Pre-season 2018

[wolftone57]

I was under the impression they did some form of training every day (or weekday, at least) during the off-season. It's not as if they have matches to recover from, and there's a limited time to build up endurance and work on skills.

yeah three days on the track and the rest is gym work and aerobic fitness. Whether the latter is dance, martial arts, palates or just the rowing etc they are very important to maintain dexterity and relieve muscle tightness.

[liz]

Longmire's plan to revive forgotten Swan - AFL.com.au

Something else to keep Ludwig happy (reference to McCartin thread).

[707]

A few have been calling for it and now Horse confirms it, looking at Aliir as a relief ruckman, does that spell the end for Towers?

Like many of our players last year, Aliir had little preseason and was therefore playing catch up all year. This preseason has so far gone very well, almost all key players have a solid base to set them up for the season.

[Swansongster]

A few have been calling for it and now Horse confirms it, looking at Aliir as a relief ruckman, does that spell the end for Towers?

Like many of our players last year, Aliir had little preseason and was therefore playing catch up all year. This preseason has so far gone very well, almost all key players have a solid base to set them up for the season.

That old chestnut again. Deano was in selected 22 most of last year and spent very little time in the ruck. Personally, I am expecting the same in 2018.

It's the little things he does that only the coaches (and those who love him) see that allows forgiveness for the odd transgression and low possie stats.

This will be his break-out year with another AFL-class pre-season under the belt.

(Ducks for cover).

Aliir could be huge this year with a full pre-season (and an alarm clock). Here's hoping.

[bloodspirit]

A few have been calling for it and now Horse confirms it, looking at Aliir as a relief ruckman, does that spell the end for Towers?

Like many of our players last year, Aliir had little preseason and was therefore playing catch up all year. This preseason has so far gone very well, almost all key players have a solid base to set them up for the season.

This has indeed been mooted many times here on RWO given Aliir has pinch hit in the ruck at NEAFL level with some success. I wonder if it will prove a mixed blessing for Aliir? While his versatility is a huge asset for us it could also see him not necessarily getting to settle in any one position as he is trialled in various different roles. We have argued about whether this has effected the development of various other players over the years, Sam Reid is an obvious name that comes to mind. In Reid's case things seem to be settling at last with a role as a swingman who plays mostly forward but who can reliably be thrown back when needed (and who occasionally pinch hits in the ruck). Maybe Aliir can be the back half equivalent. Aliir has more line breaking ability than Reid and is a bit more dashing/daring, which perhaps makes him better suited to playing off half back. Reid has better endurance and is a better mark than Aliir. I'm not really clear on what kind of goal kicker/set shot Aliir is. Have others noticed? perhaps someone like ugg (or liz or Ludwig) who watches the reserves especially closely?

Anyway, overall I think versatility is a good thing and increasingly desirable in today's footy. We are lucky to have a few especially versatile players: Reid and Towers stand out for playing just about anywhere on the ground. Then there's a bunch like Parker, Heeney, Papley, Jack, Jones, Macca etc who are able to play multiple positions.

[Ludwig]

Longmire's plan to revive forgotten Swan - AFL.com.au

Something else to keep Ludwig happy (reference to McCartin thread).

Now that I've become the Chief Strategist for the Swans we can all expect big things in 2018. All of my suggestions will be implemented this season: Tippett forced into retirement, one ruckman policy, Aliir becoming the 3rd tall defender (freeing up Rampe) and becoming a backup ruckman and Callum Mills moving to the midfield, to name a few.

If we don't win the premiership you can blame me. I'm in charge now and take full responsibility.

Thanks to Tom Harley for the faith he's placed in me and my manager and publicist Brian Taylor for my lucrative contract.

[707]

Now that I've become the Chief Strategist for the Swans we can all expect big things in 2018. All of my suggestions will be implemented this season: Tippett forced into retirement, one ruckman policy, Aliir becoming the 3rd tall defender (freeing up Rampe) and becoming a backup ruckman and Callum Mills moving to the midfield, to name a few.

If we don't win the premiership you can blame me. I'm in charge now and take full responsibility.

Thanks to Tom Harley for the faith he's placed in me and my manager and publicist Brian Taylor for my lucrative contract.

I think you're right Ludwig, all those moves you proposed are coming to fruition - genius at work!

Oh, and can you please get Dawson into the side.

[Dosser]

Now that I've become the Chief Strategist for the Swans we can all expect big things in 2018. All of my suggestions will be implemented this season: Tippett forced into retirement, one ruckman policy, Aliir becoming the 3rd tall defender (freeing up Rampe) and becoming a backup ruckman and Callum Mills moving to the midfield, to name a few.

If we don't win the premiership you can blame me. I'm in charge now and take full responsibility.

Thanks to Tom Harley for the faith he's placed in me and my manager and publicist Brian Taylor for my lucrative contract.

Ludwig at work

[liz]

Midfielder 'furthest behind' of Sydney's fab five - AFL.com.au

Here's some news from the club on those players still recovering from injury.

Most interesting is that it confirms what many of us suspected (and maybe some knew for sure) - that Hanners played much of last season very sore. It also explains why he's still on the sidelines. I saw him with a compression type bandage over his lower leg last Monday but it sounds like the calf issue is fairly minor. I don't think it would be that bad a thing if he had a late start to the season. He does so much hard running, and has done for season after season, that a later start that maybe sees him fresher in September could be a good thing. I have enough confidence that we now have enough younger players with experience who are capable of playing through the middle that he can be covered for a short period. But I also think he's vital to success at the end of the year. When we win in the big games, invariably Hanners is one of the players leading the way.

[mariachi]

Hi. Does anyone know if there?s the usual intra club game this year? I can?t seem to find one on the website. And a quick thanks to all the regular correspondents. I don?t post often but enjoy reading your thoughts. There?s some wonderful notions expressed here. Keep it up!

[liz]

Hi. Does anyone know if there?s the usual intra club game this year? I can?t seem to find one on the website. And a quick thanks to all the regular correspondents. I don?t post often but enjoy reading your thoughts. There?s some wonderful notions expressed here. Keep it up!

Feb 23rd. It's included in the "What's On" on the Swans website. No doubt it will get further announced closer to the date.

What's on! - sydneyswans.com.au

[Blood Fever]

Midfielder 'furthest behind' of Sydney's fab five - AFL.com.au

Here's some news from the club on those players still recovering from injury.

Most interesting is that it confirms what many of us suspected (and maybe some knew for sure) - that Hanners played much of last season very sore. It also explains why he's still on the sidelines. I saw him with a compression type bandage over his lower leg last Monday but it sounds like the calf issue is fairly minor. I don't think it would be that bad a thing if he had a late start to the season. He does so much hard running, and has done for season after season, that a later start that maybe sees him fresher in September could be a good thing. I have enough confidence that we now have enough younger players with experience who are capable of playing through the middle that he can be covered for a short period. But I also think he's vital to success at the end of the year. When we win in the big games, invariably Hanners is one of the players leading the way.

Good call Liz. If he can be running on strongly at the end of the year it would be a huge plus. Has been a gun player for us and looked like he was running on empty at times last season although he was one of our better players against Geelong in the finals. Would love to see him win a B and F before his career is over. Probably should have a Norm Smith to his name as well.

[mariachi]

Cheers, although I was wondering about intra club - swan vs swan. They?ve run them the last few years at Henson.

[Meg]

Pre-season 2018

Cheers, although I was wondering about intra club - swan vs swan. They?ve run them the last few years at Henson.

Yes, that?s the 23 Feb fixture, 5.30pm at Henson Park (according to a Swans email I received today).

Whoops, just re-read, it does say inter-club v GWS, I swear I read the email to say intra-club (and that?s what I?ve written in my diary)!

[liz]

I too read it as intra-club, no doubt because that was what I was expecting to read. Looks like they've substituted a proper practice match for this year's intra-club.