Changes for elimination final v Essendon, Saturday 9 September

[Ludwig]

i did look at the replay and it was obvious that Kreuzer was killing us and they got first use at stoppages. This DID make a huge difference as they were getting clearances. You say it wasn't the reason they started kicking goals I beg to differ.

I have already provided a timeline for the roughly 7 minutes that both ruckmen were off injured. There were 3 Carlton goals kicked during this period, none of them remotely involving a ruck contest. All were from turnovers or kick ins. The Kreuzer dominance in the ruck came against our 2 regular ruckmen.

[Ludwig]

The idea that ruckmen do not matter anymore is ridiculous beyond belief but clearly their role is changing.

I still think you need a genuine tap ruckman to win at the pointy end of the season and for this reason Naismith will play every final if fit as he is our #1 tap ruckman and getting better every game.

I think Horse will go with Tippett s he just offers a bit more around the ground but Sinkers will be entitled to feel disappointed.

IN: Naismith; Papley; Hanners
OUT: Sinclair, Harry, Hayward

A very strong side we will be fielding

It's not that ruckmen don't matter, it's that a team can adjust to become a successful side regardless of the quality and quantity of their ruckmen. Look at Richmond, who have played the whole year with just Nankervis and guys like Grigg spelling him when he's tired. It seems to have worked well for them. They present a different kind of look and play to different strengths.

I think your changes are the most likely ones, btw.

[Go Swannies]

I watched half the Bombers game last night - from the start, not the exciting end. It was interesting to see how rusty we were back then and how uncertain our ball movement - I don't think we'll give the Bombers such easy space on Saturday.

And I was chatting to a Swans' board member last weekend who said he was amazed by the intricacies of positional planning that's drilled into the team.

Let's just hope it works for the next four games - and in our Premiership defence in 2018.

[Matty10]

Let's just hope it works for the next four games - and in our Premiership defence in 2018.

I love this sort of arrogance - in a year's time it might well be considered modest reasoning. Go the Bloods - and in this instance, Go Swannies!


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[S.S. Bleeder]

I think we got lucky with those umpires and it should not be a lop sided free kick account. Which is good to see. Razor Ray is a bit erratic but usually not Bias. Surprised no one start a thread on the Blind Fan and the commentator? Great story and I had to laugh when the journalist mentioned the young boy's commentary would be channel seven to shame!!

Meredith was the umpire that made the majority of bad decisions, coincidently all against us, in last years GF. I wouldn't be feeling too confident that we'll get a fair go.

[Beerman]

Yeah Tippo and Sam Reid were there too. They often get together away from the rest of team, tell short people jokes, play a bit
of classic Randy Newman on the ipod, talk about the NBA, and how hard it is to buy decent fitted clothes, and you know just
generally do tall people stuff.

To me, that just highlights how much of a different world they live in.

I am 191cm and I *never* listen to Randy Newman, classic or otherwise. Of course, it's possible the Randy Newman listening doesn't kick in until 193cm or even higher.

[crackedactor]

Meredith was the umpire that made the majority of bad decisions, coincidently all against us, in last years GF. I wouldn't be feeling too confident that we'll get a fair go.

OMG good pick up -- I watched the free bulldogs video and Meredith was the one who gave a free kick against Jack for kicking in danger when the bulldog player slided in and took his legs and he was the one who paid the Clay Smith a free kick when he tossed his head back pretending he was taking high. Obviously the AFL has assigned him again to damage the Swans chances while playing a Victorian side. Can some Karma please happen to this low life!!

[barry]

To me, that just highlights how much of a different world they live in.

I am 191cm and I *never* listen to Randy Newman, classic or otherwise. Of course, it's possible the Randy Newman listening doesn't kick in until 193cm or even higher.

I saw an interview a few years ago where Randy Newman' said his biggest regret was not being able to crack the sub 193cm market.

[Billericay]

I saw an interview a few years ago where Randy Newman' said his biggest regret was not being able to crack the sub 193cm market.

nice.

Listening to the Age Realfooty podcast yesterday. They all agreed that Tippett should make way for Naismith because he couldn't be relied upon and he wasn't good at playing through injury. Words to the effect that the doctors thought he should have been OK to play on but Tippett didn't (not sure if this was the Carlton game or earlier in the year). I agree that Tippett should make way. Don't know if the match committee will agree though.

I also think Towers stays in over Hayward. Think Towers is harder (than an 18 yo skinny first year player).

So I still think its

IN: Naismith, Hanners, Paps
OUT: Cunningham, Tippo, Hayward

[Sandrevan]

The Swans are in pretty good shape for the start of the finals series.

If Papley and Hennebery are fit they are automatic ins for me.

But who to leave out???

Cunningham and Hayward/Towers. I think Newman stays in.

The ruck scenario. If all 3 are fit then I'd go with Naismith and Sinclair. There's not a lot in it but I think Sinclair offers a bit more around the ground than Tippett and is less injury prone.

We should beat Essendon - despite the efforts of umpire Meredith. If we get through to the semi next week it will be a different story. One week at a time.

[AB Swannie]

Not much given away with the training photos today.

[AB Swannie]

Naismith, Paps, Hanners in for Tippett, Hayward, Cunningham

[ugg]

Paps Hanners and Naismith in for Cunningham Hayward and Tippett

Fantasia Hurley for Laverde Hooker

Emg Aliir Robinson Cunningham
Emg Hocking Laverde McKernan

[Hotpotato]

Strong team. Now just have to come out forcefully and put The Bombers away.

[Faunac8]

AA as an emergency ?
Be still Ludwigs beating heart ?? is a last minute switcheroo on the cards?????