Are we a genuine premiership threat?

[Go Swannies]

Fascinating article. I guess the conclusion from it is to make sure you're in the Grand Final against West Coast and the flag is yours - unless you are Sydney.

I wouldn't have thought four metres either end was as significant as it obviously is. But there's also an argument that just as modern basketball players really should have higher baskets, the skills (and fitness) of modern footballers may have changed the parameters somewhat. Watching the legends game on Sunday it was fascinating to see how these ex-professional footballers not only couldn't run much (as you'd expect) but couldn't kick far either.

I can't ever remember so much discussion about ground dimensions as this year. Is that just because Sydney and Weagles are in the top 4? Or is it Victoria trying to find something to hang onto?

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
This is why Hawthorn has broken down after a promising start to the year. It has been blocked coming out of defence, which gives its opponent enough time to clog the forward space. Without any tall options the Hawks are too predictable in going to the player on the lead. Not many crumbs at Hawthorn at present.

- Gerard Healy, H/Sun 18 June 2005

Sound familiar? Swans circa 2003?

[NMWBloods]

Swans through most of the 90s. Even with Lockett and a good midfield, we lacked an effective half forward line.

On the MCG we need Hall to stay in the F50 and for the half forwards to work hard up the ground.

Another tall option or two in the forward line would be handy too.

It's a shame Vogels hasn't been tried more as he could have been the CHF option we need on the bigger grounds.

[BayesysLeftBoot]

The Swans haven't won a premiership in 72 years so don't expect too much too soon.

[giant]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Swans through most of the 90s. Even with Lockett and a good midfield, we lacked an effective half forward line.

On the MCG we need Hall to stay in the F50 and for the half forwards to work hard up the ground.

Another tall option or two in the forward line would be handy too.

It's a shame Vogels hasn't been tried more as he could have been the CHF option we need on the bigger grounds.

It was interesting to note WCE tagging goodes this week. He really has been our linkman to the forward line in recent weeks. Swans can expect that this is regular occurence henceforth.

The good news was we still won, partly coz ROK & a few others stood up. Interesting to see how we go on a bigger ground if Goodesy has another quiet one.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Swans through most of the 90s. Even with Lockett and a good midfield, we lacked an effective half forward line.

Lewis, MOL? Or did you mean an effective CHF?

[snajik]

If we win on Saturday night I would say yes we are. While I've thoroughly enjoyed the past few weeks it's difficult to tell how well we are travelling. Is it a case of good signs or good fortune?

Playing the devil's advocate, it could be argued that Geelong's form has been inconsistent and they were decimated by injury when they played us. We played one brilliant quarter and three steady ones.

At the time I really rated our win over Melbourne but a number of their players are down on form and it looks unlikely that they will hold their place in the eight.

Great win against West Coast as well but they were missing Gardiner, McDougall, Hansen, Embley and Hunter. They don't fare well at the SCG and they are in little danger of losing home ground advantage throughout the finals so there isn't a lot of incentive for them. We are pretty much at full strength atm with only Maxfield, Schauble and Fosdike a chance at being in our best 22.

I too have my concerns about the MCG. There have been too many finals campaigns that have ended there of late. A win on Saturday will change my mind, but it's so even I wouldn't be surprised to see any of WC, Adelaide, St Kilda or Brisbane there either. To nudge Adelaide out of 2nd spot will also mean that we can't afford any slip ups between now and the finals.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by snajik
To nudge Adelaide out of 2nd spot will also mean that we can't afford any slip ups between now and the finals.

Seems unlikely does it not?

[j s]

Originally posted by Ruckman
Seems unlikely does it not?

Ambiguous! What seems unlikely? Slipping up or not slipping up?

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Ruckman
Lewis, MOL? Or did you mean an effective CHF?

A big or tall body - essentially a CHF.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by j s
Ambiguous! What seems unlikely? Slipping up or not slipping up?

Adelaide in Adelaide after beating West Coast, very very big ask.

[snajik]

Originally posted by Ruckman
Seems unlikely does it not?

Yes, but then again winning 9 out of 11 games after round 6 also seemed unlikely at the time. Thing is, we're effectively 2 games behind The Crows with our average percentage.

[TheHood]

Originally posted by giant
It was interesting to note WCE tagging goodes this week. He really has been our linkman to the forward line in recent weeks. Swans can expect that this is regular occurence henceforth.

The good news was we still won, partly coz ROK & a few others stood up. Interesting to see how we go on a bigger ground if Goodesy has another quiet one.

Is it logical then that in hindsight, this tag was a waste of time on the SCG? I mean, with the CHF (in this case, Goodesy) having less influence on that ground, they'd have been better served working on the backline run?

Secondly, would logic have it that tagging Goodesy on the MCG might also be a bit foolhardy because he would have MUCH more space to roam and shake the tag during open play?

Glad I am not a coach. I would fail miserably.

[j s]

Originally posted by Ruckman
Adelaide in Adelaide after beating West Coast, very very big ask.

I don't think you'll find much disagreement with that statement. Definitely not an easy game but also definitely winnable (and losable ) - if the players turn up for the whole game.

Win it though and we have a good shot at 2nd - lose and we fight to retain 3rd (or even 4th).

Crossing fingers and all other duplicated appendages! Touching the wooden head of the nearest work colleague. Throwing salt over left shoulder. Shooting the neighbours black cat. Anything else I should be doing?

[Vivien]

Originally posted by snajik
Yes, but then again winning 9 out of 11 games after round 6 also seemed unlikely at the time. Thing is, we're effectively 2 games behind The Crows with our average percentage.

Yeah, percentage is something letting us down at the moment, especially given the tight nature of the 8. Our percentage isn't likely to incresase much either.

I think it's probably too early to say who are genuine premiership conntenders, although you'd have to say West Coast virtually have top spot on the ladder assured. On current form, we're certainly a chance. Like others, I'm keen for this Saturday night to come, as I think this will be probably one of the best indicators of our standing yet. Of other sides, I'd probably say that WC, StK and North are the biggest threats at the moment, but I'm also really wary of Brisbane. They have the experience and grunt to get them through to the granny.