Changes for Semi Final V Hawks

[Bleed Red Blood]

I think Teddy in the latter part of this season is perhaps better at reading the play than even B2. That's a big call but he and Shaw and Nick (St Nick?) can claim to be the most in form Swans right now. Defend, attack, nullify - our present back line has it all. And LRT stepped in and stepped up admirably on Saturday. Cool under pressure. I think there's as much chance of any of those players being dropped, injuries apart, as Mumford, Goodes and ROK at the other end of the ground.

I agree above all I've been impressed when Richards has chosen to leave his man, it has almost always been the right call. I'm not saying they should be dropped although if Grundy was available it would make it a big call. And perhaps Eski should be in instead of Kennelly, but thats line ball. I can't help but think Shaw is going to spray it out of bounds at least once on friday.

[Nico]

Its all well and good to have no change, but what if theres no buddy ? Hawthorn are hardly a tall forward set up as it is. Who will our tall defenders line up on ? We should Pick the best side to take on the Hawks team, and if there needs to be changes based on how we structure up against them, so be it.

The best side played on Saturday. They have gone with almost the same back 6 all season regardless of matchups. LRT in for Reg was the obvious change. No need to fiddle with it now. I reckon with LRT back there on Saturday Teddy played even better. Ted would have to be about the most improved player in the AFL over the past 2 years.

[Nico]

Its all well and good to have no change, but what if theres no buddy ? Hawthorn are hardly a tall forward set up as it is. Who will our tall defenders line up on ? We should Pick the best side to take on the Hawks team, and if there needs to be changes based on how we structure up against them, so be it.

The best side played on Saturday. They have gone with almost the same back 6 all season regardless of matchups. LRT in for Reg was the obvious change. No need to fiddle with it now. I reckon with LRT back there on Saturday Teddy played even better. Ted would have to be about the most improved player in the AFL over the past 2 years.

[Melbourne_Blood]

Im not suggesting we drop anyone on form. What i am suggesting is that this potential Hawthorn line up could be sporting one of the shortest forward lines we have played against this year. We have struggled against Carlton, and they also sport a short, speedy forward line. If it looks like LRT will be lining up on a Isaac Smith, Im sure the coaches would have to be pondering a potential re jig. This is all speculatory though, as i am sure Hawthorn will re shuffle and have some tall presence in the forward line if Buddy ( and Bailey, for that matter ) doesn't come up.

Against Hawthorn, if we can afford an extra runner in the side without jeopardising our match ups, i think it would be very handy.

[Auntie.Gerald]

how good is rooster...........he is a player you can tell has a big impact on the morale of the team !...........he has that high octane energy !!



Swans TV - Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club

[Triple B]

I think Richards especially can get jittery close to goal. He's not exactly nimble so he finds it hard to get the disposal out, and often makes a poor decision. Just heart in mouth stuff, in the same way as Leo Barry was.

After the season he's had ... astounding post

[ScottH]

I think Teddy in the latter part of this season is perhaps better at reading the play than even B2. That's a big call but he and Shaw and Nick (St Nick?) can claim to be the most in form Swans right now. Defend, attack, nullify - our present back line has it all. And LRT stepped in and stepped up admirably on Saturday. Cool under pressure. I think there's as much chance of any of those players being dropped, injuries apart, as Mumford, Goodes and ROK at the other end of the ground.

When he outmarked Reiwoldt with the diving mark in the 3rd qtr, I thought this is a player at the top of his game.

[Jewels]

When he outmarked Reiwoldt with the diving mark in the 3rd qtr, I thought this is a player at the top of his game.

Teddy has the Skilton all locked up for mine.

[ShockOfHair]

Ted has been in brilliant form all year. The safest pair of hands in the team.

The entire backline deserves recognition. They've conceded 39 goals in the past four weeks, including three games against the Cats and Saints. The fact that LRT has been able to step in for Reg just underlines our depth.

[Lucky Knickers]

No changes if possible in my mind. Mal seems out of form and confidence while Tadgh is getting better.

I still think winning this game will be incredibly hard with or without Franklin playing. I think a few of our supporters are getting a little ahead of themselves and getting sucked into Hawthorn's possible injuries. The fact is over this season the Hawks have been so much better than the Swans. When they beat us their midfield absolutely smashed us and made us look second rate. You can guarantee than after being embarrassed on Friday night, they will come out firing and hard at it. Our midfield needs to hold itself together and at least break even with Hawthorn's.

I'm confident in our belief and our commitment, but it's going to take a mammoth effort to win. It's Goodesy 300th though, we've been on a steak of record breaking and this is the best form we've been in year. Everything does seems possible and I can't wait for Friday. Go Swans.

I've been thinking about that game a lot DLBIA14. It was Round 9 and I think our midfield have improved tremendously since then. In addition we now have a forward line that is functioning which frees up Goodes to go wherever he feels like. We have a very settled back 6 who are showing a lot of composure in defence.
Whilst I think this will be an incredibly tough game against a very talented side I think we will be more than competitive and can really take the game right up to the Hawks.

[Gary]

I bagged Ted for several years, mostly with justification I reckon, but his form this year has been consistently solid, and occasionally outstanding...well done mate. Shaw has been another irritant...Collingwood scruffy look, couldn't stand the show pony aspect and suspect delivery, but the "energiser bunny" has won me over.
No changes if all are fit.

[mcs]

I agree LK, I certainly think we will take it well and truly up to the Hawks. Whether we can beat them is another question, but I have no doubt we will give it a red hot crack, especially considering the milestone game it is. I don't think the Dawks are unbeatable, and the Media are tempting us with another statistic (1st it was Geelong's home record, then St Kilda's saturday record, now the MCG record), so I have a decent feeling about Friday.

[GongSwan]

No changes, although the Hawks are a much faster team than the Saints, legspeed wise anyway. Probably not quite as hard. It might be worth starting Parks and shifting bird to the bench. Don't be surprised if Jets gets a mention at some point because of the speed factor. Reg won't play again this year, glandular fever is a long term recovery. Besides, the experience of LRT and Tadgh in the back is invaluable and LRT will be better for the run and can go into the ruck if Jesse falls over or has a shocker and has to be subbed out. Smith to play on Rioli, Jude to take on Mitchell, should be fun and games with their game style there should be a lot of one on one footy, suits us

[Swansinger]

Teddy has the Skilton all locked up for mine.

I reckon he'll come third , after Goodesy and Mummy.Yes , he's had his best-ever season.

[mcs]

I reckon he'll come third , after Goodesy and Mummy.Yes , he's had his best-ever season.

I think he will go awfully close to winning it, as Teddy will poll well in games where we have struggled and been beaten as well as games where we have won and won well, as he has been absolutely Mr Dependable this season.

If all fit, I'm all for no changes as well - although I'm not sure Parker is the best pick for sub, though not sure who goes into that role if he starts.