NAB Challenge Swans v Saints, Coffs Harbour

[liz]

How was Sumner, Rogue? Would you have him making his debut round 1 based on what you saw?

[RogueSwan]

Forgot about Everitt and Sumner.
After seeing the game on the weekend I am not too concerned about Everitt being given a starting position in defence. Apart from a couple of stray kicks (only a coupld), that luckily didn't cause a problem, he appeared to be able to read the game and put himself in the right spot, dare I say it ala Maxwell (nah - that is getting carried away)
Sumner - I think he subbed on for the 2nd half, definitely didn't notice him in the first half whereas in the 2nd half he was a standout bringing the ball out of the back half.
I have read a couple of things about how Reg had Reiwoldt covered, and he did, but that was in part due to the Saints not providing good delivery. I don't want to take anything from Reg but it should be acknowledged that the Swans provided pressure all over the ground.

[RogueSwan]

How was Sumner, Rogue? Would you have him making his debut round 1 based on what you saw?

Sumner was good, I wouldn't be unhappy to see him on the bench in rnd1.
Plus he is a nice guy, was happy to talk to us as he did his stretching.

[ugg]

Thanks again RS. I was wondering how you saw O'Keefe's game - did he play in the forwards or the midfield. He has barely rated a mention in the pre-season so far and I'm beginning to wonder if he's struggling to get up to full fitness before Round 1.

[RogueSwan]

Hey Rogueswan!

... thanks for the report, but more importantly, how did the kids go on the hill, and how the hell did you manage to do that with them there!???

The kids were happy to sit and watch for the most part. They keep complaining that I was shouting though
They did get to form a guard of honour for the Swans to run onto the ground through. My son was especially excited - "they gave me a high-five!"

[RogueSwan]

.. Gardiner is a has been...

although I think he would have provided more competition in the ruck than whoever the Saints did play.

[RogueSwan]

I have added a couple of snaps I took with my phone. I forgot my camera and binoculars

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogueswan/5523974081/

[Primmy]

I have added a couple of snaps I took with my phone. I forgot my camera and binoculars
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogueswan/5523974081/

Shouldn't be allowed out on your own, you get overexcited and forget things, fortunately not the children.....

[Triple B]

....I don't want to take anything from Reg but it should be acknowledged that the Swans provided pressure all over the ground.

This point was stressed by Horse as well.

Like you, he wasn't taking anything away from Reg, but acknowledged that when the midfield is applying suitable pressure it makes the forwards job tougher.

It's always annoyed me when the great unwashed scream and rant at backs who are getting a touch up. In more cases than not, it's because the ball is being served to their opponents on a platter because the midfield are having a nap...

[RogueSwan]

yet when a forward has a poor game it is often noted that the midfield did not deliver the ball good enough.

[Auntie.Gerald]

for me it is our forward pressure that has needed to lift to the next level.................defence starts with your forwards shaping the field making it very difficult via flooding where possible..........that is what collingwood did brilliantly last year along with their extra man in defence Maxwell pealing off and snuffing out the kick over the top from a crowded opposition half.....

For me their forward pressure by Collingwood was brilliant but it was the glue of Maxwell that communicated the defensive structure so brilliantly...........that allowed the Pies to press and flood where ever possible.

[aardvark]

SWANS TOO STRONG FOR SAINTS : NBN

Some match footage from Sat night.

[Cant turn right]

SWANS TOO STRONG FOR SAINTS : NBN

Some match footage from Sat night.

Nice work aardvark, thank you.

[Hartijon]

for me it is our forward pressure that has needed to lift to the next level.................defence starts with your forwards shaping the field making it very difficult via flooding where possible..........that is what collingwood did brilliantly last year along with their extra man in defence Maxwell pealing off and snuffing out the kick over the top from a crowded opposition half.....

For me their forward pressure by Collingwood was brilliant but it was the glue of Maxwell that communicated the defensive structure so brilliantly...........that allowed the Pies to press and flood where ever possible.

Good analysis of the game plan but I feel there is more to it than this. Its the execution. Time after time the Pies seem to hit a man on a lead with a pass that gives the opponent no hope of spoiling. Their foot skills were a class above ours. Handball was equally good.Throw in pace and pressure and you have the winning formula.Surprisingly they missed a lot of shots on goal which usually indicates poor kicking skills or opposition pressure.At the end of the day though ,you only have to score more than your opponents.

[Triple B]

SWANS TOO STRONG FOR SAINTS : NBN

Some match footage from Sat night.

Nice find.

Gotta love the Smith tackle and subsequent goal...ferocious.