NAB Challenge Game 1: Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide Power @ BISP

[goswannies]

I hope I am not mistaken, but thought a commentator mentioned that he had spoken to Tom Harley and Heeney's injury may not be too bad. Apparently it is not a structural issue. Fingers crossed.

I suspect Heeney might have a mild exacerbation of his tendinitis. Better to rest that when able during this time of year. ie playing out a game worth nothing against Port's reserves will have been of no benefit. He's such a driven kid that I'd have thought his dejected appearance was more that he wasn't out there competing, than frustration about serious injury. Just an opinion & observation, not informed commentary.

[jono2707]

BTW the meagre crowd reflected the poor, poor choice of venue...

[Levii3]

Crowd was a touch over 3000 a little small but weather may have played a part but still swans need to have a presence in western sydney and not just leave it to GWS and lose existing supporters. Blacktown is not the worst place for footy ANZ is

[Matt79]

BTW the meagre crowd reflected the poor, poor choice of venue...

Strongly disagree with this...I for one am very thankful that the AFL and Sydney Swans still have some thought for the thousands of Swan's fan who live in Western Sydney. For one time in the year, it was nice to be to and from the ground in 15 minutes. Blacktown ISP is a great spot for pre season footy, good surface and facilities for what it is...a scratch match.

[Nico]

Jack, Hiscox and Robinson, to me, don't appear to have what it takes. They all kick poorly and Robinson goes to ground a lot and just seems to be missing something when he attacks the ball. Leonardis looked promising - he gets where the ball's at and Dawson has very clean skills, looks like the ideal footballer and looks like he plays like one.
Lloyd is a concern. He gets plenty of it and gets into space, but is slow to dispose of the footy, and when he is clear doesn't sprint to give himself that extra yard to steady and dispose. The opposition close on him quickly. If he plays like this his disposal must be a hell of a lot better. Doesn't create much.

[aardvark]

Jack, Hiscox and Robinson, to me, don't appear to have what it takes.

I agree. Fringe players at best. Dawson reminded me of a young Mark Bayes. Hope he turns out as good.

[lwjoyner]

Agree on Jack, Hiscox and Robbo. Also who is our kicking coach, we have not improved one bit still miss our targets consistently. Rampe need to get rid of that hair and concentrate when kicking ,he is a good kick but doesn't think. Grundy still same old same old what was he thing with that handball.

[Auntie.Gerald]

A lot of frustration on the panel ?

Let's get to game 2 and a nice non greasy day

[Primmy]

Was out there, for the first half and a bit at least, every time I thought Who was that! it was 14, Mills. I liked George too btw, but the disappointing one for me was Ramps. Turnovers. That won't stay, but it was surprising (or not, too much publicity?).

Ah well, I didn't think Towers was ever going to make it (or Macca for that matter), so what would I know.

[ugg]

Sinclair looks set to reprise his role from West Coast last year where he split ruck time with NicNat almost 50/50 with NicNat always taking the opening bounce. I think this suits the Swans and Tippett because the Swans like Tippett getting touches early as it gets him into the game.

[Scottee]

Reflections after the game:

We have recruited well. Loenardis and Dawson both look a a chance to debut and Mills is a standout. Talia looks serviceable as does Sinclair.

Towers and Lloyd look to have cemented places in the 22. Very happy to see Towers confidently plying his talent.

Hewett will debut this year.

Nankervis may be slow but he makes a contribution through his football skills.

The form of Tippett, Grundy, Parker, Rampe and Smith gives no cause for concern apart from their disposal which should improve in games that matter.

Buddy is back!

Hiscox, and Robbo look to be struggling to have an impact.

Marsh and Xav (who seems to have bulked up a bit) seemed capable of performing a role.

Our big issue is the loss of the running link ups betweeen the backline and the forward line with the loss of Shaw from the backline, Jetta from the midfield and Goodes, the fastest lead at the club, missing from the forward line. Hopefully Towers can take on Goodsey's role but there are no obvious heir apparents for the backline role (but with hopes for Mills, Jones and maybe Leonardis) and none for the midfield (Cunningham becomes super important here as one of the few with serous leg speed but we are going to have to hope that O'Riordon can be fast tracked).

I think it is going to take a while to find the new team structure and until we do we might struggle. I'm hoping Jones can make a good comeback from injury because he has the sort of attacking mindset that we need up back.

[aguy]

I just walked past Heeney at fan day. He was walking fine and looked very happy and chatty

[mcs]

From my viewing on a dodgy stream, it was an ok hitout first up. Mills will be in the team Rd 1 and will stay there, Dawson showed some real potential, Towers looks to be building on his good end to last year, and I thought Sinclair did ok. All in all, not a bad run out, and some good practice at wet weather footy in the last quarter!

However, our skills looked no better than any other year early in pre-season, and our inability to hit targets looks like it will continue on into 2016. I agree with Scottee that it might take some time to find the new team structure, and for it all to get. We will need to be patient early on this season, and hope that as the 22 beds down then the performances ramp up as the season progresses.

[chalbilto]

Reflections after the game:

We have recruited well. Loenardis and Dawson both look a a chance to debut and Mills is a standout. Talia looks serviceable as does Sinclair.

Towers and Lloyd look to have cemented places in the 22. Very happy to see Towers confidently plying his talent.

Hewett will debut this year.

Nankervis may be slow but he makes a contribution through his football skills.

The form of Tippett, Grundy, Parker, Rampe and Smith gives no cause for concern apart from their disposal which should improve in games that matter.

Buddy is back!

Hiscox, and Robbo look to be struggling to have an impact.

Marsh and Xav (who seems to have bulked up a bit) seemed capable of performing a role.

Our big issue is the loss of the running link ups betweeen the backline and the forward line with the loss of Shaw from the backline, Jetta from the midfield and Goodes, the fastest lead at the club, missing from the forward line. Hopefully Towers can take on Goodsey's role but there are no obvious heir apparents for the backline role (but with hopes for Mills, Jones and maybe Leonardis) and none for the midfield (Cunningham becomes super important here as one of the few with serous leg speed but we are going to have to hope that O'Riordon can be fast tracked).

I think it is going to take a while to find the new team structure and until we do we might struggle. I'm hoping Jones can make a good comeback from injury because he has the sort of attacking mindset that we need up back.

I think that Gary Rohan can also take on Goodseys' role.

[RogueSwan]

I think that Gary Rohan can also take on Goodesys' role.

He needs to become as durable as Goodesy first. He needs an uninterrupted season, which hasn't happened yet.