Changes for Rnd 19 vs essendon

[The Big Cat]

In that crucial bit of the third quarter we were about to clear the centre with time to spare on at least a couple of occasions but it was called back because we had given away a free kick. Each time it went straight down for a goal to them. Need to be more careful in the packs (particularly tonight with Razor "I hate the Swans and also love to get the crowd paying me attention" Ray Chamberlain.)

[DK_]

It sounds like the typical AFL commentary that defines trends based on the most recent game. While I don't think we're as even a team as we were in 2012 (partly because we have 2-3 players who I think perceive themselves as the 20th-22nd players in the team), no-one accused the team of relying on too few when we were beating up on Geelong. Or edging ahead of Freo. Or even when we beat the Hawks at the SCG earlier this year.

There were a few players down on their best last week but that doesn't suddenly make the team over dependent on superstars.

It sometimes amazes me how much stock commentators put on narrow wins. Take our jump to outright favourites after beating Port by 4 points earlier in the year. Though not irrelevant (it does say something about the team's ability to win tight ones) not much has to change to reverse the result. Sometimes it's just the bounce of the ball.

[crackedactor]

I agree. If you care to look at a reply of the third quarter with 3.50 left on the clock you will notice and 4 free kicks that were obvious to the swans and were not paid and about 3 free kicks paid to hawthorn that dumfounded me. The Swans performance was not that bad. I just hope on GF we don't get this treatment but as happened in the 2012 GF (26 frees to 10), I am afraid it will happened again.

[CureTheSane]

Frees have generally be heavily lopsided against the Swans in recent years.
Most people blame the umpires, but when it's consistent, like it has been, I blame the way the Swans played.
This year I've notices it being much better. Swans seem less likely to infringe and the 50/50's happen less because they are more careful and there are less 50/50's to make a call on.
Not sure if the stats reflect this, would be interesting to know if tjis year free haven't been as lop sided as they have in the past.

[ShockOfHair]

The Tippett late withdrawal rumour is now in circulation.

[graemed]

Just confirmed by Anthony Hudson on SEN that franklin out and membrury in

[707]

Reported elsewhere that it's Buddy out, Membrey in, Lloyd sub, Membrey and Towers to play full games.

[Flying South]

My man Membrey finally gets his chance. Well done Tim. Essendon might well be please Buddy is out. Anyone know why Buddy is out? Hopefully nothing serious.

[aguy]

My man Membrey finally gets his chance. Well done Tim. Essendon might well be please Buddy is out. Anyone know why Buddy is out? Hopefully nothing serious.

Reported as knee soreness after training this morning

[Flying South]

Hopefully Tim's family had enough notice to get to Sydney to share in his debut.