GWS v Sydney Swans Early Discussion

[MattW]

does anyone think Shaw wont be in the 22 ?

Decent chance. I commented today that he won't play finals.

[ernie koala]

does anyone think Shaw wont be in the 22 ?

NO, not on todays performance. I thought he was lively and found plenty of space and ran well.

His kicking has always been a bit hit and miss, but with Malceski gone he will be an important general off halfback.

I did like Jetta's game today, his first instinct (missing last year) was to take off and break the line, hallelula.

It looked like his running confidence was back . He also looked like he wanted to be involved more, even flying the flag a few times.

One senses his woeful GF has motivated him.

[O'Reilly Boy]

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.

Even funnier?you can see Laidler gesturing to Heeney to slow down just after he's taken the mark, before catching Ted's eye and quickly changing his tune.
Great mark by Heeney, and exemplary roving by Towers. Can't wait for Round 1.

[ugg]

Jetta and Shaw fined $1500 each for their part in a melee, as did Dev Smith and Cal Ward.

[churry]

And Jack cleared, not enough force.

[707]

Just watched the game (wife went out shopping), a few thoughts

Parker, Hanners, JPK all look in good touch

Rohan, I reckon he's listed at 188cm but he's taller than that, must be 191 at least. Now thinking we should be making him a forward. Has blistering pace, marks well, kicks ok for goal, brings huge fwd pressure. Particularly with our full forward line playing, he adds another (Tippett, Buddy, Goodes) tall difficult match up for oppositions.

Heeney - not sure why there's any conjecture about him playing R1, there's no way he won't be playing given his three very good NAB matches. He looks accomplished in every facet of the game, just has to be our best bet as a small/med fwd, can do stints midfield as well. This would be Hawthorn like, adding to oppositions defence match up worries. Heeney is best 22 already, I don't care about his age, he's a gun Eddie!

[aguy]

Just watched the game (wife went out shopping), a few thoughts

Parker, Hanners, JPK all look in good touch

Rohan, I reckon he's listed at 188cm but he's taller than that, must be 191 at least. Now thinking we should be making him a forward. Has blistering pace, marks well, kicks ok for goal, brings huge fwd pressure. Particularly with our full forward line playing, he adds another (Tippett, Buddy, Goodes) tall difficult match up for oppositions.

Heeney - not sure why there's any conjecture about him playing R1, there's no way he won't be playing given his three very good NAB matches. He looks accomplished in every facet of the game, just has to be our best bet as a small/med fwd, can do stints midfield as well. This would be Hawthorn like, adding to oppositions defence match up worries. Heeney is best 22 already, I don't care about his age, he's a gun Eddie!

I like most agree with you that heeney has to play round 1. The question is really who makes way for him assuming that both heeney and mitchell are added to the grand final team and only malceski is missing. Gotta drop one more player as well to bring in both mitchell and heeney

[Melbourne_Blood]

I like most agree with you that heeney has to play round 1. The question is really who makes way for him assuming that both heeney and mitchell are added to the grand final team and only malceski is missing. Gotta drop one more player as well to bring in both mitchell and heeney

Shaw for me, love the guy but if we have all guys fit, he's the unlucky one. Do think Towers will get a chance too if a spot opens up.

[aguy]

Shaw for me, love the guy but if we have all guys fit, he's the unlucky one. Do think Towers will get a chance too if a spot opens up.

Again I think most here agree about shaw ( myself included) but I dont think the selectors will drop him for round one.

[Conor_Dillon]

Not sure if it's been mentioned or not yet but how good was Heeney's hit on the GWS player (Shaw maybe?) with a minute left in the last quarter? Really dropped him...love how tough he is!
Also love how many of the boys flew the flag when Cameron got stuck into Robinson, great passion.

Just watching the replay now if you can't tell.

[ernie koala]

IMO, there's no way Shaw will be dropped for round 1.

His form against GWS was good, he adds drive, experience, finds space, and is full of voice...

Especially given the relative inexperience we have on the halfback line (ie Rohan and Jetta).

I'm more concerned about Goodes form, other than a few minutes in the 1st quarter, he had little impact.

[Ludwig]

Rohan, I reckon he's listed at 188cm but he's taller than that, must be 191 at least. Now thinking we should be making him a forward. Has blistering pace, marks well, kicks ok for goal, brings huge fwd pressure. Particularly with our full forward line playing, he adds another (Tippett, Buddy, Goodes) tall difficult match up for oppositions.

Heeney - not sure why there's any conjecture about him playing R1, there's no way he won't be playing given his three very good NAB matches. He looks accomplished in every facet of the game, just has to be our best bet as a small/med fwd, can do stints midfield as well. This would be Hawthorn like, adding to oppositions defence match up worries. Heeney is best 22 already, I don't care about his age, he's a gun Eddie!

I agree about both Heeney and Rohan. The only problem being who to leave out. And it's no small problem. If the match was a trial run for round 1, then Rohan won't be playing in defence. And Jetta wasn't drifting back more than playing back. I think our game plan involves a bit of rotation both back and forward.

If everyone is fit to go round 1, then we have to drop 5 from the side that played Sunday. Robinson and Naismith of the obvious 2. Although Robbo made a few errors, they were more due to inexperience. He took some good marks and his goal showed some quick thinking and ability. He did some nice things. Naismith can ruck, can take a mark and moves well. He's already ahead of TD. He looks lost at times and a bit timid, but did well against an accomplished ruckman like Mummy. Should be ready next year.

So who are the possible omissions?

1. Laidler played most of last year and was solid enough, as he has been in the preseason games. He launched that perfect pass to Heeney which led to and easy goal. He may be part of the plan that allows Jetta and Rohan to play more attacking roles. Biggest question is his speed.
2. Shaw is playing much the same as last year, so hard to see him getting dropped just yet. I think Horse will be afraid to confront to him when the time comes and will probably send in Stewy Dew for the job.
3. Mitchell has not been a standout, but we know that he will get plenty of the ball. Also allows spells up forward for JPK and Parker. It's hard to leave him out of the side. If not now, then when?
4. Towers has been impressive. He's looking confident now. And is making quick decisions. He was quick on to that loose ball that led to his goal, which he slotted in like an accomplished player (compared to the one he missed on a similar attempt last year). He could be very damaging once the attention has shifted to the big 3. I would hate to see him not given a chance to continue his development at senior level.
5. It is also hard to see either Lloyd or Cunningham losing their spots. Both have looked good.

I haven't seen such a good first year player as Heeney in a long time. Looks better than Jaeger at the same stage. And some say Mills is even better. But picking the 22 for round 1 will be tough.

[Auntie.Gerald]

in the few games i have seen Mills is arguably just as good if not better then Heeney as a midfielder BUT BUT BUT Heeney has a much better over head mark and as we have seen from Nat Fyfe that is hallmark of a star player !

i must say i am beaten with working out our best 22

I love nothing more then contemplating the road ahead but for me there is a very very very solid 26 players to choose from

[Matt80]

I agree about both Heeney and Rohan. The only problem being who to leave out. And it's no small problem. If the match was a trial run for round 1, then Rohan won't be playing in defence. And Jetta wasn't drifting back more than playing back. I think our game plan involves a bit of rotation both back and forward.

If everyone is fit to go round 1, then we have to drop 5 from the side that played Sunday. Robinson and Naismith of the obvious 2. Although Robbo made a few errors, they were more due to inexperience. He took some good marks and his goal showed some quick thinking and ability. He did some nice things. Naismith can ruck, can take a mark and moves well. He's already ahead of TD. He looks lost at times and a bit timid, but did well against an accomplished ruckman like Mummy. Should be ready next year.

So who are the possible omissions?

1. Laidler played most of last year and was solid enough, as he has been in the preseason games. He launched that perfect pass to Heeney which led to and easy goal. He may be part of the plan that allows Jetta and Rohan to play more attacking roles. Biggest question is his speed.
2. Shaw is playing much the same as last year, so hard to see him getting dropped just yet. I think Horse will be afraid to confront to him when the time comes and will probably send in Stewy Dew for the job.
3. Mitchell has not been a standout, but we know that he will get plenty of the ball. Also allows spells up forward for JPK and Parker. It's hard to leave him out of the side. If not now, then when?
4. Towers has been impressive. He's looking confident now. And is making quick decisions. He was quick on to that loose ball that led to his goal, which he slotted in like an accomplished player (compared to the one he missed on a similar attempt last year). He could be very damaging once the attention has shifted to the big 3. I would hate to see him not given a chance to continue his development at senior level.
5. It is also hard to see either Lloyd or Cunningham losing their spots. Both have looked good.

I haven't seen such a good first year player as Heeney in a long time. Looks better than Jaeger at the same stage. And some say Mills is even better. But picking the 22 for round 1 will be tough.

What amazing analysis Ludwig.

I think the five outs will be:

1) Robinson

2) Naismith if Tippett is ready.

3) Laidler - Reid it appears is playing as the 3rd tall backman.

4) Shaw - This is the ROK situation of 2015. I don't want to drop out Lloyd, Rohan, Cunningham or Heeney to accomodate him. Those four guys have more upside.

5) Mitchell. I think he and Bird are competing for the one position and Bird is playing better at the moment.

Towers would be the better option for sub. Maybe Shaw can offer a good option as a sub.

[Auntie.Gerald]

ps when the coaches are trying to determine who are their next recruits we used to here Paul Roos say that there was 3 key areas that separate the kings

Cardio/ Speed
Skill
Attitude

But as my late mother always said when watching sport............ANTICIPATION separates the best from the rest !

Heeney backed himself to take a massive mark..........he then waited until the pack and the players were in a possie that promoted a best opportunity to strike a goal

Now if Heeney missed that take it could have spilled over the back and GWS may have run away with a goal...........but champions make these types of plays and Heeney has the hallmarks of the prince of sydney !