Are we too nice for our own good?

[swan_song]

One thing that concerns me (and believe me, there are many things that concern me when it comes to the Swannies ) is the fact that we don't seem to be able to stop a run, like the Kangas had in the first quarter. When goals are coming so fast and easily, there should be a plan F that we can employ. F for fight, F for fracas. It seems to me that whenever the Hawks or Bummers used to get in trouble in previous incarnations, then Brereton, Dipper, Hardwick or someone would simply iron out an opposition player, create a real stoppage (while the stretcher came on) and let the guys reset...and the opposition break their concentration...
Maybe we're just too much "Mr NiceGuys" for our own good...We don't want violence necessarily back in the game, but both AFL and rugger have been sanitised to such a degree that teams are reluctant to have an enforcer anymore. Bring back the biff in AFL too, we need an animal on the field, and I'm not talking about plugga the pig..

[bloodboy]

I totally agree that that would be a great tactic to employ in those times, but it is just so much harder these days to get away with that sort of stuff. I mean, we employ that sort of stuff anyway as we are supposedly the best tempo football team that has ever gone around. I think, like with most things, you won't be able to pull it off each and every time. I am hoping that Saturday night was just a blip on the radar. I mean, if you look at it, we were severely outplayed in the first quarter by that kangas but it was pretty even after that and I would even go as far to say we were a bit better. I'm gonna give em a few more weeks to click together...I haven't seen us play a good game yet and we are 3-3. I realise that this is still not a good thing but at least we ain't the tigers...

[liz]

Firstly, I don't think a team needs to use excessive force to stop a run. The Swans have done it before, though it is harder to do when you're not getting your hands on the ball (as opposed to getting possession but then turning it over too easily).

Secondly, one player out there did try to show intent early in the game with a fantastic strong, but legal and fair, bump and then some super tackling. Unfortunately too few of Leo's team mates picked up on the cues until it was too late.

[NMWBloods]

Barry provided most of the highlights - superb mark, great bump and magnificent tackle!!

[Lucky Knickers]

Leo has really led from the front in the last couple of games. Is the only captain firing at the moment. Not dissing Kirk but he's not quite as damaging at the moment until very late in the game and I don't know where Baz is at the moment.

[BLT]

Leo has really led from the front in the last couple of games. Is the only captain firing at the moment. Not dissing Kirk but he's not quite as damaging at the moment until very late in the game and I don't know where Baz is at the moment.

Leo was great - and i agree, the colonel is going to have to watch out he doesn't drop rank back down to captain - where has his fire gone?