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I just thought that I'd try write something like a proper preview, as the occasion deserves, rather than rapidly running off a few sentences just prior to the game, because it's occurred to me that no one else has started a match thread.
Firstly the weather. As most people have probably noticed, it's fine in Melbourne, with the temperature expected to be 21°C at kick off. Seems to be no chance of rain and the wind is a moderate 24 kph coming from the north. Which might make it a bit swirly, but probably not enough to interfere significantly with ball movement or goal kicking.
Currently I'm feeling quietly optimistic, even though Brisbane are a quality side, that might have a few positional advantages. In that, they have the best KPF, the best KPD and the most decorated midfielder.
Daniher is a key forward in his prime, who's been in very good form recently. While our younger tall forwards are yet to come into their prime. Although, both Daniher and Hipwood can start spraying their shots, whereas our trio are quite steady. Also, I was quite impressed how McDonald and Amartey beelined the ball against Port. So, if they can at least bring the ball to ground, then Papley and Hayward could easily take advantage.
Our forwards will also have to keep Andrews busy, as he's close to the best defender in the competition. Though it might be more the case of our midfielders putting the ball where Andrews isn't. And one advantage that our defence has over Brisbane, is we probably have the competition's best rebounder in Blakey. He's certainly the most exciting to watch and I'm really hoping to see him launch plenty of attacks today.
I'm sure that Brisbane will be hoping that two time Brownlow medallist, Neale, will win plenty of clean ball for them in the midfield. But apparently he has something of a heel injury and might not be at his best. And of course, our trio of Heeney, Warner and Gulden can cause plenty of damage very quickly. Grundy going up against Fort should also be an advantage for us. Perhaps not so much in the hitouts, but more assisting Rowbottom and Jordon harass the opposition mids.
Though it's more on the outside ball movement and skilled field kicking, that I expect us to have the most advantage. Certainly at times this year, especially early on, we've looked impossible to stop.
So I guess the most pertinent question is, which is the real 2024 Swans? Is it the side that looked like making the competition a one horse race? Or is it the side that could be pressured into playing some quite mediocre football? I suspect the former is closer to the truth. I mean, when it looked like the wheels were spectacularly falling off late in the season, I think the players had gotten into bad habits, from knowing that a couple of losses wouldn't affect our ladder position, and consequently, not putting in as much as they should be. Now, the playing group is refreshed and they know that they are just four quarters of maximum effort away from fulfilling their premiership dreams and making the whole Swans supporter base very happy.
Firstly the weather. As most people have probably noticed, it's fine in Melbourne, with the temperature expected to be 21°C at kick off. Seems to be no chance of rain and the wind is a moderate 24 kph coming from the north. Which might make it a bit swirly, but probably not enough to interfere significantly with ball movement or goal kicking.
Currently I'm feeling quietly optimistic, even though Brisbane are a quality side, that might have a few positional advantages. In that, they have the best KPF, the best KPD and the most decorated midfielder.
Daniher is a key forward in his prime, who's been in very good form recently. While our younger tall forwards are yet to come into their prime. Although, both Daniher and Hipwood can start spraying their shots, whereas our trio are quite steady. Also, I was quite impressed how McDonald and Amartey beelined the ball against Port. So, if they can at least bring the ball to ground, then Papley and Hayward could easily take advantage.
Our forwards will also have to keep Andrews busy, as he's close to the best defender in the competition. Though it might be more the case of our midfielders putting the ball where Andrews isn't. And one advantage that our defence has over Brisbane, is we probably have the competition's best rebounder in Blakey. He's certainly the most exciting to watch and I'm really hoping to see him launch plenty of attacks today.
I'm sure that Brisbane will be hoping that two time Brownlow medallist, Neale, will win plenty of clean ball for them in the midfield. But apparently he has something of a heel injury and might not be at his best. And of course, our trio of Heeney, Warner and Gulden can cause plenty of damage very quickly. Grundy going up against Fort should also be an advantage for us. Perhaps not so much in the hitouts, but more assisting Rowbottom and Jordon harass the opposition mids.
Though it's more on the outside ball movement and skilled field kicking, that I expect us to have the most advantage. Certainly at times this year, especially early on, we've looked impossible to stop.
So I guess the most pertinent question is, which is the real 2024 Swans? Is it the side that looked like making the competition a one horse race? Or is it the side that could be pressured into playing some quite mediocre football? I suspect the former is closer to the truth. I mean, when it looked like the wheels were spectacularly falling off late in the season, I think the players had gotten into bad habits, from knowing that a couple of losses wouldn't affect our ladder position, and consequently, not putting in as much as they should be. Now, the playing group is refreshed and they know that they are just four quarters of maximum effort away from fulfilling their premiership dreams and making the whole Swans supporter base very happy.
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