Academy games 2026.

[dejavoodoo44]

The Allies go around again today, playing Vic Metro at 11am at Ballarat. Hopefully they can put in a better display than last game. There’s been a few changes to the Swans representation. McGroder isn't playing, due to athletics commitments. Which suggests that he still hasn't made his decision on which sporting path to follow. Also out are Price and Hardy. However, Conrad Blackwell-Smith comes into the side. About a year ago, he was possibly our best midfielder, but he's missed much of this season due to injury. So, it'll be interesting to see if he can make a late charge at the draft.

Also missing from the side is highly rated GWS midfielder, Mathews, who is out with a stress reaction in his foot. He was disappointing last game, but maybe he was playing injured.

[dejavoodoo44]

Total domination by Vic Metro to be in front 52-0 at quarter time. I'm starting to wonder if the Allies have practiced together? Or if they have, have they developed a heap of personality clashes? There really is no cohesion on the field.

[dejavoodoo44]

Vic Metro now in front 74-20. I suppose it was a better performance by the Allies, but it looked like they had the wind advantage. Meaney kicked a goal early in the quarter, which I didn't see. He's topping the tackle count with 7.

[dejavoodoo44]

Not really sure why I'm wasting data on this, but Vic Metro now ahead 117-27. Don't know if I saw Meaney in that quarter: maybe he's injured? Blackwell-Smith did pretty well in that quarter.

[dejavoodoo44]

Vic Metro won 139-56. Another very disappointing performance from the Allies. Maybe there's a lack of talent, because plenty of the ball movement was inept, but I'm wondering if something has gone seriously wrong with their preparation? Of course, I'm in no position to make a judgement on that.

Anyway, I don't think any of our academy players boosted their draft chances. Blackwell-Smith had a good second half with plenty of contested possessions. Meaney was pretty good in the first half, but was largely anonymous in the second. Morahan battled hard in a defence under siege. Medved tried to spark some rapid ball movement out of defence, but was generally let down by team mates, who either missed targets or ignored him flashing past, and he ended having to rapidly backtrack.

Since I can't really see the Allies improving that much in their final game, I'm now hoping that our various academy prospects will get some chances in our VFL side.

[Noble Banner]

Hello guys, I'm new to the forum and I'll go by "Noble Banner"

I am a long time Sydney Swans supporter and have been reading all the articles on this forum and have been keeping a close eye on this age group of academy players as they are a seriously talented group. However, the past two weeks have been tough to watch, with not one Sydney Swans Academy player stepping up to the level required at the national championships.

I thought the best was easily Conrad Blackwell - Smith today, particularly when he went into the midfield and he is probably the only player that can hold his head up highly after the game. All the other boys were pretty disappointing particularly for a group of highly talented players that went undefeated in talent league, and were apart of a NSW/ACT team that defeated South Australia. To be fair, Morahan and Medved tried hard out of defense all day, but the others were largely anoynomous.

I would love to see the other Smith, Patrick, get a game for the Allies. Does anyone know if he is injured? He had a strong season at Talent League level and seems to be the player from this crop that doesn't shy away from the pressure of a big game and tough opponents. Against Eastern Ranges earlier in the year, he almost single handedly kept them in the game in the first half with a balanced mix of winning contested ball, breaking away with his speed and power out of contests and laying massive tackles asserting his presence on the game. dejavoodoo44 and Nepo baby I would love to know your thoughts on him or confirm if he is injured or not.

Until next time,
Noble Banner.