Official Match Thread Swans Vs Geelong.

[AussieAnge]

[QUOTE=liz;317063]Umpire adjudged he had prior opportunity before the tackle was laid. If that's the case, it doesn't matter how impossible it is to dispose of the ball once tackled - in fact, a tackle like that becomes 'perfect'. He got done with another one later in the game where he had absolutely no chance to dispose.
QUOTE]


Thanks for the explanation Liz, I wasn't watching the game (it was on but I was doing something else, not a real fan I know ) so wasn't sure if he had prior or if the Cats player grabbed his jumper immediately.

[swantastic]

I thought we were pretty crap for 90% of the game but why o why do we turn it on 10% of the game only I'm not goint to right them off yet...but they had better pull their finger out over the next 9 weeks.

Swans v Freo=Win....SCG
Swans v Blues=Win...SCG
WC v Swans=50/50...Subi
Swans v Tigers=Win...SCG
Demons v Swans=Win..Manuka
Swans v Saints=Win but just as long as we dont get over 50000...TS
Lions v Swans=50/50...GABBA
Swans v Pies=50/50...MCG
Swans v Hawks=50/50..SCG

Thats just my opinion and hoefuly we win some of those 50/50's.

[NMWBloods]

I don't think playng WC in Subi is 50/50 at the moment.

However, as I stated elsewhere most of the remaining games are definitely winnable.

[swansrule100]

if we dont win the next two then we are a complete and utter rabble and we can all go on holidays in september

[liz]

I thought we were pretty crap for 90% of the game but why o why do we turn it on 10% of the game only I'm not goint to right them off yet...but they had better pull their finger out over the next 9 weeks.

Swans v Freo=Win....SCG
Swans v Blues=Win...SCG
WC v Swans=50/50...Subi
Swans v Tigers=Win...SCG
Demons v Swans=Win..Manuka
Swans v Saints=Win but just as long as we dont get over 50000...TS
Lions v Swans=50/50...GABBA
Swans v Pies=50/50...MCG
Swans v Hawks=50/50..SCG

Thats just my opinion and hoefuly we win some of those 50/50's.

I'd back us at the Gabba more than against the Saints on current form.

All those games are winnable (though the subi game as a very long shot) but not with the current team in its current mindset. Compared to all the teams in the top 8, we don't have enough players playing anywhere near their best.

The defensive unit's been pretty decent all year but is getting nothing like the support it has in past years from midfielders running back. Nor anything like the support the defences of most of our opponents seem to be getting.

As for the rest of the team, Kirk and Goodes busted a gut yesterday to get the team moving. I thought O'Keefe and O'Loughlin were also desperate and worked hard, though with mixed results. Schmidt and Laidlaw get pass marks. But almost all the rest were complete passengers for all or part of the game.

Too much is being left to far too few.

[NMWBloods]

Just on the earlier discussion about not being able to bring in a lot of young players - why not - half of Collingwood's side have played less than 30 games each and they're doing pretty well at the moment.

[swantastic]

Just on the earlier discussion about not being able to bring in a lot of young players - why not - half of Collingwood's side have played less than 30 games each and they're doing pretty well at the moment.

Good point,maybe some one should point that out to Roosy.

[ScottH]

Just on the earlier discussion about not being able to bring in a lot of young players - why not - half of Collingwood's side have played less than 30 games each and they're doing pretty well at the moment.

I think the difference between us and the pies (and the hawks) is that they have struggled over the last few years and are rebuilding. Our team has remained successful (2007 aside) for quite a few years now, and beside the obvious RWO whipping boys, the team has remained relatively unchanged.

"But the time has come, the Walrus said." (maybe)

[liz]

Both the Hawks and Pies have the advantage, if you can call it that, of having few expectations placed on them. Both are clearly on the rise but seem to be performing at a level and consistency a year or two ahead of where most thought they would be. I doubt it will be a straight line for either from where they are now to a premiership (they may have to falll back slightly before they can go the whole way) but both are playing with a freedom and verve that teams on the up can afford.

The Swans are at the opposite end of the spectrum, trying to cling to recent success with an engine that is essentially there but with a little wear and tear around the edges and with a couple of parts missing. Maybe it shouldn't make much difference, but I'm sure it does. And don't ignore that other teams are clearly setting them for us, having got a decent idea of how to crack the machine and executing well laid plans superbly.

[NMWBloods]

But all teams that are up there for a few years start to have some problems with wear and tear. That's the point when the struggling players should gradually be replaced. I think it is happening too slowly. In addition, game plans need to evolve because everyone sets themselves to play the leading sides - I don't think ours has enough, and introducing some new players helps with that.

[ScottH]

But all teams that are up there for a few years start to have some problems with wear and tear. That's the point when the struggling players should gradually be replaced. I think it is happening too slowly. In addition, game plans need to evolve because everyone sets themselves to play the leading sides - I don't think ours has enough, and introducing some new players helps with that.

I don't disagree. I was just pointing out the difference between us and the Pies.

You just have to look at the rise of Malceski in the last few years. Schmidt hasn't cemented his role, but is making a good headway towards being in the top 22 . Will Laidlaw be given time to slot in, now he has debuted.

[NMWBloods]

Some of the reserves coming in are starting to establish their positions and others have failed. I think it is not unreasonable to look to trial more reserves players, particularly as at least half a dozen seniors are giving us nothing.

Often I think coaches cling to their sides and plans for too long, because they have worked in the past and they are scared to change, plus a feeling of loyalty to the players. This seems to be a factor in a number of declines of top teams.

[ScottH]

Some of the reserves coming in are starting to establish their positions and others have failed. I think it is not unreasonable to look to trial more reserves players, particularly as at least half a dozen seniors are giving us nothing.

Often I think coaches cling to their sides and plans for too long, because they have worked in the past and they are scared to change, plus a feeling of loyalty to the players. This seems to be a factor in a number of declines of top teams.

That was my point, while we were winning and injuries were scarce, you are not going to change the team. Injuries this year have given a few a chance at senior level, and now the team is struggling dropping the right players and including some fresh blood(s) should be seen as the way to the future.

[NMWBloods]

That was my point, while we were winning and injuries were scarce, you are not going to change the team. Injuries this year have given a few a chance at senior level, and now the team is struggling dropping the right players and including some fresh blood(s) should be seen as the way to the future.

Yes, I know we are saying the same thing!

However, I still wonder whether the coach should look ahead a bit earlier and make changes a bit quicker.

[ScottH]

Yes, I know we are saying the same thing!

However, I still wonder whether the coach should look ahead a bit earlier and make changes a bit quicker.

Maybe he should stop clearing his mind in the lotus position, and fire up.