Match thread: Swans v Bombers.

[neilfws]

Certainly not a pretty win, but a win nonetheless. Conditions were pretty horrible yesterday, you could see at the ground how the blustery wind was affecting kicks.

Another huge game from Grundy and I liked what I saw of Dattoli, he moved and led well, worked hard and was in all the right places. Sheldrick was busy too, and McCartin solid on return.

Swans absolutely dominated in many of the stats, but the disappointing one was inside 50 efficiency - 23 shots from 61 entries (38%) vs Bombers 19 from 46 (41%). I saw several instances of excessive handballing inside 50 ultimately leading to a turnover or missed opportunity, because no one had the confidence, space or speed to take the shot. Goes some way to explaining why field dominance didn't translate to scoreboard dominance.

That, and the several snaps that should have been drop punts Buller showing them how it's done from the boundary.

Anyway - a win. Hopefully McLean back next week, and maybe Hayward too?

[MattW]

Certainly not a pretty win, but a win nonetheless. Conditions were pretty horrible yesterday, you could see at the ground how the blustery wind was affecting kicks.

Another huge game from Grundy and I liked what I saw of Dattoli, he moved and led well, worked hard and was in all the right places. Sheldrick was busy too, and McCartin solid on return.

Swans absolutely dominated in many of the stats, but the disappointing one was inside 50 efficiency - 23 shots from 61 entries (38%) vs Bombers 19 from 46 (41%). I saw several instances of excessive handballing inside 50 ultimately leading to a turnover or missed opportunity, because no one had the confidence, space or speed to take the shot. Goes some way to explaining why field dominance didn't translate to scoreboard dominance.

That, and the several snaps that should have been drop punts Buller showing them how it's done from the boundary.

Anyway - a win. Hopefully McLean back next week, and maybe Hayward too?

Cox indicated in the after match press conference that Hayward had a minor calf issue. He also sounded less than impressed with the second half and intimated that they didn't play as planned.

You're right, though: a win is a win. We still have key players out and there were some positives.

Cox sounded noticeably optimistic about Dattoli in interviews both before and after the game.

[longmile]

Not reading too much into that game. Looked like neither time - especially the Swans - wanted to be there which is somewhat understandable. If we kicked straight in the second we would've put them away but we've dropped a few games and probably our finals chances through not being able to kick straight this year.

Pretty hard watching, but overall impressed with Dattolli, Grundy and yes even my least fave Swan, McInerney. Grundy (with maybe Heeney) looming as our AA rep this year. Would like to see Cleary start next week.

Must say I think Chad has been pretty disappointing this year. Bit of a one way player and seems to blaze away at any exciting opportunity rather than doing the team thing.