GWS v Sydney Swans Early Discussion

[aguy]

By the sounds of it from the radio commentary, Rohan played mainly up forward today did he not?

He did spend a lot of time forward yes but I also noticed quite a few tackles across half back too. It was his defensive pressure that I was most impressed with

[dimelb]

I thought many of our blokes looked like they were going through the motions for much of the afternoon. Tackling intensity seemed a bit down compared to last week. It would have been nice to see one of the fringe players stand up and impose themselves on the game a bit more (apart from Heeney). I agree with the comment earlier in the thread that we have too many blokes just not doing quite enough.

Apart from a couple of missed tackles, I did like Jetta's game. This new role has seen him a bit more involved throughout a game than he tended to be last year. He's pretty good in traffic - stays calms, looks for options, knows he has his pace that can often get him out of traffic.

And Naismith showed a bit. He's not in our best 22 at the moment - assuming Tippo is fit to do some rucking - but he's showing signs he might be one for the future.

We're in our hotel room, just back from the game. I agree with Liz about Heeney (close to best on ground for our money), Jetta (pace and generally accurate field kicking) and Naismith (took it up to Mummy, knows where the sticks are, can keep his spot).

And while we could have seen more, especially from our younger brigade, this was a quite intense game with GWS applying a lot of pressure, accurate field kicking a la Hawthorn (probably down to Leon Cameron) and it got a bit willing at times. It would be a mistake to underrate GWS both in effort and in skills. Jeremy Cameron's marking and goal kicking was very good indeed, and the fluency of their run, especially coming out of their defensive 50, was notable. Also they are using Ryan Griffen in a couple of roles: as an inside mid like JPK, and as a floating half back like Luke Hodge; he is pretty good at both of them.

Make no mistake, our blokes had to work hard for the win, and it was obviously important to them. GWS will finish higher up the ladder this year.

[Meg]

Wow, Heeney took his time. We got lucky there.

Yes you can see Ted screaming at Heeney to hurry up and kick the ball - as far as he possibly could.! Worked out ok though. And yes, Heeney's grab was a blinder.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I actually took Heeney's patience as a plus. Says he has a cool enough head to take 2-3 seconds to make sure he was bombing it to a proper pack, and not an outnumbered player.

[joemoore12]

My two main thoughts from today's game:

We have something special in Heeney. Must play Round 1 in my opinion.

Loving the physicality that we brought to Manuka today and Lewis Jetta was at the forefront. More of this please.

Very solid win.

[stevoswan]

Heeney's a gun in the making, the next Luke Parker. Round one starter for me. Worried about KJ though, just as he was over his ribs and ready for a ripper season, he might be 'questionable' again. Damn it!!! Add to that, Tippett, and Buddy(?), following what appeared to be the clubs best pre season in years, and I'm a little pissed off. But that is a 'glass half empty' attitude, I'm sure we'll be fine when it counts, but feel that it will be much much tougher to repeat last years top spot. Go Swans!!

[Doctor]

Interesting interview with Stuart Dew.

When asked about Tom Mitchell being the sub, he mentioned that Craig Bird had played well the previous week.

It's clear now that Bird and Mitchell are competing for the one spot. There will only be three slower inside midfield extractors played each week. It will be Kennedy, Parker and Mitchell / Bird. It will not be the four of them.

Decent theory, but how do you then explain all of them being on the field in the second half?

- - - Updated - - -

I really enjoyed that game. I got back into yelling at the umpires, having a go at some of the opposition players*, and cheering on our lads. The season is coming!!!

* - Not Mummy though, I still love him.

[Mel_C]

Good news...I heard on SEN that Buddy and Kieran have been cleared of any damage ????.

[stevoswan]

That is good news!

[Meg]

The Sun Herald is suggesting Kieran could come under the scrutiny of the match-review panel after he lashed out with an elbow following a Devon Smith tackle. Is that the tackle in which he was hurt? Anything in this story? Would be very disappointing if he is ok from an injury perspective but then we lose him on suspension.

[Auntie.Gerald]

nothing in it for me

it was a forearm kiss

[ugg]

Yes the same tackle. It doesn't look pretty but he doesnt make full contact which may save hik

[aguy]

nothing in it for me

it was a forearm kiss

Was it the one where kieren was rolled onto his back? if so kieren was blind to where his arm was going. I would call it incidental contact as he was trying to get his arm onto the ground.

[Meg]

Here's the. video of the Jack incident. Shouldn't be of concern in my view.
SwansTV - Kieren Jack injured in tackle - sydneyswans.com.au

[RogueSwan]

Here's the. video of the Jack incident. Shouldn't be of concern in my view.
SwansTV - Kieren Jack injured in tackle - sydneyswans.com.au

He does appear to retaliate but the force component should be at the low end.