Match thread: Swans v Port prelim.

[Hotpotato]

148 pt turnaround from the last encounter and a brilliant
response with lots of pinpoint passing and marking, a raucous crowd and a game that gave our hearts a break .
Such a brilliant and composed performance.
C’mon Lions, see off the Cats for an epic Granny.

[Auntie.Gerald]

well

boom
boom
boom

that was an epic game to attend.................we sliced and diced !!!!!!

Viva La Vida !!!!

[royboy42]

never in doubt! but just 95 points i was hoping we'd trash them

About a 25 goal turnaround from when we last played them a few weeks ago.
You're a tough marker.

[rojo]

What a great game! Especially the 2nd quarter. It must have been fun to be there. They obviously benefited from being at home and having the support of the home crowd, as no doubt Port did last week, also from having had a week to freshen up, but it seems to me that they came in with a different game plan that allowed the forwards to stand up, lead for the ball etc, which in turn allowed the mids to drop back more effectively not having to be the goalkickers as well. Whatever, it was a surprise to see how that first half played out and seemed like a whole team effort, dependent on the heroics of 2 or 3 players. Who would have thought the move of Parks onto Alir would have made such a difference too! Go Swannies!

Can they enjoy the win and the week ahead but still keep their feet on the ground enough to deliver next weekend? Only time will tell. At least most of the players have been there before, when it didn't turn out well, which should help keep them focused and hungry. The coaching team are probably a little bit wiser too.

[rojo]

What a great game! Especially the 2nd quarter. It must have been fun to be there. They obviously benefited from being at home and having the support of the home crowd, as no doubt Port did last week, also from having had a week to freshen up, but it seems to me that they came in with a different game plan that allowed the forwards to stand up, lead for the ball etc, which in turn allowed the mids to drop back more effectively not having to be the goalkickers as well. Whatever, it was a surprise to see how that first half played out and seemed like a whole team effort, dependent on the heroics of 2 or 3 players. Who would have thought the move of Parks onto Alir would have made such a difference too! Go Swannies!

Can they enjoy the win and the week ahead but still keep their feet on the ground enough to deliver next weekend? Only time will tell. At least most of the players have been there before, when it didn't turn out well, which should help keep them focused and hungry. The coaching team are probably a little bit wiser too.

Oops, missed out the word 'not'.

[dejavoodoo44]

A bit embarrassing for the NRL last night, after we drew 44,053 fans to the SCG, while the Sharks v Cowboys game next door had 19,124 in attendance. Sure, it's a long way from Cronulla to Moore Park, but still.

And speaking of numbers, early in the thread, I mentioned that Jake Lloyd kicking a goal made me feel confident, so I just had a look in AFL Tables. He's kicked a goal in 40 games and of those, we've won 29 and lost 11. Which is significant, but I suspected that it may have been higher, as him venturing that far into attack is probably more likely to happen when we're well on top. Still, a Lloyd goal is usually a pretty good sign.

[Nico]

What I said in the pre match thread, and no one else seemed to pick up on, was that we had a number of different players from round 21. Out went Adams, Francis, Cory W, Wicks, Ladhams, In came Papley, Rampe, Campbell, JMac, Amartey, Melican. A significantly improved team. I said to Ludwig before the game that I thought we were peaking.

[imuninformedtwo]

The maturity of that performance was impressive.

I'm not saying this in a predictive sense, but our side has been improved substantially since 2022 - thinking back to our GF side then.

There's the natural improvement that comes from the difference between a 30-gamer Errol Gulden, and the one today; or the hanging on for his dear life 22yo James Rowbottom, and the one today; or the footballers Ollie and Wilbur have become; even Hayden McLean being plucked from reserves at the last minute, to the one who has played every game this year and had a solid game last night.

And no offence to anyone in that side, but James Jordon is a substantial upgrade on Ryan Clarke; and Grundy on Hickey; and without wanting to be cruel, anyone on Dylan Stephens. There's even an argument that final series was where the GOAT tipped over the edge.

Depending what happens with Mills, you'd probably say the only player you'd want from that side that's not playing is Paddy McCartin. And whilst they are very different footballers, Melican has become a pretty fair substitute.

Anyway, that side you 'hoped' might pluck one but definitely got there early. This one looks more balanced, hardened, skilled and well-rounded.

[Nico]

The resilience of Melican to hang in after a series of hammies has to be admired. His improvement and calmness under pressure has been terrific. I think many, including me, thought he was just a back up defender who made many errors.

[Daisi]

A bit embarrassing for the NRL last night, after we drew 44,053 fans to the SCG, while the Sharks v Cowboys game next door had 19,124 in attendance. Sure, it's a long way from Cronulla to Moore Park, but still.

.

I'm going to join the snark here because some very loud sharks supporters yelled abuse at people entering the SCG last night. The people sitting on either side of me- one couple was from Newcastle, and then the other side from Melbourne...so yeah It IS a long way from the Shire isn't it?? Sarcasm intended...

Seriously- we had a very professional performance last night. I hope Logan is OK. I feel for Taylor Adams. I think we can beat Geelong because they are getting on in age, but I think Brisbane may be a problem. However, as agreed by some Port supporters last night- it would be great to see a non Victorian grand final...or quote ' Let's beat the Vics.'

[stevoswan]

The game was over when he came on.

How embarrassing....I forgot he was sub. Silly me.....

[stevoswan]

Also 50 free kicks tonight. Just crazy - we want the players to decide it, not the umpires being in every moment.

+1. They were shocking until they realised their efforts to help Port were futile.

[dejavoodoo44]

I'm going to join the snark here because some very loud sharks supporters yelled abuse at people entering the SCG last night..'

Probably sort of boneheads, who think that it's somehow un-Australian to follow Aussie Rules.

[imuninformedtwo]

Rampe cleared. Careless conduct, low impact and high contact = a fine. $2500.

[MattW]

Confirmed just a fine for Rampe. He's free to play next week: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1225052.