Bird on song

[dimelb]

Nice story on Bird. Isn't he shaping up to be a great pick at number 59?


Bird back on his feet - Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club

[Triple B]

Nice story on Bird. Isn't he shaping up to be a great pick at number 59?


Bird back on his feet - Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club

He was a NSW Scholarship pick, the Swans just had to use their last pick on him, so Pick 59 may easily have been Pick 89.

That said, he may have not gone a hell of a lot higher on the open market anyway.

And I agree, he is starting to look good. I think injuries may have affected his development a bit more than we have thought.

[Big Al]

He was sensational tonight. Nearly BOG for mine.

[ScottH]

I reckon he was BOG!!

[liz]

Would be nice to see him improve his goal conversion rate. He's worked himself into position to have a lot of shots over the past fortnight but he's been rushing them a bit. I think he has it in him to be a much better finisher.

[royboy42]

He sorted James Kelly a month or so ago...developing from a good stopper nicely! He'll be in the 22 for a loooong time.

[707]

Yes I agree that Bird is really starting to fly now, last night was probably his best game for us. Always looked to have potential and we're only just starting to see it now. He's a midfield certainty for a long time now and I'm impressed with the midfield list we are now building.

[BSA5]

Would be nice to see him improve his goal conversion rate. He's worked himself into position to have a lot of shots over the past fortnight but he's been rushing them a bit. I think he has it in him to be a much better finisher.

His conversion rate prior to this season has been top notch. Agreed that he's been rushing himself a bit this year, but he's a good kick of the ball when he gives himself time, and he usually has more of it than he thinks.

[swansrule100]

he must be improving, theres been a dramatic increase on bird based puns about him in the media.

Always loved birdy, maybe just because he took number 14, but he has cemented a spot in the side now

[GoRhino]

Would be nice to see him improve his goal conversion rate. He's worked himself into position to have a lot of shots over the past fortnight but he's been rushing them a bit. I think he has it in him to be a much better finisher.

I've never been a fan but he's certainly lifted in recent weeks and seems a little quicker in his decision making and reactions. This might explain his missed shots. Certainly had a great game last night and looks set for a good second half to the season.

[Red]

I think he's benefitted with Jack being out and taking on his role of keeping a good player quiet while hurting them the other way.

Hopefully he can keep this going when Jack returns. It'd be great to have two players who perform this task well.

[liz]

I think he's benefitted with Jack being out and taking on his role of keeping a good player quiet while hurting them the other way.

Hopefully he can keep this going when Jack returns. It'd be great to have two players who perform this task well.

Maybe, though Bird was also doing these roles before Jack got injured. What has been impressive about Bird's last two weeks especially is that he is finding plenty of the ball himself, as well as doing a decent shutdown role. He's going to struggle on the more explosive type midfielders - like Judd for instance - so having him and Jack (and Shaw) gives the coaches several different options.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

As his profile rises, more opponents are going to work out his baulk, and his lack of leg speed will make that pretty fatal.

[GongSwan]

I reckon he was BOG!!

Hard to go past Judes 35 posession game for BOG, ut yes, he has improved greatly over the last few weeks, maybe finally geting his confidence back after all those prolonged stress fractures

[stellation]

As his profile rises, more opponents are going to work out his baulk, and his lack of leg speed will make that pretty fatal.

He's had that his whole career, with the amount of professionalism in the game nowadays I'd be very suprised if teams weren't already aware of it. Baulks/sidesteps executed well (and he does do it well) get a reflex action, it's very difficult to train it into people's heads to avoid.