Sydney v Port match day

[stellation]

Be it Foxtel or Ch7 there both very average. Jason Dunstall and David King are bloody awful. Why can't they give credit where credit is due.

I used to like Jason Dunstall's commentary, but I have reached the point where I simply can't stand him- I still think he can make interesting observations, but I just can't handle the constant negativity he spits out about players.

David King? Well, I'm sure the fans of every team have a commentator they think "that guy just hates us and can never say anything nice about us". As a Swans fan, I feel like David King is that guy.

[goswannies]

But we were nearly at full strength and could have easily been beaten.

True but so were they. Pretty even at the top

I think we have to take something out of this game to improve the side, because Buddy may not always be there to save the day.

True but history has shown that when Buddy is quiet, Goodsey, Tippett, Sammy & a plethora of small forwards & mids step up. As long as at least 3 of our big 4 are on the ground & match fit, it will stretch the opposition defence & we will be a better than even chance. Pokes contested marking would likely add to that if one of the big 4 are out.

Rohan didn't record a stat. He was way off the pace of the game, which was very disappointing. I don't know what the problem is, but it's a worry. I hope he can find his mojo again.

True but ... there is no but. He severely broke his leg. Many people (let alone elite AFL footballers) struggle to fully recover from such an injury. He might not get that blistering speed back. If not, hopefully he can adapt. He's strong and a great mark for his size, agile, he could be a very effective mid-sized forward if he doesn't get the leg speed back.

I hope this is the last game we see Tom Derickx in the seniors. He's done a decent fill in role, but he is nowhere near AFL level.

Probably true. He's contested to the best of his ability under the circumstances & played his role. Mike is relatively established, last season he earned significant plaudits.

[Mel_C]

David King? Well, I'm sure the fans of every team have a commentator they think "that guy just hates us and can never say anything nice about us". As a Swans fan, I feel like David King is that guy.

My brother is a Geelong supporter and he says that about David King too!

[dimelb]

Great win against a genuine contender and The Riser was rocking.

After a stuttering start, a superb effort by Buddy. While our possessions were well down on Port's figures we ended up making the most of what we got, and while Parker and Hannebery were a little quieter than usual they were pretty efficient, and the younger members stepped up, as someone pointed out. Kennedy was immense, and I think in Jake Lloyd we have a star: I saw one clanger but several great deliveries and he really knows where to be.

As for Rohan not having stats, he should have had one free for and a goal; outrageous non-decision by the ump when Gaz was pulled backwards out of a contest (by both shoulders if I remember correctly) in easy kicking distance.

I think Derickx was less effective today because he ran up against an ump who wouldn't allow his barging approach to the job, and the Port mids read the palm better than our blokes on the whole. Nevertheless the mids played well overall, and Kieren shone in his 150th.

Solid and occasionally brilliant work by Mal and Shaw. Ted saved our bacon several times and Reg put in on a busy day at the office. Rampe is still, imho, learning the fine points of positioning but he's a hard worker, quick and a good long kick.

This was a draining match to watch, and at that level I feel for the Port supporters, but I'll enjoy watching the replay.

[Big Al]

David King? Well, I'm sure the fans of every team have a commentator they think "that guy just hates us and can never say anything nice about us". As a Swans fan, I feel like David King is that guy.

He's the exact opposite on AFL360. He's picked us for the flag and has intimated that he's put a fair bit of coin on that result. Has nothing but praise for the Swans.

[Swanny40519]

What a fantastic game and what a fantastic effort by the team (with a lot of help from a freakish player called Buddy). Yes it was a draining game to watch and I would expect the players would feel the same.

I hope all those $^%&&^&&* from the media eat their own crap after the canning they gave the Swans and Buddy earlier in the year. He won that game for us.

I agree comments about TD. We were thrashed at centre clearances and Ebert was given an armchair ride.

I thought it was strange that after omitting Pyke and bringing in Rohan he would wait until last Qtr to sub out BJ who I thought looked all at sea during the game. I don't think ge is ready yet. Pity Tom Mitchell is injured.

[goods78]

What a great result!

The finishing quality of Franklin in the last QTR was superb and the difference between the teams.

In a finals like game, the big takeaway for me is that when you have momentum and dominance like we had in the first QTR, we need to apply more scoreboard pressure. The good teams will keep coming and you can't give them a sniff - a 35+ point first quarter lead is a demoralising psychological buffer.

[DamY]

David King is 99.9% pro Swans! He definitely supports the "Swans Audit" belief (swans will show your weakness)

[Bloody Hell]

Great Game. Thought Port were better than the scappy Swans - but got by on a spectacular performance by Buddy.

Unimpressed by B.Jack, turnovers, poor disposal for an outside player and lack of awareness.

Rohan was hung out to dry a bit. He should have been allowed to try and influence the game more. Turned out he had 1 stat - no possessions, 1 clanger.

I feel like Laider is having less influence on games the longer the season goes on.

Rampe wasn't as clean as usual, properly a victim of the conditions more than anyone else.

Leaving Pyke out did us no favours. The Swans always preach structure and process over individuals. This choice flew in the face of that. Would have looked a better team with Pyke in, and probably wouldn't have been smashed in the middle as badly.

Jack had a very good 150th. Malcheski was not his usual self and was a bit scrappy, but still had a strong influence on the game.

Lloyd is building. He will be a 10 year player.

Nice to see Reid with a bit of confidence...he's looking good too.

Overall - the wet conditions....we seem to play poorly all the time! Maybe because we rely on quick, clean hands more than any other team, I don't know. What I do know is; if it's wet I always have a sinking feeling.

Glad to get the 4 points.

[goods78]

.......

1. Rohan didn't record a stat. He was way off the pace of the game, which was very disappointing. I don't know what the problem is, but it's a worry. I hope he can find his mojo again.

2. I hope this is the last game we see Tom Derickx in the seniors. He's done a decent fill in role, but he is nowhere near AFL level. Bring back Pyke, and if we need another ruckman, bring in Nanko. We were getting killed in the centre clearances, mainly because Derickx could not compete with Lobbe. We were virtually playing a man down in the second half.

3. The defence has become very leaky. Ted is a bit down, but still playing well. But something is not there. I think we need some more speed an height in defence. Laidler has done okay, but I would drop him and move Reid to CHB. Bring in Membrey and give him a go in the forward line.

4. I am pleased with the progress of Cunningham and Lloyd. They played well today. We may have to get a few more newbies in the side over the next few weeks when the opposition is not so tough. I thought we really missed Benny today. We can't be so dependent on having a full list. It doesn't happen that often.
.....

1. Everyone wants Garry to succeed and it is sad that he is still so far off pre-injury form. His speed seems good, but I sometimes get he feeling he is worried about the physical contact. The pressure as a current fringe player for Garry and Brandon is huge. I think this is exacerbated by the gulf that is the NEAFL going in to the top form AFL team and being expected to preform at that level.
2. I would not be surprised if we play Pyke for Tippo and keep Tom in the next few weeks. But coming up against the top teams and finals, I think it will be Pyke only.
3. I think that is a bit harsh. The quality of the inside 50's stepped up today and the forward 50 pressure from Port was some of the strongest we have seen this year. I think any coach would take out current back 6!
4. Agree fully on Lloyd and Cunningham - progressing really well and look inked in our top team. Barring lots of injuries, I don't think that Horse will blood any new players this year - our top team plus ~5 depth players will be it.

[erica]

Watched the game at the SCG today and have just finished watching the TV version.

I don't hold with all these "what ifs". It's all just speculation. We will never know how different the game could have been with players other than those who actually played today.

It was a very solid result from our team - they just did not give up. Well done fellas.

[goods78]

Leaving out Pyke almost cost us the game....

Do you mean as a replacement for Tom D or B Jack?

If it's for Tom, I get the feeling that they are not confident in his fitness or the hammy to run out the game. Could you imagine if Pyke played and did the Hammy again? We would have to run out the game with Reid and Grundy rucking!

[neilfws]

Seems like a while since we won by less than a kick [1]. I almost miss those constant heart attack games of the mid-2000s. Thought we did especially well considering we were thrashed in the centre.

Terrific crowd and atmosphere at the SCG today, really enjoyed it. Final siren almost inaudible from our seats.

Watched a few highlights on replay. Reckon Jetta's bomb not so far off Franklin's, although Jetta ran in a bit more. Kennedy's sneaky goal is hilarious on replay, even he is laughing in disbelief.

[1] edit - seems the last time was 86-82 v Essendon, Docklands, June 9 2012

[Matt80]

1. Everyone wants Garry to succeed and it is sad that he is still so far off pre-injury form. His speed seems good, but I sometimes get he feeling he is worried about the physical contact. The pressure as a current fringe player for Garry and Brandon is huge. I think this is exacerbated by the gulf that is the NEAFL going in to the top form AFL team and being expected to preform at that level.
2. I would not be surprised if we play Pyke for Tippo and keep Tom in the next few weeks. But coming up against the top teams and finals, I think it will be Pyke only.
3. I think that is a bit harsh. The quality of the inside 50's stepped up today and the forward 50 pressure from Port was some of the strongest we have seen this year. I think any coach would take out current back 6!
4. Agree fully on Lloyd and Cunningham - progressing really well and look inked in our top team. Barring lots of injuries, I don't think that Horse will blood any new players this year - our top team plus ~5 depth players will be it.

I think Hanners will struggle to back up next Friday after that ankle injury. There will be a spot open for another midfielder. I think it will be between Jones and Daniel Robinson.

I think Tom D is getting tired. He has been asked to play Solo against The Hawks (Hale and Mcvoy), Essendon (Ryder and Bellchambers) Geelong (Macintosh), The Gold Coast (Smith and Dixon) and Port (Lobbe). There are some very good ruckman that he has encountered. He looks like a tiring fast bowler on a flat Indian Deck. He needs a spell.

I would bring Pyke in for Richmond and get him to ruck solo. I would give Tom D limited game time in the reserves to freshen up. Our best combination is Pyke in the ruck and Tippett doing boundary throw ins inside 50m.

I would like them to also move B.Jack to Sub and see how Garry Rohan goes with a full game.

[barry]

This is grest finals experience for rampe, Lloyd, and Cunningham. They made a few mistakes under pressure, but hopefully will learn from that.

Buddy. Magnificent. Mcveighs last quarter was amazing. Even hanerbury coming back after dislocating a finger and badly rolling an ankle, to do some good efforts in the last.

Our defense is top notch. However the dericks experiement finally caught up to us. We didnt seem to be able to read Lobes taps, and he dominated.

Good thing is weve beaten all fellow top 4 teams now, and our horror stretch actually became a winning streak.