Longmire.

[Plugger1300]

Plan A worked
didn't need to have a Plan B that he would not have had anyway

Same problems still under the surface.
Not doubting his ability to coach.
Just one big aspect
Buckley is the same.

[dimelb]

Shame it didn't happen a week earlier.

We get another go in July. I look forward to it.

[AnnieH]

We won a game.
Are you still calling for Horse's head on a platter (or bed)?
Silly naysayers.

[mattybloods]

We won a game! What excellent coaching

[Hotpotato]

I haven't called for the head of Horse, only for him to get the boys to play accountable two way footy, which they (the coaches) all talk about but were struggling to get it happening .
Then last night it happened and they won.
So we are happy again.
Now have a crack at shutting down the $1.6 mill man Dusty.

[waswan]

Most of the early critism was warranted
Im glad he/they are finally rotating more guys thru the midfield

Last night was especially good cos we beat WB at their own game, persisitent fwd chaos entries and pressure at inside fwd 50, they got most their goals GF day off inside 50 ground ball gets

[Auntie.Gerald]

I am so amazed that We finally adjusted our football tactics last night

I can not understand why it has taken so long this season to deploy something so simple that works

we used a perfect blend of uncontested and contested football to control the game

250 to 230 uncontested with the swans the higher number - unbelievable !!!

It's happened and it happened from the get go first qtr

My greatest complaint this whole season is that we needed to wrestle back the game via uncontested football when the opposition was running hot

The swans coaching and leadership group finally finally finally finally finally made this happen !!

Thank u John and the gang !

[Steve]

We won a game.
Are you still calling for Horse's head on a platter (or bed)?
Silly naysayers.

This win being proof of his genius is as bad an assessment as saying last week proves he is an idiot.

There's been a lot of name calling between posters, but I think we'll all find that the huge majority of people are supportive of Longmire. Saying he needs to change a few things, that we have been failing consistently in certain areas, we need more flexibility etc shouldn't be lumped in with an extreme minority saying he should be sacked.

I think it is still a valid question that if they way we played last night is a sustainable brand that stands up against anyone, why haven't we been able to execute it consistently.

[bloodspirit]

There were a significant slice of people that seem(ed) to be saying that even though he has been, and maybe still is, a good coach he is outlived his usefulness at the Swans and it was time for a change.

I don't agree with that at all. Certainly Horse, and all the coaching staff, need to guard against stagnation and complacency but the risk in changing coaches is massive. Even if you don't regard Horse as one of the best in the business (as I do), the chance of striking it lucky and getting someone that will improve the team on a consistent basis compared to what we get with Horse is very small and the risk of them stuffing up what we do have is much greater.

Also, I think the fluctuations in the team's form point more to the players performance than the coaches.

I think Horse summed up his philosophy (not unique to him) neatly last night: "AFL's simple. You need to go harder, for longer". This seems to nail his attitude. It also explains why I often feel that our game style depends a lot on the performance (execution and intensity) of the players. Really, this must be true for all teams and all of the time. It also shows respect for other teams and explains why it is so hard to dominate consistently. It does obscure the function of coaches and play down the significance of tactics. What are coaches there for? Mostly to get the players performing well?

[Steve]

There were a significant slice of people that seem(ed) to be saying that even though he has been, and maybe still is, a good coach he is outlived his usefulness at the Swans and it was time for a change.

No, and this is the problem - if you go back and read all the posts, it is probably only a few saying that. The same few people repeating it doesn't make it a lot of people.

So some have taken the opinion of those few and become indignant, preaching to all the 'entitled' and 'disrespectful' others, most of whom are actually Longmire supporters who just think there are a few problems that need rectifying. At 3-7 going into last night, that wasn't a ridiculous position to take.

Also, I think the fluctuations in the team's form point more to the players performance than the coaches.

... What are coaches there for? Mostly to get the players performing well?

I think that is the point also - if the players aren't performing (or are doing so consistently), it is ultimately the coaching staff who are responsible.

In terms of 'workrate' which seems to fluctuate significantly and is blamed for our losses, Longmire and the other coaches can't simply blame the players. Even if it is the players not delivering, it is poor selection to pick them if they can't deliver consistently, poor coaching/development to improve if it is an area of weakness etc etc.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Last comment for me

Skills errors don't seem to be an issue when u adjust and adapt via executing low pressure uncontested footy when needed

Why
Why
Why
Why
Did it take so long for a flexible game plan to be introduced at the swans

As I have said before local level 2 night per week training teams know how to move between low pressure and high pressure defence an build attack in low and high pressure areas

That's what u work on and try to master at a local level .....that is the key to being successful as a team

Why did the swans finally change their style on Thursday night?

Why ?

Why did it take so long ?

They are a profession club in a professional sport that u would suspect trains to be flexible in strategy, skill and execution

Why was this not evident until almost half way thru the season ?

I have never called for like Longmire to be sacked but what I would like to know is "why?"

Why the lack of forethought ?

[Markwebbos]

Last comment for me

Skills errors don't seem to be an issue when u adjust and adapt via executing low pressure uncontested footy when needed

Why
Why
Why
Why
Did it take so long for a flexible game plan to be introduced at the swans

As I have said before local level 2 night per week training teams know how to move between low pressure and high pressure defence an build attack in low and high pressure areas

That's what u work on and try to master at a local level .....that is the key to being successful as a team

Why did the swans finally change their style on Thursday night?

Why ?

Why did it take so long ?

They are a profession club in a professional sport that u would suspect trains to be flexible in strategy, skill and execution

Why was this not evident until almost half way thru the season ?

I have never called for like Longmire to be sacked but what I would like to know is "why?"

Why the lack of forethought ?

The answer is 42

[Bloody Hell]

The answer is 42

I understand the reference - but the last Swan 42 I recall is Paul Bevan. He is not the answer to any footballing question, and certainly not the questions asked.

[Markwebbos]

I understand the reference - but the last Swan 42 I recall is Paul Bevan. He is not the answer to any footballing question, and certainly not the questions asked.

Fair enough

[Markwebbos]

I think Longmire and his team should get credit for out-coaching the Saints. They were flying before we played them, including a convincing victory v GWS. Longmire figured them out and other teams have shut them down ever since.