Round 17: Sydney Swans Reserves v Ainslie

[BSA5]

Thanks Jesse, it's good to know someone is listening/watching. With Triple B absent, it sometimes felt like I was babbling to myself.

I was watching too! Your work doesn't go unnoticed!

[ugg]

Thanks again.

Match report of sorts, I thought I better get it down while the events are still fresh in the mind.

To be honest, I was expecting a shellacking once the team lists went up on Friday with only 10 listed players. To walk into the ground and realise that Vez wasn't playing didn't improve my expectations. So it was a pleasant surprise that the match turned out to be a genuine contest for 3 and a half quarters.

Structure
Reid and Johnston up forward, with Reid a little deeper. Topup Dickerson, who isn't a small man was also in the forward line. In the midfield, the center square consisted of Currie the ruckman with McNeil, Gordon and Sumner at his feet. The defence had topup Emery on Ben Hughes, Gilchrist on Eric Stone and also O'Dwyer, McKaigue and scholarship players Guthrie and Lynch helping out. Sumner was taken off midfield some time in the second quarter with topup Linsen moved in. In the second Ainslie moved Hughes back to defence on Johnston, and the Swans subsequently swapped Emery with topup Dickerson who had been playing forward. Sumner spent some time in defence in the second half. Reid gradually began moving further and further up the field as the game wore on and cut out some Ainslie passes in our defensive 50 despite still playing forward.

1st Quarter
Swans put a lot of men behind the ball trying to suffocate Ainslie's attack. When they did break this allowed their forwards to work in a lot of space. However, they struggled to transition from defence to attack and turned the ball over a lot. Ainslie didn't help their own cause by missing the set shots they had.

The Swans's chances were few and very scrappy. McKaigue's kick to Dickerson's advantage was spilled over the line. Sumner spotted Reid free but put too much on the kick and it flew through for a behind. Nipper had time and space to find a free player on the half-forward flank but his kick too flew over the top of the intended target. Johnston put an ambitious handball into space but Sumner wasn't on the same wavelength and Ainslie mopped up. Reid had the lone set shot from just inside 50 but misses on the near side.

Swans 0.3 (3) Ainslie 1.4 (10)

2nd Quarter
Swans started with more purpose and kicked the first 4 goals of the quarter. Reid getting 2 - one through good harassing off the ball and the other a contested mark from behind using his prodigous leap and long reach. Johnston kicked the other 2. The first one was a well worked move - Currie tapped in down to Gordon who spotted up the leading Reid. He then placed a well-weighted kick to Johnston right in between two defenders. The second he snapped playing on to advantage after Linsen (I think) was collected head high.

Ainslie were hardly in the game at this period. It all came unstuck when topup Dickerson attempted a switch of play but misplaced his kick. Ainslie goaled and kicked the next one too and after this dominated a whole lot without getting any reward on the scoreboard. O'Dwyer kicked one against the run of play when a McKaigue bomb cleared the pack. MOD read it perfectly and snapped around the corner.

It was during the latter part of the second half that I felt they overused the handball. Perhaps it was due to the fact they messed up a few kicks going forward in the first quarter that they reverted to this style, but I felt like shouting "Kick the bloody thing already" more than once during this period.

Swans 5.4 (34) Ainslie 3.4 (22)

3rd Quarter
Started with a bang from the opening bounce. Nipper burst clear of the pack, handballed it to Sumner who *just* managed to shrug off a despairing tackle before offloading into space for Emery to chase. He gathered it, drew Johnston's man with great timing and handballed for Lewis to boot it into the Trumper (or would have been if they wasn't a protective net). Emery dropped an easy mark allowing Ainslie to go coast-to-coast for a quick reply.

A Swans player was then penalised for running over the mark, when all he did was make slight contact with the Ainslie player running back after taking the mark. This resulted in a fifty metre penalty and an easy goal. Reid kicked his 3rd when he read the play well, intercepting a handball from an Ainslie defender, running to fifty, steadying, kicking it and having it roll through the unguarded goal.

McNeil kicked his goal when he received a high fend-off from a rampaging Ainslie defender galloping at full speed. The defender's protestations cost him a fifty metre penalty allowing the Dill to goal from point blank. He was perhaps a tad lucky, but was rewarded for putting his body on the line. The Swans then managed to repel waves after waves of Ainslie attacks, Reid being prominent in chopping off passes by dropping back into the correct spaces. Ainslie were responsible for a few stuff ups of their own with some sloppy play by their forwards. They did manage to kick one after a good juggling mark.

Swans 8.7 (55) Ainslie 6.8 (44)

4th Quarter
Ainslie threw everything at the Swans and the pressure started to tell. More turnovers in the midfield led to two Ainslie goals. Hughes marking uncontested 25m out and then some quick thinking play near the boundary line resulted in the 2nd. Swans pegged one back when McKaigue spotted up Emery (according to the scoreboard anyway, I had it down as Reid but am not sure) on a lead whose converting kick split the middle.

Swans continued to battle away in defence but the number of turnovers started to hurt. One led to an uncontested mark 35m out, and put away. The second was from a poor kick-in by Gilly, the Ainslie player sent the ball straight back over Gilly's head. Players were starting to tire in the warm conditions, and topup Bills's vain attempt at a tackle was shrugged off and Ainslie had their 11th. They kicked their last from a tough set shot in the pocket.

After this, they switched a lot of numbers back to block Johnston's and Reid's space and the midfielders and halfbacks like Gordon, O'Dwyer and Gilchrist were noticeably hesitant kicking into the forward line.

Swans 9.7 (61) Ainslie 12.11 (83)

Disappointing to lose by such a margin after a good battle for most of the game, Ainslie definitely ran the game out better and had more intent in chasing the 4 points. However, if the coaches were disappointed in the efforts of the reserves in recent weeks, I think they will go to bed tonight much happier. Perhaps if they had more firepower and class up forward (e.g. a Vesz) they could have put a bigger margin on the board when they were dominating play. As it was the margin was always close enough for Ainslie to charge over the top of.

Sam Reid was clearly the best for me. I admit I have a slight mancrush on him so excuse me if the following sentences are a tad hyperbolic in nature. His athleticism - his leaps, his strong hands, his timing, his kicking are all top notch and for all to see today. In fact he was in such good nick that whenever a ball was kicked to him I expected him to mark it no matter how difficult the task was. He did a lot of work up the ground, pushing back and helping out the defenders and cut out a lot of Ainslie passes in the defensive fifty. However what impresses me most about Reid is just his competitiveness and his desire. Off the ball he does a sterling job chasing and pressuring defenders. If the ball is on the ground it is not uncommon to see him diving on top of it and out-hustle smaller and nimbler players. He has taken any task given to him and excelled at it - Reid has played up forward and down back, as well as some time in the ruck. Primmy, your nickname of "Reid the Weed" surely has to make way now. I've been thinking of calling him "Cracker" as he seems to have had one every time I've watched him play.

Before I end my gushing, I would like to highlight one piece of play from Reid that has stuck in my mind. Johnston easily outpaced Hughes on the lead, in turn kicking it high to allow Reid to mark over the top of a shorter Ainslie player. He then sent a low pass, wouldn't have gone past head-height, to McKaigue dashing into the forward fifty who gobbled it up in his stride. It was great vision and superb execution by Reid.

Nipper Gordon was best on ground at half time. He was the beneficiary of some good taps from Daniel Currie. This duo has worked so well over the season you being to wonder whether they have a telepathic connection. Nipper used his well-known tank to push back hard in defence, just like Reid did in the 2nd half. I felt his disposal was a mixed bag, he was involved in quite a few of the turnovers but would have ended up with a big possession tally. Crusher had his hands full with Rowan Andrews and played quite well despite getting some physical attention. At least he didn't have to ruck the whole game this time.

This was Matt O'Dwyer's best game for quite some time. He showed a lot of intent and purpose running out of the back half and his kicking was very solid today, a big improvement on many of his showings. He was also cool under pressure, linking up well with his fellow defenders and was a much-needed leader down back.

Dylan McNeil was followed by (I'm not sure that tagged is the right term) Shirley who restricted Dill's influence but not his work-rate. McNeil is like a little terrier who loves scrapping down at the bottom of the packs. It was a good tussle that I'm sure McNeil took a lot out of.

Lewis Johnston showed no sign of being troubled by his hip complaint as he moved freely up the ground. He only display glimpses of his talent. He was much better a providing a lead than he was in competing in one-on-one wrestles with his defender - he tried a few bodywok manouevres that were easily countered by his opponent.

I felt Chris McKaigue had a better game today than a fortnight ago when he received some acknowledgement in the best players list. He is starting to feel more at home with the game, although he noticeably didn't want to bounce the ball today. He works hard running off the ball to provide an option (and very vocal in letting know he is an option)

Taylor Gilchrist had a few spoils but didn't see much of the ball. I would like to see him played further up, perhaps as a wingman as he has a prodigous kick. I suppose being played in defence is part of his football education.

Disappointingly, Byron Sumner had little to no impact on the game today. None of the characteristic darts from stoppages that had delighted me previously. It came as no surprise when he was rotated out of the midfield onto the wing and then finally defence where he was quite anonymous as well. Near the end of the game, he took a knock in a marking contest and was grimacing quite painfully but I suspect it was just cramp.

Scholarship players: I thought Jack Lynch was the pick of the quartet, competed well in defence and threw his body around. Jackson Potter provided the link through the wing and midfield although he did butcher a few kicks. Blake Guthrie was overawed at times but also competed well down back. Second time I've seen Nathan Kenny play and it's also the second time I can't remember anything about him at all. Sorry Nathan.

Topups: They recruited some big bodies today. Kieran Emery deserves a mention for shutting down Ben Hughes early, his foray up forward later on wasn't as impressive. David Linsen was the player that replaced Sumner in the middle. He used his chunky build to advantage, tackling well and providing a presence that Sumner hadn't been doing. Daniel Dickerson was the topup recruited from the Swans previous games in Canberra and his size must have been the reason for doing so. He started up forward where he looked promising before swapping with Emery. The switch didn't help his play as he was caught out of position in the last quarter a couple of times.

It was hard to miss the large Mitch Donovan who shows wonderful athleticism. He was quick over a short distance and has a good leap but there is a reason that he is playing in the lower grades of the Sydney AFL. That reason being his football nous is lacking. Once he led into space and Johnston duly kicked into that space. For no obvious reason he just stopped allowing the Ainslie defender to mark unopposed. Johnston was not pleased and threw up his hands in exasperation. Donovan also failed to use his big frame to hold position in marking contests. He was the initial relief ruckman, but the Swans soon turned to Emery in this position perhaps having no confidence in Donovan's play.

In general, the rest of the topups were quite solid too. Ainslie didn't seem to break too many tackles until near the end of the game when perhaps their lack of fitness told.

[dimelb]

Thanks ugg - there was quite a lot still fresh in your mind! Very much appreciate your descriptions and assessments - a top report, as usual.

[Primmy]

Good lawwd ugg, I am impressed. Here I was thinking I had to get my head around last night's game and concentrate on putting thoughts to paper (screen) on the ressies game and now i don't have to. My brain thanks you.

Reid the Weed was retired officially last home game. I now have a CougerCrush on the boy. I just love watching him in action, and its definitely Reid and daylight at present. Probably the only reason he hasn't had a call up, is that there is no room. He has done some rucking so wonder if he will get a fillin job next week? Kind of don't want him to, his frame has opened up, but it still needs some bulk added to it, and I am not sure his weight would do him any favours in a rucking duel in senior role. But, can't wait.......his hands, oh my.

I love watching Dill and Nipper and I predict an unholy alliance in the next year or two.
Chris has had a great big learning curve this year, and is holding his own.
LJ had moments I enjoyed.
Sumner disappointed me (how dare he!!! I ask) this week.
Curry, well, umm, he seems to be camped inside the centre square; his actual rucking is improving and has developed a good soft hand.

Considering this was a topup side peppered with some Swans and Scholars, they held their own for the first 3 quarters, but I think the toppies were worn out by the 4th. Not all that horribly disappointing, considering who wasn't playing.

I would also like to say something about some of the umpiring......however words fail me.

[Gezball]

Thanks Ugg, that's great. It's like a swans novel.

[Bas]

I managed to arrive at the ground just after half time. Watched that quarter and then missed the last quarter when I went out and attended the Paul Kelly Statue unveiling. Shocked when I came back inside at the 29th minute of the final quarter and saw the score.

That defender that hit McNeil with his forearm was reported. I was sitting at ground level not too far away and saw the umpire take his number.

[Bas]

How good were those 14-15 yr old indigenous kids. I really enjoyed that game. I hope the Swans recruiters had their sights on them.

I thought the guy out there looked like Micky O but didn't both with the binocs. At the end of the game he was interviewed on the ground and gave jumpers to Club members (about 12 selected at random) who were lucky winners in not missing a game.

[Primmy]

Twas MickyO! Dill.....and I do believe I saw the original Magic as well.

[liz]

At the end of the game he was interviewed on the ground and gave jumpers to Club members (about 12 selected at random) who were lucky winners in not missing a game.

22 members - one for each player on a team. They've been doing this for a few years now. I was lucky enough to have my name pulled out of the hat a couple of years ago, and received Amon's guernsey (and a peck on the cheek from MickyO).

[Lucky Knickers]

That's superb Ugg. Sam Reid is a very special player. Complete stand out. Hope to see him playing senior football shortly.
Now I'm assuming you are about post on the Kick Start game?

[ugg]

That's superb Ugg. Sam Reid is a very special player. Complete stand out. Hope to see him playing senior football shortly.
Now I'm assuming you are about post on the Kick Start game?

The KickStart game was such a great spectacle, it transcends any words I could put down. Ethereal is probably the best adjective.

[Primmy]

The KickStart game was such a great spectacle, it transcends any words I could put down. Ethereal is probably the best adjective.

That put us in our place didn't it!!! It was good fun, some very very big lads, and some very likely aflers. One looked about 12, a few looked about 22. All looked like having a lot of fun. One red went down, and a blue went over to help. (might have b een the other way round). They were very competitive; worked very hard; had quite a bit of flair, and you had to remind yourself they were 14 and 15 years old. Good on em.

[Jesse Richards]

Wow, ugg, I am in awe of your memory, analysis and literary eloquence. Do you do stats in your head as well? Seriously, another big thank you.

[liz]

I'd add my voice of amazement to the depth and detail of Ugg's report. It shown me that I wasn't really concentrating. I find it harder to get really into a game when there are so few listed players available because the Swans' movements inevitably have less flow and cohesion about them.

Agree wtih Ugg that Reid was very impressive. I like LJ's game too - maybe more than Ugg did. And I agree that Sumner was a tad disappointing after he dazzled us a few weeks ago. He seemed to hover outside too many contests rather than get stuck in and win the ball.

[Primmy]

I'd add my voice of amazement to the depth and detail of Ugg's report. It shown me that I wasn't really concentrating. I find it harder to get really into a game when there are so few listed players available because the Swans' movements inevitably have less flow and cohesion about them.

Agree wtih Ugg that Reid was very impressive. I like LJ's game too - maybe more than Ugg did. And I agree that Sumner was a tad disappointing after he dazzled us a few weeks ago. He seemed to hover outside too many contests rather than get stuck in and win the ball.

Liz, it is possible of course that ugg made it all up, and we haven't spotted the difference....