Swans the new Richmond

[Go Swannies]

Yes, exactly right. The difference between us and North is that the AFL will keep us alive if need be whereas they will be quite happy for North to have to relocate. To say we can't bottom out because the "Fickle" Sydney based Swans supporters will disappear is an insult to our Northern friends and no excuse for hanging around in the middle of the ladder "surviving". We were lucky with our trade/draft period this year, it is unlikely to happen again. Just look at Brisbanes attempt to win a premiership this year with top ups, what a success that has been.

So this thread should be entitled "Sydney - the more-successful Brisbane"?

[aardvark]

So this thread should be entitled "Sydney - the more-successful Brisbane"?

Darn...Why didn't I think of that ?

[Plugger46]

Yes, exactly right. The difference between us and North is that the AFL will keep us alive if need be whereas they will be quite happy for North to have to relocate. To say we can't bottom out because the "Fickle" Sydney based Swans supporters will disappear is an insult to our Northern friends and no excuse for hanging around in the middle of the ladder "surviving". We were lucky with our trade/draft period this year, it is unlikely to happen again. Just look at Brisbanes attempt to win a premiership this year with top ups, what a success that has been.

While I think Brisbane made some ordinary trades, they really haven't been able to show how good they are as a team with all of their injuries.

I don't agree with the OP and it certainly wouldn't have been posted after a win.

[aardvark]

While I think Brisbane made some ordinary trades, they really haven't been able to show how good they are as a team with all of their injuries.

I don't agree with the OP and it certainly wouldn't have been posted after a win.

Iv'e been thinking about it for quite a while, just seemed like a good time to put it out there. The whole system is set up for everyone to have their time in the sun. If we try and avoid spending some time at the bottom (and in a lot of cases its only been 1 year) we will sit somewhere in the middle of the ladder until we do. The rational behind "Top Ups" to maintain our supporter base is all wrong. The supporters who drop off during the hard times are not the ones that keep the club alive.

[Go Swannies]

Iv'e been thinking about it for quite a while, just seemed like a good time to put it out there. The whole system is set up for everyone to have their time in the sun. If we try and avoid spending some time at the bottom (and in a lot of cases its only been 1 year) we will sit somewhere in the middle of the ladder until we do. The rational behind "Top Ups" to maintain our supporter base is all wrong. The supporters who drop off during the hard times are not the ones that keep the club alive.

Has that stupid idea that the Gold Coast Shades and the Bogans would get priority picks been called off then? Great. In that case, let's hope we don't win another game this year or next. Good thing Roosey and the team were on to it well before the rest of us.

[laughingnome]

Iv'e been thinking about it for quite a while, just seemed like a good time to put it out there. The whole system is set up for everyone to have their time in the sun. If we try and avoid spending some time at the bottom (and in a lot of cases its only been 1 year) we will sit somewhere in the middle of the ladder until we do.

But judging by the clubs you gave as examples we have already "bottomed out" to the same tune as Port or North or Brisbane - last year was no picnic and we gained draft picks that lit up our eyes in Rohan, Jetta and Reid. Not to mention getting a stallion of a ruckman who is only 24. By your logic this should be enough and this year is a return up with our young superstars before kicking it for a flag in 3-4 years time.

So which is it? Are we floundering or slowly rising?

[jono2707]

I think with our current recruiting policy there's a fair chance we could finish 9th for the next 5 years+.
Teams that win premierships bottom out first.

I for one prefer the teams that I follow to do their best to win every week. I also accept that at certain times the teams that I follow are not necessarily the greatest and I have learned to accept the good with the bad. I also know that teams can have off days and when playing against a team that is 'on' can sometimes result in a flogging. That happened yesterday but I'm not going to sook about a spoilt baby about it.

I think we are a better team, and have more heart, to string too many performances like yesterday's together. I would much rather see a team have a go, and not do particularly well, rather than tank thanks very much...

[Go Swannies]

But judging by the clubs you gave as examples we have already "bottomed out" to the same tune as Port or North or Brisbane - last year was no picnic and we gained draft picks that lit up our eyes in Rohan, Jetta and Reid. Not to mention getting a stallion of a ruckman who is only 24. By your logic this should be enough and this year is a return up with our young superstars before kicking it for a flag in 3-4 years time.

So which is it?

We expect a double-dip "bottoming out".

I blame the immigrants and the climate. Pyke had a bad game yesterday and football grounds in Melbourne are just bloody cold. Someone better do something about it. Turning Air Canada flights around would be a good start. To say nothing of Aer Lingus or Ryanair.

[Donners]

I can see us hovering around 6-10 for a few years. We have a solid enough side to beat the rebuilding/rubbish teams, but not good enough to regularly defeat the good ones.

We have some developing kids, but also some declining senior players who will balance them out (with the balance probably tipped towards an overall decline).

I think the top few spots of the ladder are years away.

[Phil & Allan]

very harsh. we're going to play finals footy. we are definitly not the new Richmond.

[swansrule100]

anyone else think ponting should retire?

[aardvark]

So which is it? Are we floundering or slowly rising?

Ok I think we are slowly rising but I also think we have put back our redevelopment this year by attempting to play finals one more time for Roosy. The Kids that some whinge about missing out each week like Vez TDL Mod LJ Reid and Currie will have to play eventually along with Rohan Jetta and Smith.
I understand the argument for not dropping Kirk ect. Its the fringe players I have a problem with like Ted, Shaw,Mattner,Bevo,Moore ect. If the younger group had played ahead of them we would have lost more games but started their development and gained a higher Draft pick next year. There will still be plenty of good players at Pick 4,6,8,10 ect. So in the end we sacrifice developing our future team and a higher draft pick for the sake of maybe playing one final. People argue that the finals experience is good for the "Kids" but if we make it how many of them will play?

[aardvark]

anyone else think ponting should retire?

Yep

[Go Swannies]

Ok I think we are slowly rising but I also think we have put back our redevelopment this year by attempting to play finals one more time for Roosy. The Kids that some whinge about missing out each week like Vez TDL Mod LJ Reid and Currie will have to play eventually along with Rohan Jetta and Smith.
I understand the argument for not dropping Kirk ect. Its the fringe players I have a problem with like Ted, Shaw,Mattner,Bevo,Moore ect. If the younger group had played ahead of them we would have lost more games but started their development and gained a higher Draft pick next year. There will still be plenty of good players at Pick 4,6,8,10 ect. So in the end we sacrifice developing our future team and a higher draft pick for the sake of maybe playing one final. People argue that the finals experience is good for the "Kids" but if we make it how many of them will play?

If second in our B&F is "fringe", what do you have to do to earn a spot? And do you really think any of the reserves you mention would have contributed more over the season than Kirk, who has dropped to just 6th this season for AFL tackles?

And, personally, I think Moore does straighten up our forward line, they just didn't have much to do yesterday so he was largely surplus to requirements.

[msb]

I think with our current recruiting policy there's a fair chance we could finish 9th for the next 5 years+.
Teams that win premierships bottom out first.

Aaaahh not sure what your on, but a certain team nearly went back to back premiership winners in 05-06 without ever bottoming out.