2019 Swans academy and U18 discussion

[liz]

They are playing very well as a team. As most of the other matches, it's hard to name the standout players because it has been such an even contribution. Agree that Thorne is leading the way with his work rate, hustle, and bustle. Have also like Geddes back in defence, and after last match, I'm keeping an eye on Kyle Martin who has a decent boot on him.

Have been pretty impressed with the finishing skills of many of the players. Maguire kicked one from a skilful snap around his body. Sheather (the Heeney clone) hasn't touched the ball much but earned his one shot at goal with some excellent harassing and a lunging tackle. And a great kick from a difficult angle.

[liz]

Murray improved a lot in the second half and made a bit of a match of it. But a strong win in the end to the Swans academy.

Over the course of the match, the best Swan was Ellem by some margin, I thought. He was good in the first half, but then just got better as the game went on. He looks like a natural tall forward with an understanding of how to lead into space. His hands are reasonably good and he has deceptively good pace. He also worked up and down the ground a fair bit, suggesting his endurance is also not bad. His body shape suggests there's scope for further improving his athleticism and agility in an elite system. He's definitely one to keep an eye on in terms of AFL potential.

Rayner had his best game so far of the season, reading the ball well in defence and taking plenty of marks. Geddes continued his good work into the second half of the game, and was very important in the Swans' rebound from defence, while Parks and Dol were also strong in defence, especially in the marking department. Dol, in particular, took several contested or intercept marks at a time when the Bushrangers were peppering the Swans' defence.

[dejavoodoo44]

They are playing very well as a team. As most of the other matches, it's hard to name the standout players because it has been such an even contribution. Agree that Thorne is leading the way with his work rate, hustle, and bustle. Have also like Geddes back in defence, and after last match, I'm keeping an eye on Kyle Martin who has a decent boot on him.

Have been pretty impressed with the finishing skills of many of the players. Maguire kicked one from a skilful snap around his body. Sheather (the Heeney clone) hasn't touched the ball much but earned his one shot at goal with some excellent harassing and a lunging tackle. And a great kick from a difficult angle.

Yes, Martin does have a good boot and also seems to be a perceptive decision maker. Geddes had a strong game in defence. Other defenders were also helpful, especially when Murray where doing their best to make a comeback: Dol, Parks and Rayner.
I thought that Ellem was probably BOG. His leading to space, desire to make a contest and marking ability were all impressive. Though he probably could have put the game away a bit earlier, with more accurate goal kicking.
Plenty of other contributors, in a solid team effort, that did well to hold off the comeback.

[dejavoodoo44]

Murray improved a lot in the second half and made a bit of a match of it. But a strong win in the end to the Swans academy.

Over the course of the match, the best Swan was Ellem by some margin, I thought. He was good in the first half, but then just got better as the game went on. He looks like a natural tall forward with an understanding of how to lead into space. His hands are reasonably good and he has deceptively good pace. He also worked up and down the ground a fair bit, suggesting his endurance is also not bad. His body shape suggests there's scope for further improving his athleticism and agility in an elite system. He's definitely one to keep an eye on in terms of AFL potential.

Rayner had his best game so far of the season, reading the ball well in defence and taking plenty of marks. Geddes continued his good work into the second half of the game, and was very important in the Swans' rebound from defence, while Parks and Dol were also strong in defence, especially in the marking department. Dol, in particular, took several contested or intercept marks at a time when the Bushrangers were peppering the Swans' defence.

Hey, our assessments were almost in stereo.

[dejavoodoo44]

For those still hoping to see a Swans win this weekend, our academy side are playing Geelong at noon. It's their last NAB League game, so if you haven't seen them go around, it might be a good idea to tune in, because there's usually plenty to like. Should be televised on YouTube, whether there's commentary or not, is less certain.

[dejavoodoo44]

Fairly scrappy first quarter. Though I suspect that our superior harassment skills, will start to wear Geelong down. I thought Braeden Campbell was probably our best: he does have some skills.

[dejavoodoo44]

Geelong hurt us a bit in that quarter with some crisp rebound running. I thought that Campbell was probably still our best: a nice runaround goal from just outside of fifty. Gulden was starting to assert himself later in the quarter. Thorne not quite getting as much possession as usual, but laying plenty of tackles. Rayner, Parks and Geddes all pretty good. Frees starting to get a bit one-sided. Groan.

[liz]

Would it be bad form to make a comment about the umpiring, and how two different sets of rules seem to apply to the two teams, especially around holding the ball (and holding the man when the player is tackled while in the process of taking possession)? Some of the frees paid against the Swans in marking contests have had me scratching my head, and I don't know what any of the three 50m penalties paid against the Swans in that 3rd quarter were for.

[dejavoodoo44]

In that quarter, I thought that we improved, but the umpiring degenerated. 11-5, with a couple of 50s, which I presume were for questioning questionable decisions. Still should be a tight final quarter.

- - - Updated - - -

Would it be bad form to make a comment about the umpiring, and how two different sets of rules seem to apply to the two teams, especially around holding the ball (and holding the man when the player is tackled while in the process of taking possession)? Some of the frees paid against the Swans in marking contests have had me scratching my head, and I don't know what any of the three 50m penalties paid against the Swans in that 3rd quarter were for.

Bad form to question umpiring? Hmm, I'll have to think about that?

[Scottee]

Has anyone got a link?

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[dejavoodoo44]

Has anyone got a link?

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You should be able to find all our NAB League games on YouTube. Once you're there, just search NAB League Swans.

[Scottee]

Has anyone got a link?

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It's OK I found it[emoji3]

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[dejavoodoo44]

Disappointing end to the season. A good effort, spoilt by poor umpiring. That number 23 was a shocker. He'll probably be promoted to the AFL fairly soon.

Though all up, watching our short NAB League season, has reinforced my view that our academy is a worthwhile exercise. Throughout all the games, our youngsters were competing enthusiastically. I'm now looking forward to seeing how they go, when given a chance in the remainder of the NEAFL season. Especially the more talented younger ones, like Gulden, Ellem, Thorne and Campbell; who I thought was our best today.

[baskin]

I attended the game today (not with my dad this time frown)and sat in the stand near a number of the families from both teams. There were quite a few scouts at the game, taking notes. One in particular, just if front of me was taking notes on only 10 players and left at half time. A number on the list were Swans players but I could only read his headings not his other writing (must have been short hand!)

I hope there weren't any umpire scouts there as they wouldn't (shouldn't) have been happy with the inconsistent umpiring of identical situations. The last game I attended (Swans v Sandringham) the umpires were quite measured and let the game go.

Campbell was definetely our best player today with Gulden, Thorne, McGrath, Geddes & Martin the rest of my best. I felt Ellem struggled to get into the game a bit today. When he did get the ball he certainly moved well for someone so big & tall, he just seemed to be a bit out with his read on the ball. I saw him having a bit of a winge on the bench at one stage late in the first quarter so he wasn't happy about something.

A bit more on the umpiring; even a couple of the scouts, while quiet for most of the game, questioned a few of the calls. In particular the 50m penalty when our player was on the ground after a tackle. It appears he was penalised for being over the mark because he didn't (couldn't) get up!! Never seen that one before.

While our boys have played well in this competition I think today showed how a team of kids who have lived and breathed footy from a young age can judge the bounce or flight of the ball just that bit better. Considering a number of our players didn't take the game up until their pre-teen/teen years they are starting from behind. In saying that the Academy is doing an amazing job, just a pity the Melbourne based clubs are such negative nellies about it.

I will miss seeing the kids play down here. If you Sydney based supporters get a chance to watch them play I do recommend it. I guess I'm a bit like my dad, I really enjoy seeing the future of the club in action. A bit like last night's game.

[liz]

Here is a bit of a round-up of the Swans academy NAB League foray, including results of the MVP awarded by the coaching panel.

I reckon they got it spot on with Thorne. I thought he was somewhat anonymous during the first game, against Tasmania, but in each of the next four games he was in the most productive, effective and hard-working players in the team. Geddes was also a highly consistent player across the series.

Campbell and Gulden's top five placings are an indictment on their talent given they played only four and three games, respectively, out of the five.

I am especially glad to hear Kevin Sheehan say that they will think about expanding the academies' participation in the NAB League in future years. This year has been a good start, but I see no reason why they can't compete at that level across the entire season, an opportunity that has been granted to the Tasmanian team.

Academy: Thorne takes the prize - sydneyswans.com.au