2007 v 2008

[SCGonasunnyday]

I predict these two years will merge in many of our memories as the years roll on, particularly if we end up losing to Collingwood a third time.

The big difference would seem to me is that in 2007 we actually had good wins against some of the better teams (Port Adelaide, Hawthorn etc). In 2008 when 1 team is great, 2 teams are pretty good, and the rest aren't that special we have consistently beaten the rubbish teams (including thrillers against port, WC, Carlton, Freo) but lost pretty convincingly against the top 8 teams.

I'm not sure which is better! Those four thrillers were fun and we have won more than we have lost and have made finals. But to not once get up and beat a quality team or win against expectations is a shame.

[Robbo]

I think we are about on par with 2007, the fact that we will probably end up with the same win/draw/loss ratio is a good indicator.

But we are a side who is just hanging on atm, we haven't improved and I think the club just have to bite the bullet on a few things.

[liz]

But we are a side who is just hanging on atm, we haven't improved and I think the club just have to bite the bullet on a few things.

I don't totally agree with the Swans' view that the team can't afford to have a down year, so long as it is contributing towards becoming a better team overall. But nor do I think it is necessary to do a Hawthorn or Richmond or Carlton and languish for years at the bottom. Gradual replenishment is a far better way to go than starting from scratch.

I don't think we know yet if this year has been a step backwards or a step forwards. Performance wise, the team's been about the same as last year in slightly more trying circumstances - ie we've had a more normal injury run than over the previous few season.

If Jack and Moore carry on next season at the level they've been this year, it's a step backwards. They've both played some pretty good football but only in patches, and have gone missing for stretches. That's to be expected but I don't think any of us really knows whether they're capable of becoming more consistent or whether we've seen what they have to offer.

I have little doubt Bird and Vez will get better - just not sure by how much and how long it will take.

We also don't know if those who've been given a wee taste, as Jack was last year, will use it as a springboard or will put in a Barlow-like season next year. Nor do we know whether Barlow's year was just a step he needed to have in his development or whether those few games last year were something out of the box.

One of the frustrating things has been the lost seasons to many of those who might be the next generation. Schmidt, Thornton and Laidlaw would all probably have played a decent amount of senior football this year had their seasons not been a write-off. Maybe DOK and Meredith might have snuck in for a game or two as well. As it is, we don't really have much of a clue about how much of the quality we need to inject is already on the list and how much still needs to be recruited.