not for skills development or for match toughness, as today's romp, though good to watch, testifies...

[Mike_B]

Originally posted by liz
In answer to Cliff, I think Saddo played (though didn't kick any goals). But by the time I made it to my seat after picking up hats and scarves, he wasn't on the ground.

IIRC Saddington kicked 1 (going by the list of goalkickers on the scoreboard at full time).

[Bron]

Originally posted by LittleSchneider
Fosdike came off in the first quater with a very serious injury - carried off and Roos came down and looked concerned - dont know whether it was knee or ankle.

Confirmed at the Aussie Football Club in the Cross that Fossie has broken his leg. From recollection, fibula, and 4 - 6 weeks.

[Nico]

Now that is optimism at it's greatest.

Long term I would think. Suspect a couple of Rookie promos this week.

[Ajn]

Wishlist: some talls to be promoted, Vogels looks a likely type

[Sanecow]

Just off the wire:

AAP:

"Following several large wins in Canberra, the Sydney Swans have decided to move their reserves team to the more competitive St Kilda under-12 Auskick competition."

[gossipcom]

lmao Sanecrow

[ROK Lobster]

Having moved to Canberra during the summer I have decided to abandon all interest in the AFL and just follow the Canberra league. My side is running red hot. Just wish I didn't have so far to travel to the home games. At least it is easy to get out of the car park at full time.