Changes for elimination final v Essendon, Saturday 9 September

[cherub]

Hopefully the umpires will unlearn any such bias after review of the Carlton game. He was pinged once for holding the ball where he never came close to taking possession. The ball was in dispute and he was still paddling it in front waiting for an opportunity to take possession.

He does play for the Swannies, though! Not sure the Stevics of the world can unlearn bias.

[barry]

In: nainsmith, hannerbury, papley.
Out: ????

[Ludwig]

After today's display, Aliir should not be recalled. (No apologies, Ludwig.) Whatever has gone awry for him, I hope it gets sorted over the off-season. He has a lot of upside. I did think it was interesting that they returned Aliir to playing defence in the 2s today after exposing him to various other roles in recent times. Could this have been to make it easier to tell if they are ready to recall him in a primarily defensive role?

Some of the play ons and taking on tacklers seemed downright idiotic. I was wondering if he plays this way on his own volition or was instructed to take the game on at all cost. Remember, Rhyce Shaw was that kind of player too and may be developing Aliir in a similar mould. After 4 years at the club I would think the subject of Aliir's playing style would have been a matter of discussion over a long period of time. Either he's playing against instructions or he's playing to instructions, but has days when it just doesn't come off that well. In the end, he has to learn to play within his limitations. It helps to learn what those limitations are in real game situations if one is going to play within them.

Most of these plays that people are referring to took place well after the game was in the bag, so there wasn't much risk to try some speculative (wild) things at that stage. He wasn't going to play senior footy anyway, so it's a moot point relating his NEAFL performance with finals playing prospects.

[AB Swannie]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cunningham stays in and is given a defensive job on Tipungwuti. Last time we played Essendon, Rohan played on him for most of the game before switching forward at the end to take that mark. They'll want Rohan forward this time.

[annew]

If Naismith plays in the seniors and Sinclair is dropped who will ruck for the reserves, is Sinclair eligible to play in reserves.

[liz]

If Naismith plays in the seniors and Sinclair is dropped who will ruck for the reserves, is Sinclair eligible to play in reserves.

Yep. For as long as the senior team is still alive, any squad member can player for the NEAFL side irrespective of the eligibility criteria (subject to rules around where there's a bye, which we discovered over the weekend that no-one on here understands!)

[dimelb]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cunningham stays in and is given a defensive job on Tipungwuti. Last time we played Essendon, Rohan played on him for most of the game before switching forward at the end to take that mark. They'll want Rohan forward this time.

A most interesting observation, which I hadn't picked up. It reinforces my view that Rohan is essentially a forward, potentially a very good forward, and someone else can sit on Tipungwuti.

[MattW]

A most interesting observation, which I hadn't picked up. It reinforces my view that Rohan is essentially a forward, potentially a very good forward, and someone else can sit on Tipungwuti.

Agreed - good pick-up AB Swannie.

[Nico]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cunningham stays in and is given a defensive job on Tipungwuti. Last time we played Essendon, Rohan played on him for most of the game before switching forward at the end to take that mark. They'll want Rohan forward this time.

Not a good match up. Tipungwuti would be far too strong for him.

Heard on SEN this morning that Hurley, Fantasia and Hooker are no certainties to play and didn't train much last week.

[YvonneH]

Not a good match up. Tipungwuti would be far too strong for him.

Heard on SEN this morning that Hurley, Fantasia and Hooker are no certainties to play and didn't train much last week.

Don't get your hopes up re: the above. Ducks and Drakes maybe?

[ernie koala]

In a final....When pressure and intensity is ramped up

Please ...Newman ahead of Towers....Surely.

When the intensity is up, Towers goes missing. When the pressure is up, Towers stuffs up.

As for which is the best ruck combo...Naismith/ Sinclair, Naismith/ Tippett, Sinclair Tippett....It's as clear as mud...Unfortunately there is no stand out combination.

[Thunder Shaker]

Not a good match up. Tipungwuti would be far too strong for [Cunningham].

Mills played well on him in the last few minutes of the round 14 win.

The AFL website has the following to say: Each finalist's best 22
SYDNEY

B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Zak Jones
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
F: Will Hayward, Lance Franklin, Gary Rohan
Foll: Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney
INT: Callum Mills, Nic Newman, Callum Sinclair, George Hewett

UNAVAILABLE: Nil

The only real selection issues for the Swans will be the ruck combination, and Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair have done enough over the past month to keep Sam Naismith in the NEAFL. The pair gives the side more flexibility given they both have the ability to be dangerous tall forward options alongside Lance Franklin and Sam Reid. Nic Newman gets a spot ahead of Dean Towers in a tight call, with his foot skills and decision-making superior to his more experienced teammate. - Adam Curley

This would imply the following team changes:
In: Dan Hannebery, Tom Papley
Out: Dean Towers, Harry Cunningham

[Swansongster]

Towers, Hanners and Paps are certainties for mine. Naismith to miss. Not sure who makes way for R22's restees but Newman will also play IMHO.

Bit worried about Bombers but wouldn't be coming to Sydney if I didn't think we'll win. Easily.

[Blood Fever]

Mills played well on him in the last few minutes of the round 14 win.

The AFL website has the following to say: Each finalist's best 22
SYDNEY

B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Zak Jones
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
F: Will Hayward, Lance Franklin, Gary Rohan
Foll: Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney
INT: Callum Mills, Nic Newman, Callum Sinclair, George Hewett

UNAVAILABLE: Nil

The only real selection issues for the Swans will be the ruck combination, and Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair have done enough over the past month to keep Sam Naismith in the NEAFL. The pair gives the side more flexibility given they both have the ability to be dangerous tall forward options alongside Lance Franklin and Sam Reid. Nic Newman gets a spot ahead of Dean Towers in a tight call, with his foot skills and decision-making superior to his more experienced teammate. - Adam Curley

This would imply the following team changes:
In: Dan Hannebery, Tom Papley
Out: Dean Towers, Harry Cunningham

Naismith has to play - gets hand on ball more often and is more athletic than Tippett as well as stronger than Sinclair. Sam and Callum to be the two ruckmen. Tippett has broken down too many times.

[barry]

Nainsmith is our best ruckman. He's a lock I would say.

I think tippet is probably the better forward at the SCG.

Sorry sinkers. I think sinkers would be better at the MCG though.