Match thread: Swans v Lions.

[BRS328]

Apart from his first two disposals and his failure to close the door in the final quarter with a couple of missed shots, I think that was Sheldrick's best game. He doesn't have the straight line speed of, say, Warner, but his pace in his first couple of steps is pretty good, and he used it well to create enough space and time for himself when in traffic. Sure, there's still room for improvement in disposal efficiency but he had some really nice touches that did create scoring opportunities, or put a team mate into space. And the majority of his disposal are under pressure.

Buckley's comment - after Gus's first two disposals were a little wayward - that he was a player who just hadn't kicked on was made to look a bit silly as the game progressed. Because although I think this was his best game, it didn't come from nowhere. I think Buckley just made it clear he'd not actually seen Sheldrick play much in the last couple of months.

There was a moment early in the fourth quarter that I hope Buller gets shown on his review tape. He was in a one-on-one contest with Andrews, deep in our forward line. Andrews never took his eye off the ball and marked it cleanly on his chest. Buller watched Andrews. I don't think Andrews had pole position. He just watched the ball.

This was far from Florent's best game - a long way far - but it was still his best for a while. Better than last week, after which I thought he was in danger of losing his place again. I was happy for him. A dancing Florent who is enjoying his footy is a far better asset for us than the tentative player he's been for most of the season (even at VFL level).

Campbell was good, especially early. That continues on from last week, where his opening quarter was bit of a statement. But I think this needs to become the standard that we expect from Campbell, rather than something worth commenting on. He's a player who has the talent to elevate himself to be a true X-factor player in our forward half (and reduce the reliance on the ICEmen playing well).

I agree with IU2 that this was Chad's best game for ages. I think - given what we know he can do - he's had a pretty ordinary year. Today was glimpses of the Chad we know and love.

On the other hand, I thought Errol was a bit off. Obviously there was that outrageously ambitious kick that resulted in a turnover to the Lions in the corridor. But he was generally not as clean off the ground, or as crisp with his kicking as we are used to. And he was guilty of a couple of minor, ill-disciplined acts.

Given that Papley was quiet too, it's encouraging that the whole team performance was so impressive with a couple of our top half-dozen or so players not quite up to their own (high) standards.

I agree with you on every point. I think both Errol and Papley are feeling the effects of not having the benefit of a full preseason.
Thought Cox out coached Fagan on the day.
Given it was a makeshift forward line it was a great performance

[imuninformedtwo]

Apparently Grundy has now entered the concussion protocols after some delayed symptons, so I assume Ladhams gets a go - though I wouldn't be completely opposed to Green getting a game to understand what is required. He hasn't really earned it yet, and it'd probably be a bit ugly. But hey - if there's one benefit of nothing being on the line now this year . . .

[Thunder Shaker]

Grundy to miss Cats clash, McInerney has PCL injury (afl.com.au)
It is disappointing to find that these two players are injured; Grundy has delayed concussion symptoms and McInerney has a PCL injury that needs assessment.

Ladhams has to come in for Grundy. I would like Green to be chosen as well, but I cannot see how to do this without altering the team balance.

Who to pick to replace McInerney? The VFL team had no game last weekend, but in the last match they played several players performed well in the win over Essendon. Players that could be considered: Adams (32 disposals), Roberts (31), Bice (23).

[crackedactor 01]

Grundy to miss Cats clash, McInerney has PCL injury (afl.com.au)
It is disappointing to find that these two players are injured; Grundy has delayed concussion symptoms and McInerney has a PCL injury that needs assessment.

Ladhams has to come in for Grundy. I would like Green to be chosen as well, but I cannot see how to do this without altering the team balance.

Who to pick to replace McInerney? The VFL team had no game last weekend, but in the last match they played several players performed well in the win over Essendon. Players that could be considered: Adams (32 disposals), Roberts (31), Bice (23).

I think Green has to come in. YOU need at least one specialist ruckman. With his running capacity I would like to see Corey Warner replace McInerney.

[KSAS]

Will Hayward is a test to return this week from his calf strain and could also be a replacement for McInerney,

[dejavoodoo44]

Unsurprisingly, Heeney got the ten coaches votes.

10 Isaac Heeney SYD
5 Harris Andrews BL
4 Nick Blakey SYD
3 Angus Sheldrick SYD
3 Will Ashcroft BL
2 Darcy Wilmot BL
2 Josh Dunkley BL
1 Errol Gulden SYD

Unfortunately, with Grundy getting no votes and next week off with a concussion, he can no longer win it.

93 Noah Anderson GCFC
88 Jordan Dawson ADEL
88 Matt Rowell GCFC
87 Nick Daicos COLL
87 Bailey Smith GEEL
81 Max Holmes GEEL
81 Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera STK
80 Caleb Serong FRE
78 Max Gawn MELB
77 Zak Butters PORT
77 Brodie Grundy SYD
77 Ed Richards WB
69 Marcus Bontempelli WB
68 Finn Callaghan GWS
66 Hugh McCluggage BL
62 Andrew Brayshaw FRE
61 Isaac Heeney SYD

Of those up at the pointy end, I'd be most pleased if either of the Gold Coast pair won it, or perhaps if Wanganeen-Milera made an unlikely late victory charge.

[imuninformedtwo]

Now this is my kind of controversey.

Apparently the AFL Integrity Unit is investigating an alleged incident of 'inappropriate touching' by a Brisbane player on a Swans player. No names, no complaint lodged by the Swans.

But, let's just say if we're talking the same incident, they went to extraordinary lengths to stop Nick Blakey's freewheeling ways.

https://photos.aap.com.au/search/Sydney%20Swans?q=%7B%22pageSize%22:25,%22pageNumber%22:6%7D

[dejavoodoo44]

Now this is my kind of controversey.

Apparently the AFL Integrity Unit is investigating an alleged incident of 'inappropriate touching' by a Brisbane player on a Swans player. No names, no complaint lodged by the Swans.

But, let's just say if we're talking the same incident, they went to extraordinary lengths to stop Nick Blakey's freewheeling ways.

https://photos.aap.com.au/search/Sydney%20Swans?q=%7B%22pageSize%22:25,%22pageNumber%22:6%7D

It looks very John Hopoate, doesn't it? I wonder what on earth Smith was thinking?

[imuninformedtwo]

It looks very John Hopoate, doesn't it? I wonder what on earth Smith was thinking?

I don't know, but that hall of fame moron Jon Ralph is trying to suggest it was just a tangle of legs.

[imuninformedtwo]

I remember last year when Hipwood run under Blakey in a mark and tunnelled him, leaving him dangerously exposed. I guess this is just a new form of tunnelling, really.

[dejavoodoo44]

I don't know, but that hall of fame moron Jon Ralph is trying to suggest it was just a tangle of legs.

Interesting take. Not sure if I like his chances of convincing any sane people?

[dejavoodoo44]

I remember last year when Hipwood run under Blakey in a mark and tunnelled him, leaving him dangerously exposed. I guess this is just a new form of tunnelling, really.

"I was just reaching for the ball and was surprised when I realised that his rectum was in my way."

[Goal Sneak]

I don't know, but that hall of fame moron Jon Ralph is trying to suggest it was just a tangle of legs.

Don't worry about their legs Jon, we're more concerned with where his hands are, hence the "inappropriate touching" charge

The photo's description simply has them "interacting"

[imuninformedtwo]

I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to shake hands with Smith after the match, and not because of his sense of fair play.

[imuninformedtwo]

So he’s been cleared, even though he clearly went the date here. It’s Roy and HG and the search for the missing goblet all over again.

https://x.com/7afl/status/1954839217701310874?s=46&t=sQMt5At44PVyIxB253ariQ