Round 2: UWS Giants v Sydney Swans Reserves

[stellation]

Are all senior reserves playing?

[DeadlyAkkuret]

How's Membrey?

[liz]

Didn't see Lamb in third quarter so presume he is first emergency. No sign of Walsh at all but guess he must just have injured humself.

Membrey contributing well but it's a pretty even game and no one is dominating. He kicked a goal in that quarter.

Swans up by 16 points at final change.

[liz]

Swans just hang on for a 5 point win. Giants had more of the play over the game as a whole and lots more scoring shots. Swans defensive unit was pretty good and can take much of the credit for Giants inaccuracy.

Membrey kicked two more in final quarter, with Jesse, Jack and top up 60 also chiming in.

[Dosser]

Thanks for the summary, Liz. It was so good it was worth reading twice.

[707]

Thanks Liz, a good win given the strength of the UWS team on paper.

Look forward to your official player wrap up.

[ugg]

UWS GIANTS
Goal Kickers: K. Jaksch 4, S. O''hAilpin 2, A. Tomlinson 2, G. Ugle 2, S. Reid 2, A. Miles , R. Palmer
Best Players: S. Reid, R. Palmer, Z. Williams, M. Whiley, N. Haynes, A. Tomlinson

SYDNEY SWANS
Goal Kickers: M. Morton 3, T. Membrey 3, A. Everitt 3, J. Weir , B. Jack , T. Head , J. Lloyd , J. White , H. Cunningham , A. Brown , J. Lamb
Best Players: A. Everitt, C. Bird, J. White, M. Morton, J. Lloyd, H. Cunningham

Topups were
#47 Stephen Wray
#51 Mitch Crawford
#57 Lachlan Kilpatrick
#59 Thomas Head
#60 Jordan Weir

[Primmy]

Just a few observations of my type on the game.

. Membrey is "built". He looks similar to Jesse from the back, but he is densely compact and if he gets a gig late this year I wouldn't be surprised. Goal kicking is straight as a dye.
. Brandy Jack played himself into the game and I like how he moves. Bright as a bird.
. Jesse rucked the whole game. I don't think anyone other than perhaps Drey/Brown? stepped in.
. Drey's screamer was just that. A Screamer. It was B e a u t i f u l. He continued to contribute all over the ground, not always to advantage, but he was putting in more than I have noted previously. Obviously has set himself to make seniors and that's that. He moves well.
. You will be glad to hear that Mitch Morton was playing all over the ground. Not necessarily comfortable doing that, but he did work. I can also confirm that he does throw up. Lavishly. First quarter, third quarter.....its a hell of a way to become a "character" of the game, but he is ours and I embrace his weirdness. It was a ressies game for pete's sake! He did a lot of the hard things and contributed much much more than this time last year, very much more involved.
. Harry Cunningham had the kick in duties. I like him. No nonsense and has ability. Can see him taking more leadership roles.
. Craig Bird seems a bit away from full match fitness, but he did show he is a senior player. It just stands out,
. Jesse.......does not shirk, but ..
. Dean Towers I was disappointed in. Someone else give me something here.....in my opinion he just isn't anywhere near senior level. Never wonder why Dane Rampe was selected over him, that's all I'm saying.
. Jordan Lokyer, number 23, shiny hair, and busy busy busy. Like him a lot. Think we'll keep him.
. Dicko! number 28. Didn't realise who he was, but number 28 kept popping into view.
. 31. Harry Marsh......not yet.
. 36 Alex Brown. Think we will keep him too. Lanky, doesn't look like he is moving much but he gets to contests. Keeper.
. 44 Jake Lloyd. Will keep an eye on him, not sure what I think yet.
. 46 Shane Biggs is all the better for last year's work. We'll keep him too. Really like him.

The toppies are much more mature in body and footy sense b ut I am not sure who was who. Felt for the kid felled near the sideline and obviously out of it needing medical attention. How that became a free to UWS is anyone's guess

Enjoyed the game. Relatively even in quality in comparison to last year's efforts. The NEAFL will be better for a more even quality of competition.

[707]

Lamb only played the first half before becoming the senior emergency? How did he go?

[ugg]

Sorry Primmy but thanks to some incredibly stubborn and taciturn ANZ gate marshals who for some unknown reason didn't raise the gate until 1 minute to 1pm I missed the coin toss and actually saw the first bounce as I entered the aisle

[Primmy]

Thought that was you up the front of the que. Weren't they an absolute pain? They tried to take Big Al's deoderant. Apparently you use it as a flame thrower. I mean, look at us. Maybe they thought we were at a soccer match.

As for Lamb, he actually was doing a bit of organising and I was surprised a bit. He is not normally very vocal.

Speaking of which, someone aught to mention to UWS players that yes, we can hear them in the stands, and it may be advisable to modify their language. Not being narky here, I have attended untold games where I can here the players on the ground, I am just saying that it was above and beyond......

[Primmy]

Hear, not here.


BIG OOPS: Forgot to mention X. If they are working on a succession then the Swans may have the answer. Exie moves so like Ted its weird to watch. Not the getting to the contest, I mean the way his body moves. I suspect that in a couple of years time he just may match him, but not yet. Has a way to go, yes. But the potential is evident.

[ugg]

Not a comprehensive report, a combination of the heat, technical difficulties and other distractions proved too much to bear and I couldn't devote my full attention towards the game. I agree with a lot of what Primmy had to say, so forgive me if I sound like I'm parroting some of her comments.

• Tim MEMBREY - quiet in the first quarter, well held by Bruce but worked his way into the game outmuscling Bruce on a few occasions and threading through some difficult set shots. Bloody Dead-Eye dick
• Harry CUNNINGHAM - played mostly in defence but also attended a few centre bounces, was involved in many sweeping chains off the half back flank as the Swans counter attacked often successfully. Has taken over the major kick-in duties from the departed Heath, was solid in this department save for one overcooked kick that went over White's head into the arms of the gleeful O'hAilpin who converted
• Mitch MORTON - Played all over the ground, parts of it forward and parts in the midfield too. Impressed by his tackling and chasing work and can't be too far away from senior selection. The question is, how will we fit him in?
• Jed LAMB - 1st half only. Not as dominant as his recent outings in the practice games, found it tougher against higher grade opposition but relishing the extra responsibility as the senior inside midfielder of the team. Kicked a very nice goal by using his pace off the mark to break away from the pack before steadying and drilling a low shot through.
• Andrejs EVERITT - A bit of everything from Andrejs. As per usual, played in the midfield and was a good decision maker with his use of the ball a highlight. Took at least one centre bounce as the ruckman, but late in the game was instructed to drop back to help his defenders as UWS pushed for the winning goal. In quarter one, took a screamer of a mark courtesy of support on one Giant defender's back and then converted the resulting set shot from wide on the 50m arc. The sublime was balanced by the ridiculous when in the next quarter, he had a set shot from inside the 50m arc, decided he would have a better chance of scoring by running around the man on the mark but was unsuccessful, easily wrapped up and pinged for holding the ball.
• Craig BIRD - Ran out the 4 quarters in an on-ball role. Got a lot of his hands on the ball from ruck contests, ball use was probably below his usual standard.
• Tommy WALSH - Did not play.
• Jesse WHITE - Basically rucked the whole game with only very light relief from Everitt and top up #59 Thomas Head (see below). Ran his opposing number Downie off his feet and kicked a very crucial long range goal in the 4th quarter to give the Swans some breathing space.
• Dean TOWERS - Another role in defence. Doesn't seem to be a player who has big disposal numbers and will need to find more of the ball to make an impact.
• Jordan LOCKYER - 3rd tall in defence supporting Richards and Dick. Looked nervous early in the game with a few fumbles but settled and contributed to solid team effort in defence. Needs more bulk though if he is to breakthrough to the seniors in this role.
• Daniel ROBINSON- Didn't see much of him.
• Matt DICK - Playing key defence, struggled a little because of his height especially on the bigger gorillas but acquitted himself well.
• Harry MARSH - Struggling to remember much from him either, would suggest he was in the midfield/forward rotations.
• Brandon JACK - Not a lot of the ball either but 2 goals is a solid return for a small forward. 2nd one was quite the highlight, roving Membrey's dropped mark and breaking Bret Thornton's (see below) tackle before running into the open goalsquare at a crucial stage in the final quarter.
• Alex BROWN - Impressed by some of the things he did. He played a variety of roles. Started up forward and provided a real target then switched back in the next quarter where he spent most of the rest of the game. He's a very mobile player for his size, can provide run and carry and provided some real penetration through some long, driving kicks on the run.
• Xavier RICHARDS - Looked composed under pressure, held his position well and was never overpowered by any of his opponents.
• Jake LLOYD - Has been earmarked for a inside midfield role and played well there today as well as kicking a long set shot goal.
• Shane BIGGS - Quiet game, expected more involvement but seemed preoccupied with his defensive tasks today.

Topups - Due to the no listed players restrictions in place, the amount of time the topups spent on the ground was signifcantly diminished. The two most prominent ones were probably Thomas Head (#59) and Jordan Weir (#60), taller players who played their role in attack and defence respectively. Head took a great mark (and goaled) at the start of the 2nd half and wasn't afraid to demand the ball on leads. Weir also took a strong grab late in the last quarter and kicked what turned out to be our last (and winning) goal when UWS gave away a 50m penalty to take him from inside the 50m arc to the goal line. Stephen Wray (#47), Mitch Crawford (#51) Lachlan Kilpatrick (#57) were rotated through the running roles.

In the whole scheme of things, the Giants will be disappointed in letting this game slip through their grasp, they had more of the play and possession but as can be witnessed on the scoreboard, a combination of poor kicking on their behalf and excellent conversion from our boys, it was just enough for the Swans to hang on. The Swans will be delighted with the win, coming in the unexpected absence of Tommy Walsh and only half a game from Jed Lamb whilst I think GWS ran all their senior emergencies out throughout the game, although one listed player in Aidan Corr didn't start the game either.

(Their) Sam Reid had a different role up forward, with his bushy beard and tattooed sleeves ensuring he stood out, at least visually. Debutant Kristian Jaksch was impressive with his 4 goals he was opportunistic in running to the right spots often without a marker but also took strong marks with his big hands. Adam Tomlinson was also a handful for our defence, he's a tall kid but runs as hard and as well as any midfielder making him a hard matchup. Bret Thornton was an angry man throughout the whole game, perhaps didn't imagine this sort of role when he crossed over from Carlton. Rhys Palmer, Anthony Miles and Mark Whiley were the pick of their midfielders, although Palmer's propensity to butcher his kicks must be a source of constant frustration for the Giants.

Swans 4.2 8.3 12.5 17.5 (107)
Giants 3.3 4.9 8.14 14.18 (102)

Swans Goals: Morton 3, Membrey 3, Everitt 3, Weir, Jack, Head, Lloyd, White, Cunningham, Brown, Lamb
Giants Goals: Jaksch 4, O'hAilpin 2, Tomlinson 2, Ugle 2, Reid 2, Miles, Palmer

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Just to add my 5c worth

X-ManI think I am going to get a great deal of enjoyment out of watching Ted's little brother. I'm not saying he played badly, I thought he did very well on Setanta, but he seems prone to some astonishing misadventures. On one occasion he led Setanta to the fall of the ball and you'd swear he had it overed when it promptly jumped clean over his head into Setanta's waiting hands. On another occasion he spoiled the ball, it ricoche'd off an opponent and hit him in the head. The best one was when he was charging out of defence bouncing the ball, sure enough his fourth bounce didn't even come back up to knee height and he over-ran it. It was all very entertaining.

On a more serious note . . .

Mitch MortonI can't recall ever seeing a player quite so desperate to make it back into the 1st's. An extraordinary performance, he was everywhere, and into everything, and incredibly intense. On yesterday's performance mark his file "To be promoted at earliest opportunity!"

'Dre EverettBall in hand he was a cut above the rest of the players on the oval. The only problem from my perspective was that his first 1%er for the day was a effective spoil in a marking contest. Now the reason I regard that as a problem is because this first 1%er occured at the 20 minute mark of the fourth qtr )

Shane Biggs really looks the goods, great ball usage appears to have oodles of time. So glad they kept him. Speaking of rookies but isn't Jake Lloyd an assertive young man. Directing his team-mates and demanding the ball.

[Primmy]

Xie is going to give Big Ted a ton of potshots isn't he. That running bounce was hilarious, if you weren't involved. Talk about a dead track!

Can't agree about Drey. Watched him quite a bit as I had noted his form in practice, and he in his own way is just as desperate as MM. Thought he did some good things, and he was moving all over the ground. His blocking has improved a lot, and his involvement in the overall play has increased a lot. He is working, and I believe he had a job which we up in the stands don't always "get".

I find one of the clues to how a player is contributing to the game in ways I haven't noted, is to look at how the team mates treat him. It can be telling.

One brilliant thing I noted was seeing Jared Crouch organising things during the breaks. How on earth did he become an AFL player!!! He looked like a pony in with the racehorses. Maybe the racehorses are just a lot bigger this year.