List changes and trade bait

[aardvark]

Ewwwww no thanks. There is a reason they look far better when he isn't in the team.

+1 Please No!

[undy]

Ewwwww no thanks. There is a reason they look far better when he isn't in the team.

Man bun

[bondy]

Man bun

Swans to continue their 'no man-bun' policy

[dimelb]

While the new recruits look good, I'm particularly looking forward to the renewed improved Goodes, especially if the end of this season is reproduced in the start of the next.

[Bloodthirsty]

Is anyone else concerned that the loss of Malceski is a massive blow to Swans premiership chances next year? I mean, yeah it's great to get 17 year olds for the future but they are not going to just play 'Malceski footy' straight away. We need someone who can, because the premiership window is now, with stars in their prime. Every other contening club seems to recognise this. You can't put this responsibility on someone like Jones or X Richards.

[desredandwhite]

Is anyone else concerned that the loss of Malceski is a massive blow to Swans premiership chances next year? I mean, yeah it's great to get 17 year olds for the future but they are not going to just play 'Malceski footy' straight away. We need someone who can, because the premiership window is now, with stars in their prime. Every other contening club seems to recognise this. You can't put this responsibility on someone like Jones or X Richards.

Not overly concerned. Out Malceski, In Mitchell. On the sidelines: X, Jones, Laidler, Derickxs, Nanko, Naismith, Towers. Shift Macca to HBF and slot Mitchell straight into midfield. IMO this is as good a side as the one we put out on grand final day. Maybe we're a little short on experienced backup, but we could also be in the situation we were with ROK and LRT.

Or, to put it another way, if a 30 year old running back with bionic knees is the difference between us winning or losing a flag in 2015, maybe we're not as well equipped as I thought.

[Scottee]

We need improvement from younger players to hold our ground but it is not unreasonable to expect some. Every club continuously relies on new players to come through to replace those whose performances drop off due to age (or leaving). In 2014 we had Parker and Cunningham who exceeded most people's expectations. I thought some of our improvement might come from Parker but not quite to the extent he delivered. Of course, we can't necessarily expect he can maintain that level. But if a Mitchell comes in and adds something, and we get someone emerge from almost nowhere to play a role as Cunningham did, there is no reason we can't improve enough in some areas to offset the impact of Malceski's departure.

I also think that some of our established "stars" are capable of more than they delivered in 2014. Our 2013 AA trio of McVeigh, Jack and Hanners, in particular, were a little down in 2014 compared to 2013.

I note that the SEN statement about Biggs has not been confirmed as yet. So it could be rubbish.

Anyhoo, I suspect there will be a lot of mixing and matching in the backline next year because there are, in reality a number of options and unknowns with the current list. To replace Malceski though, we need someone of similar size and McVeigh isn't quite big enough to play on a third tall like Malceski could. . Laidler is our current third tall man when he gets a game but I suspect that Towers and Rohan are going to be tested in that capacity, as is Heeney, especially if he is still growing. Other options for mediums are Bird and Marsh - if he is retained.Agree that Heeney will play forward as well.

Its pity about Lockyer and Dick, thought they would be good off HB, both had good size and pace.

Overall, I am looking for a big year from Towers who I thought was adjusting nicely to senior football and offers a hell of a lot of upside with his pace, stamina and spring. Mitchell we know will be a strong contributor, Jones will be a bit bigger and get games, Lloyd and Cunningham will improve further, we will see the introduction of Hewitt as a Luke Parker MkII and BJ will surely find some form.Franklin will have an even better year and win the Coleman again with even more goals and Tippett and Reid should be over their knee issues. Plenty of potential upside.

The really big issue is the ruck. Tom Dx is a passable but not match winning substitute for Mike Pyke. Naismith as an alternative will improve but hard to tell how much and Nanka might get a game but will hardly set the world on fire in his first year. We really miss a Mummy type and I hope we find someone with his potential.

I also think that Hanners, Jetta, Jack and McVeigh will come back with something to prove next year.

One thing is for certain, it is going to be a very versatile side with so many players that can be damaging whether forward, midfield or back.

[GordonS]

when do we expect to hear something about malceski compo?

[baskin]

Is anyone else concerned that the loss of Malceski is a massive blow to Swans premiership chances next year? I mean, yeah it's great to get 17 year olds for the future but they are not going to just play 'Malceski footy' straight away. We need someone who can, because the premiership window is now, with stars in their prime. Every other contening club seems to recognise this. You can't put this responsibility on someone like Jones or X Richards.

Just had a discussion about this with my Dad. I was the one in the family not convinced we would win the Grand Final (I didn't think we would lose quite like we did!). I felt we had just a few too many newbies compared to the Hawks.

With Mal gone it will be an even younger, less experienced side, with fewer old heads around at training (LRT, Pebs & now Mal gone). I don't believe losing Mal will be the difference between winning or losing a premiership but with the others it is a lot of experience gone from the club all at once. We have been there before so I have faith.

I'm not predicting doom & gloom, I'm more of the ''nervous nelly'' type. I've been following the club now for 50yrs so will never give up on them.

[Ludwig]

The Mebourne Media:

Hawks go back to back:

Hawks sign Frawley:

Hawks likely to sign Jono O'Rourke, former #2 draft pick:


Swans have an academy:

Swans might get some compensation for losing their AA halfback: eddie 2.jpg

[mcs]

Seems things can't get any better for the Hawks: GWS midfielder Jono O'Rourke picks Hawks as preferred club - AFL.com.au

Another good pick up for them.

[Bloodthirsty]

The Mebourne Media:

Hawks go back to back:

Hawks sign Frawley:

Hawks likely to sign Jono O'Rourke, former #2 draft pick:


Swans have an academy:

Swans might get some compensation for losing their AA halfback: [ATTACH=CONFIG]1149[/ATTACH]

Awesome post. Nothing can be done now except win premierships now and bask in the hate.

[Go Swannies]

when do we expect to hear something about malceski compo?

AFL ?@AFL 50s51 seconds ago
The Swans? compensation for losing Malceski will be placed in the 2nd round, after the Swans pick in that round. The pick can be traded.

[annew]

bye bye Mal ... I wish you every success for your career & life after football ... thank you for your contribution to our club, thank you for the memories in red & white. Today is a sad, sad day ????

My thoughts too.

[mcs]

AFL ?@AFL 50s51 seconds ago
The Swans? compensation for losing Malceski will be placed in the 2nd round, after the Swans pick in that round. The pick can be traded.

No surprise at all.... but this compensation system is utter tripe in its current form - at the will and mercy of the great overloads at AFL HQ.