Let the predictions begin...

[chalbilto]

Interesting point by Liz, regaring Bolton's status in the backs. This raises the question about the extremely important players in the forwards, centre & the bench. Maybe Goodes for forwards? Kirk for the centre? Maybe Richards (assuming he is not in the starting 22) for the bench? I'd be interested in the opinions of other posters.

[hammo]

Hey LaughingGnome was that list voted on by the readers or compiled just by IF? (The readers were pretty close with their 6-10 prediction.)

The name that stands out to me is Seaby. He couldn't get a game with the Coast last year, now he's ranked above Kirk and Jude. Sixth maybe a bit high but on his pre-season form he's definitely top ten.

It's merely an indication that he's our number 1 ruckman.

[BSA5]

Mind you, watching us play the Saints a couple of weeks ago I had a strange feeling - I suddenly realised that the emergence of Grundy as a defender able to play on the very best forwards means that the prospect of going into games without Bolton no longer was a stomach churning experience. I still think he (Bolton) is an extremely important player because of his flexibility and leadership in the back six. But if we lost him for a significant portion of the season, I don't think it would be a calamatous as in years gone by.

You're right on that. I was thinking about matchups for the Saints game and I found myself putting LRT on Kozzi, Grundy on Riewoldt and Bolton on Milne of all people. Suddenly, Bolton's playing on arguably their third forward. Now, the fact that Bolton would be able to play on both Milne or Riewoldt is a huge, huge asset in terms of team flexibility, and I have him there partially because even though he'd do a slightly better job on Riewoldt than Grundy, I trust Grundy enough to cover him, and I wouldn't trust anybody else to mind both Milne and Schneider (as much as I like our plethora of small half backs, none of them are really able to be both defensive and attacking at the same time, and I want all guns firing from half back against the Saints to keep the ball moving). Smith would get the job on Schneider, Bolton on Milne. Richards takes third tall.

But yeah, point is that with the emergence of Grundy, I don't see Bolton playing as key a role in defence this year, becoming more of a Mr Fixit in defence depending on matchups.

[ernie koala]

You're right on that. I was thinking about matchups for the Saints game and I found myself putting LRT on Kozzi, Grundy on Riewoldt and Bolton on Milne of all people. Suddenly, Bolton's playing on arguably their third forward. Now, the fact that Bolton would be able to play on both Milne or Riewoldt is a huge, huge asset in terms of team flexibility, and I have him there partially because even though he'd do a slightly better job on Riewoldt than Grundy, I trust Grundy enough to cover him, and I wouldn't trust anybody else to mind both Milne and Schneider (as much as I like our plethora of small half backs, none of them are really able to be both defensive and attacking at the same time, and I want all guns firing from half back against the Saints to keep the ball moving). Smith would get the job on Schneider, Bolton on Milne. Richards takes third tall.

But yeah, point is that with the emergence of Grundy, I don't see Bolton playing as key a role in defence this year, becoming more of a Mr Fixit in defence depending on matchups.

I'd be very surprised if Bolton didn't get the oppositions 'go to forward' most weeks...ie Riewoldt, Hall, Fevola etc...he rarely gets beaten.
I agree having Grundy capable of covering a No.1 or 2 tall forward gives our backline more flexability. It seems either LRT or Richards will rotate off the bench, so we'll be well served for tall defenders. Bradshaw is also a good defender if needed (though probably only in desperate situations). I would think they would be more inclined to put one of our attacking halfbacks on either Milne or Schneider to expose their lack of accountability, with Smith playing on the other. Anyway, it's good to be able to have these debates, as it points to good depth.

[smasher]

We will need to be very physical to beat the Saints. Glad to hear they will have no Fisher.Our forward line may be our trump card.

[707]

They must have compiled their list before the pre season games as Jetta and Rohan don't make their 32 but both may well make the our 22 for Round 1.

[liz]

They must have compiled their list before the pre season games as Jetta and Rohan don't make their 32 but both may well make the our 22 for Round 1.

Haven't seen this year's. but in the past they've stated clearly that they only include players who have played senior footy. So no newbies will be included regardless of their potential immediate impact.

[goswannie14]

This is probably as bad as you're going to get. No Jack, Tadhg at CHB(??),

Sydney: Team Preview - AFL - Sportal Australia

You have to wonder about some of the tripe these idiots trot out.

The addition of Mark Seaby and Shane Mumford following the departure of Darren Jolly, also leaves the Swans with two genuine ruckmen for the first time in recent memory.

Has he forgotten about the Ball/Jolly combo?

[BSA5]

You have to wonder about some of the tripe these idiots trot out.Has he forgotten about the Ball/Jolly combo?

Or even Jolly/Everitt in 07? Everitt was more than handy in his first year with us, it wasn't until 08 that age truly began to catch up with him.