First Semi Final: Swans v Crows

[Untamed Snark]

How remarkable is Aliir? Only a dozen games in to his career and he picks up 21 disposals (a career high) in a SF, just watching a bit of the replay this morning and it's surprising how often he is around the fall of the ball whenever Adelaide tries to go forward.

I just can't remember a more composed young key defender, it was obvious from his first game that he was not remotely overwhelmed or intimidated by the step up to AFL level. Truly a credit to the whole coaching staff who have been involved in his development (and obviously to Aliir himself!).

One the train on the way home a highly excited very young kid was telling the whole carriage that he wants to play like Allir when he grows up ?

And you're right, he's such a composed player, he seems to learn from his mistakes but doesn't let them hang over his head during the game.

[royboy42]

Your info is as good as anyone here Ugg..be great if this held up.

[i'm-uninformed2]

As much as a fit and in form Tippett would be ideal, I loved Nankers last night. Threw his weight around, crunched a couple, made contests and brought the ball to ground and showed tidy skills. He is a bit of a log, but an effective one.

[Dosser]

As much as a fit and in form Tippett would be ideal, I loved Nankers last night. Threw his weight around, crunched a couple, made contests and brought the ball to ground and showed tidy skills. He is a bit of a log, but an effective one.

I loved his work as well. I especially noticed his pack marking in the forward line consisted of deft taps to our little men while the defender was trying to spoil him.

[barry]

Nanker certainly provided the hardness we needed

[kilroyII]

Theres a lot of talk about our injured players, tbh as much as Rohan has been good we didnt really miss him last night when he got injured and has been covered in the past and well McPointy we are going to loose a general out on the field and his link up work but he can be covered and i feel his lack of pace could be an issue.

[Buzz80]

That is the beauty of our depth this year. Even if McVeigh or Rohan cant get up we should have Jones and Towers to come into the team which are like for like players. Then should we make it to the GF we would have selection issues with Tippett, Mills, McVeigh and Sinclair all to come back

[MattW]

Really pleased for Nick Smith, who played at his best in an important role. Not only blanketed Betts, but kicked well under pressure and set up play. Set the standard with Joey and Hannebery and Buddy.

Buddy's first contribution to bring the ball to ground on 50, chase to win a HTB free, and then kick the set shot from 50 was a big moment. Only 14 possessions but ran and tackled hard and kicked some clutch set shots from range.

Also really pleased for McGlynn and Papley, who were both dangerous. There have been occasions this year where Papley has snatched at opportunities, but he took every chance very well last night. He demonstrated he has
the temperament. Benny is getting more of it and kicking well.

Break-out finals games by Lloyd and Heeney. We've been waiting for that from Isaac. Hard body, soft hands. He knows he can bring that, now he has to do it again and again.

Either Mills or Jones could do the job for McVeigh. If they're both available, I'd pick them both for Rohan/McVeigh, even though they don't play his position. They're easily the best potentially available (Tippett aside) players. We'd work it out. The situation is stark if neither is available. I'd pick Rose (for Rohan) and Cunningham (for McVeigh) over Towers. I just can't see Towers playing the kind of pressure footy the team played last evening.

Finally, Nankervis did a great job. He's hard and a decent kick. Perfect reserve ruckman.

[Auntie.Gerald]

7 Snr players out injured coming into last nights game

Arguably all starting 22 players Rd 1 of this season

Reid
Ted
Jones
Tip
Mills
Talia
Sinclair

If u took out 7 players from any team in the Comp that play their equivalent position or role in the team u would never say it was possible to win - not for money !!!

No patten
No Davis
No Wilson
No mummy
No Williams
No Hayne
No lobb

That would be an embarrassment to GWS to field a team with the above 7 players missing

Then to win with 20 players for 60% of the game is remarkable !!

[Swansinger]

Plenty to like about the win with some very strong performances across the board.Naismith disproved the old adage that you should "never handball to a ruckman".

[Dreuxy]

Loved the games of our two young ruckmen last night. The tap work was excellent and they gave a contest and made themselves a "presence" all night.

[aardvark]

Right on! Whatever happens next week I'm very proud to be a Swans supporter. They have far exceeded my expectations this year with so many young inexperienced players coming into the team.

Totally agree Meg. Everything from here on in is a bonus and we are where we like best. Injured, sore and underdogs, you better watch out pussycats!

[dimelb]

The Riser was rocking last night, wonderful game to witness.

The combination of grunt and finesse from Kennedy, Parker, Hannebery, Jack and Mitchell; the deadly contributions from McGlynn, Papley and Franklin; the solid games from both ruckmen, and if Tippett isn't ready I'd be happy to go into battle next to Nankervis; a cheer squad placard reading "I dream of Heeney" (a nightmare for some!) and the flashes of brilliance from Rohan; the determination of Smith, Grundy, Rampe, Laidler, Richards, Hewitt, Marsh and McVeigh; the poise, pace and positioning of Aliir. Finally, and as some others have picked up, Lloyd's contribution: neat rather than flashy, nearly always seems to pick the right options, long kicks to real opportunities, a cool head - he's going well.

[dimelb]

Also Rohan limped off as usual! Hopefully not a strain but he always seems to hurt himself somehow!

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I read recently that a number of the Collingwood team are being coached by a ballet teacher with the specific task of learning how to land after you've flown. This sounds like a reasonable addition to the training, and I wonder if the Swans staff have heard about it. Rohan would certainly benefit from it - after he gets over his knee.

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[kilroyII]

Watching the reply big massive kudos to crowd! Amazing noise from the opening bounce giving me chills. Well done Sydney!

Sidenote: Crows cheersquad looked amazing with those big flags.

I'm still beaming!

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