Pre-season 2020

[MattW]

Wallace probably has no idea but has to say something to justify his paid job. Early February not prime time for AFL!

That's a fair description of Wallace's contribution at all times of the year.

[707]

Wallace probably has no idea but has to say something to justify his paid job. Early February not prime time for AFL!

Wallace at his best during trade period where he shows himself to have NFI about anything!

I don't listen to him at all except to marvel how so many of these clowns make a living off the AFL industry.

FWIW, read in this morning's paper that Port only have one player unavailable at this point in time. Our list is a little more worrying but I'd think it's all about managing players into the season proper.

[Mel_C]

"The Whisper" in the Herald Sun says that there were raised eyebrows up north when a club leader went missing from the team photo day after the group photo was taken. Apparently he went AWOL to Bondi beach.

Did GWS have their team photo taken last week as well? If not then I wonder which swans player it was??

[KSAS]

Ch 7 news Melb (Tom Browne) reporting tonight that Buddy is ahead of schedule from knee op & is more likely to be available for R1. Tom also spoke to JPK at today's season launch in Melb, who looked positive about Buddy"s recovery without saying for certain he'd right come R1

[Blood Fever]

Wallace at his best during trade period where he shows himself to have NFI about anything!

I don't listen to him at all except to marvel how so many of these clowns make a living off the AFL industry.

FWIW, read in this morning's paper that Port only have one player unavailable at this point in time. Our list is a little more worrying but I'd think it's all about managing players into the season proper.

Talking about the number of clowns making a living off footy- in the Melbourne Age today on the back page, there is an article with the headline: Fantasia rejects lead role. Under the byline, there are four names! McClure,.Cherny, Gleeson and Lerner.
Should only be employed(paid)6 months of the year. Absurd.

[bloodspirit]

Some new media - Fox Sports has a couple of videos featuring Will Hayward and Tom Papley, one serious and one a jokey test of how well the best friends know each other. The 'straight' interview is worth watching. One of the best bits was Hayward explaining how Papley took him under his wing when he got to the club. On Papley, I got the impression that Papley (a) will be committed to the club this year; and (b) does have genuine reasons for wanting to return to Victoria apart from money. Also they both look set to have good seasons after having relatively good pre-seasons.

Footyology has released a podcast (with Rohan Connolly and Mark (?) Fine) that features a season preview for the Swans: Footyology Podcast: The sore points of this summer | Footyology (at about the 33 minute mark - I haven't figured out a way of skipping back and forth to the parts you want to hear with the whooshkaa podcasts so you might need to have it on in the background for a while if you just want to hear the Swans bit). It's not that interesting and probably not worth the effort. I think it was Fine who was (a) quite pessimistic about our prospects for this year due to a weak midfield (predicted we'll win seven and just be "nuisance value"); and (b) critical of us for going too hard at Joe Daniher (!). It's not that his Daniher opinion is an entirely unreasonable point of view but that it's a bit much after copping all the stick for not going hard enough. Also, he didn't seem to know what he was talking about. He made the point that we have other talls and our midfield is weak but he seemed to overlook that Buddy is nearing his end and Blakey is not a full forward, and nor is McCartin. I think there is a role for Daniher at the Swans and I can see why we were interested. But, as I said during trade period, I think it will be much better if we can recruit him at the end of this season rather than last - will cost us less and we one less year of covering Buddy and his salaries at the same time when we don't really need him yet. And with Daniher's current injury status who knows whether we'll want him at all.

[KSAS]

Thanks for the above link Bloodspirit. Swans review starts at 33:30 & finishes at 41:50. Agree with your take of their assessment but just to add Rohan Connally stressed the importance of Naismith's return allowing Sinclair to play more forward and thought we'd win 8-10 games (along with many other teams in that bracket).

They also fell for the trap of overstating the big 4 retirements will have on the team performance this year when between them they only managed a handful of games last year. Finey also added Zak Jones departure to this list.

I also sensed they didn't have a full appreciation of our list as they focused mainly on Blakey, Allir, Heeney & Papley with Lewis Taylor maybe being handy addition. No mention of Florent, Dawson, Mills, Rowbottom, Hewett just to name a few who could give our midfield a real injection this year, which they see will be our weakness (relying too much on Kennedy & Parker).

I reckon Sam Gray will provide more value add than Taylor (Kane Cornes is still scratching his head why Port delisted Gray).

[Blood Fever]

Thanks for the above link Bloodspirit. Swans review starts at 33:30 & finishes at 41:50. Agree with your take of their assessment but just to add Rohan Connally stressed the importance of Naismith's return allowing Sinclair to play more forward and thought we'd win 8-10 games (along with many other teams in that bracket).

They also fell for the trap of overstating the big 4 retirements will have on the team performance this year when between them they only managed a handful of games last year. Finey also added Zak Jones departure to this list.

I also sensed they didn't have a full appreciation of our list as they focused mainly on Blakey, Allir, Heeney & Papley with Lewis Taylor maybe being handy addition. No mention of Florent, Dawson, Mills, Rowbottom, Hewett just to name a few who could give our midfield a real injection this year, which they see will be our weakness (relying too much on Kennedy & Parker).

I reckon Sam Gray will provide more value add than Taylor (Kane Cornes is still scratching his head why Port delisted Gray).

These guys get paid for a job that you or I could do better, given that we are focused on only the one team. Very superficial.

[stevoswan]

Some new media - Fox Sports has a couple of videos featuring Will Hayward and Tom Papley, one serious and one a jokey test of how well the best friends know each other. The 'straight' interview is worth watching. One of the best bits was Hayward explaining how Papley took him under his wing when he got to the club. On Papley, I got the impression that Papley (a) will be committed to the club this year; and (b) does have genuine reasons for wanting to return to Victoria apart from money. Also they both look set to have good seasons after having relatively good pre-seasons.

Footyology has released a podcast (with Rohan Connolly and Mark (?) Fine) that features a season preview for the Swans: Footyology Podcast: The sore points of this summer | Footyology (at about the 33 minute mark - I haven't figured out a way of skipping back and forth to the parts you want to hear with the whooshkaa podcasts so you might need to have it on in the background for a while if you just want to hear the Swans bit). It's not that interesting and probably not worth the effort. I think it was Fine who was (a) quite pessimistic about our prospects for this year due to a weak midfield (predicted we'll win seven and just be "nuisance value"); and (b) critical of us for going too hard at Joe Daniher (!). It's not that his Daniher opinion is an entirely unreasonable point of view but that it's a bit much after copping all the stick for not going hard enough. Also, he didn't seem to know what he was talking about. He made the point that we have other talls and our midfield is weak but he seemed to overlook that Buddy is nearing his end and Blakey is not a full forward, and nor is McCartin. I think there is a role for Daniher at the Swans and I can see why we were interested. But, as I said during trade period, I think it will be much better if we can recruit him at the end of this season rather than last - will cost us less and we one less year of covering Buddy and his salaries at the same time when we don't really need him yet. And with Daniher's current injury status who knows whether we'll want him at all.

Interesting chat......and you're assessment of it is accurate. I left a comment below the podcast to similar effect.....

[TheBloods]

Hi guys, been a long-time observer of this forum but never bothered to comment. However with the season nigh, I thought I would offer my two cents as to the Swans who have caught my eye from the two-and-a-half match-sim games I have managed to attend. The Swans I am most looking forward to seeing in 2020

Gould - so strong and powerful but quick and smooth, glides across the turf. I see him as more of a KPD rather than the Shannon Hurn comparison that has often been thrown at him. His strength would make him a formidable opponent. That, and the 5cm extra he has on Hurn.

The Lizard - appears to have been given the license to do as he pleases. Pops up in defence, presenting on the lead inside 50, roving ground balls from the centre square, and delivering to the forwards from the wing. All I can say is THANK YOU John Longmire for recognising that his lad does not need any restraining! I am hoping this will be the case when the season begins.

Rowbottom - looks stronger than he did same time last year. Has been matched-up on Joey and Parks occasionally during match-sim and has given them a run for their money more than once, looking too quick and too strong for them. And they are two of the very best mids in the league! His main opponent in these sessions seems to be Florent though.

Dawson - I'm anticipating a full season of Dawson at half back, and it has me buzzing to see where he can go. Back to back time trial wins and now he is flying for marks and using that loping left foot to exit defence. if i was to make one complaint, it would be that I haven't witnessed one of his goals from outside 50 in the match sim exercises yet and I feel like I am missing out!

Stephens - has lived up to the hype, and then some. Has accelerated himself into packs using his speed on a few occasions with little regard for his wellbeing, to the point I heard audible clashing of skin, and would then look on in concern to see if Stephens had just ended his season before it even began, only for the kid to jump back up and throw himself at the next contest. My initial fears about him being ready for the elite level have been allayed. He is good to go, and appears totally trustworthy with ball in hand and by foot. I see more midfield minutes for Stephens this year than Rowbottom had last year, when he became the first 18 year old to feature in our midfield since Dan Hannebery in 2009/10.

Unfortunately haven't seen much beyond a glimpse of our other draftees from this year, Warner and Taylor. I believe Warner was involved in a match-sim from last week, though I didn't see him involved in many passages and didn't appear on the ground for very long at all. I will also try and keep an eye out on McInerney. I was encouraged by his NEAFL form in the tail end of last year as a hybrid HBF/wingman who went inside every now and then. However from appearance he has struggled in that role and has only made an impact when swung forward to play a role not unlike Hayward. Do not take this as gospel as it can be hard to appreciate the little things players can do when standing on the sidelines trying to catch a glimpse of play happening 100 metres away.

[Melbourne_Blood]

Hi guys, been a long-time observer of this forum but never bothered to comment. However with the season nigh, I thought I would offer my two cents as to the Swans who have caught my eye from the two-and-a-half match-sim games I have managed to attend. The Swans I am most looking forward to seeing in 2020

Gould - so strong and powerful but quick and smooth, glides across the turf. I see him as more of a KPD rather than the Shannon Hurn comparison that has often been thrown at him. His strength would make him a formidable opponent. That, and the 5cm extra he has on Hurn.

The Lizard - appears to have been given the license to do as he pleases. Pops up in defence, presenting on the lead inside 50, roving ground balls from the centre square, and delivering to the forwards from the wing. All I can say is THANK YOU John Longmire for recognising that his lad does not need any restraining! I am hoping this will be the case when the season begins.

Rowbottom - looks stronger than he did same time last year. Has been matched-up on Joey and Parks occasionally during match-sim and has given them a run for their money more than once, looking too quick and too strong for them. And they are two of the very best mids in the league! His main opponent in these sessions seems to be Florent though.

Dawson - I'm anticipating a full season of Dawson at half back, and it has me buzzing to see where he can go. Back to back time trial wins and now he is flying for marks and using that loping left foot to exit defence. if i was to make one complaint, it would be that I haven't witnessed one of his goals from outside 50 in the match sim exercises yet and I feel like I am missing out!

Stephens - has lived up to the hype, and then some. Has accelerated himself into packs using his speed on a few occasions with little regard for his wellbeing, to the point I heard audible clashing of skin, and would then look on in concern to see if Stephens had just ended his season before it even began, only for the kid to jump back up and throw himself at the next contest. My initial fears about him being ready for the elite level have been allayed. He is good to go, and appears totally trustworthy with ball in hand and by foot. I see more midfield minutes for Stephens this year than Rowbottom had last year, when he became the first 18 year old to feature in our midfield since Dan Hannebery in 2009/10.

Unfortunately haven't seen much beyond a glimpse of our other draftees from this year, Warner and Taylor. I believe Warner was involved in a match-sim from last week, though I didn't see him involved in many passages and didn't appear on the ground for very long at all. I will also try and keep an eye out on McInerney. I was encouraged by his NEAFL form in the tail end of last year as a hybrid HBF/wingman who went inside every now and then. However from appearance he has struggled in that role and has only made an impact when swung forward to play a role not unlike Hayward. Do not take this as gospel as it can be hard to appreciate the little things players can do when standing on the sidelines trying to catch a glimpse of play happening 100 metres away.

Exciting insights there mate , thanks for sharing ! It’s Got me pumped for even a JLT match to get a glimpse of these young guys especially. Cheers !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dejavoodoo44]

Hi guys, been a long-time observer of this forum but never bothered to comment. However with the season nigh, I thought I would offer my two cents as to the Swans who have caught my eye from the two-and-a-half match-sim games I have managed to attend. The Swans I am most looking forward to seeing in 2020

Gould - so strong and powerful but quick and smooth, glides across the turf. I see him as more of a KPD rather than the Shannon Hurn comparison that has often been thrown at him. His strength would make him a formidable opponent. That, and the 5cm extra he has on Hurn.

The Lizard - appears to have been given the license to do as he pleases. Pops up in defence, presenting on the lead inside 50, roving ground balls from the centre square, and delivering to the forwards from the wing. All I can say is THANK YOU John Longmire for recognising that his lad does not need any restraining! I am hoping this will be the case when the season begins.

Rowbottom - looks stronger than he did same time last year. Has been matched-up on Joey and Parks occasionally during match-sim and has given them a run for their money more than once, looking too quick and too strong for them. And they are two of the very best mids in the league! His main opponent in these sessions seems to be Florent though.

Dawson - I'm anticipating a full season of Dawson at half back, and it has me buzzing to see where he can go. Back to back time trial wins and now he is flying for marks and using that loping left foot to exit defence. if i was to make one complaint, it would be that I haven't witnessed one of his goals from outside 50 in the match sim exercises yet and I feel like I am missing out!

Stephens - has lived up to the hype, and then some. Has accelerated himself into packs using his speed on a few occasions with little regard for his wellbeing, to the point I heard audible clashing of skin, and would then look on in concern to see if Stephens had just ended his season before it even began, only for the kid to jump back up and throw himself at the next contest. My initial fears about him being ready for the elite level have been allayed. He is good to go, and appears totally trustworthy with ball in hand and by foot. I see more midfield minutes for Stephens this year than Rowbottom had last year, when he became the first 18 year old to feature in our midfield since Dan Hannebery in 2009/10.

Unfortunately haven't seen much beyond a glimpse of our other draftees from this year, Warner and Taylor. I believe Warner was involved in a match-sim from last week, though I didn't see him involved in many passages and didn't appear on the ground for very long at all. I will also try and keep an eye out on McInerney. I was encouraged by his NEAFL form in the tail end of last year as a hybrid HBF/wingman who went inside every now and then. However from appearance he has struggled in that role and has only made an impact when swung forward to play a role not unlike Hayward. Do not take this as gospel as it can be hard to appreciate the little things players can do when standing on the sidelines trying to catch a glimpse of play happening 100 metres away.

Thanks for that. I especially like the idea of Blakey being given a free rein and that Rowbottom has become a more powerful unit.

[bloodspirit]

Hi guys, been a long-time observer of this forum but never bothered to comment. However with the season nigh, I thought I would offer my two cents as to the Swans who have caught my eye from the two-and-a-half match-sim games I have managed to attend. The Swans I am most looking forward to seeing in 2020

Gould - so strong and powerful but quick and smooth, glides across the turf. I see him as more of a KPD rather than the Shannon Hurn comparison that has often been thrown at him. His strength would make him a formidable opponent. That, and the 5cm extra he has on Hurn.

The Lizard - appears to have been given the license to do as he pleases. Pops up in defence, presenting on the lead inside 50, roving ground balls from the centre square, and delivering to the forwards from the wing. All I can say is THANK YOU John Longmire for recognising that his lad does not need any restraining! I am hoping this will be the case when the season begins.

Rowbottom - looks stronger than he did same time last year. Has been matched-up on Joey and Parks occasionally during match-sim and has given them a run for their money more than once, looking too quick and too strong for them. And they are two of the very best mids in the league! His main opponent in these sessions seems to be Florent though.

Dawson - I'm anticipating a full season of Dawson at half back, and it has me buzzing to see where he can go. Back to back time trial wins and now he is flying for marks and using that loping left foot to exit defence. if i was to make one complaint, it would be that I haven't witnessed one of his goals from outside 50 in the match sim exercises yet and I feel like I am missing out!

Stephens - has lived up to the hype, and then some. Has accelerated himself into packs using his speed on a few occasions with little regard for his wellbeing, to the point I heard audible clashing of skin, and would then look on in concern to see if Stephens had just ended his season before it even began, only for the kid to jump back up and throw himself at the next contest. My initial fears about him being ready for the elite level have been allayed. He is good to go, and appears totally trustworthy with ball in hand and by foot. I see more midfield minutes for Stephens this year than Rowbottom had last year, when he became the first 18 year old to feature in our midfield since Dan Hannebery in 2009/10.

Unfortunately haven't seen much beyond a glimpse of our other draftees from this year, Warner and Taylor. I believe Warner was involved in a match-sim from last week, though I didn't see him involved in many passages and didn't appear on the ground for very long at all. I will also try and keep an eye out on McInerney. I was encouraged by his NEAFL form in the tail end of last year as a hybrid HBF/wingman who went inside every now and then. However from appearance he has struggled in that role and has only made an impact when swung forward to play a role not unlike Hayward. Do not take this as gospel as it can be hard to appreciate the little things players can do when standing on the sidelines trying to catch a glimpse of play happening 100 metres away.

Great to have input from a new voice, TheBloods! Welcome.

Love your ideas and enthusiasm. I particuarly take note of your comments on Justin McInerney. Please continue to share your thoughts.

[707]

Speaking to an ex Glenelg player I know who said people within the club had told him that Gould was as highly impressive off field at Glenelg last year as he was on field. They expected him to be a high draftee so to get him at 25 was it? could be a steal. TheBloods impressions backing up Gould's on field ability.

Just have a sneaking suspicion that Gould and Stephens could be on the plane to Adelaide for R1, exciting times I feel.

Keep those "I was at training" posts coming in, much appreciated by those of us that can't get there.

[ScottH]

Hi guys, been a long-time observer of this forum but never bothered to comment. However with the season nigh, I thought I would offer my two cents as to the Swans who have caught my eye from the two-and-a-half match-sim games I have managed to attend. The Swans I am most looking forward to seeing in 2020

Gould - so strong and powerful but quick and smooth, glides across the turf. I see him as more of a KPD rather than the Shannon Hurn comparison that has often been thrown at him. His strength would make him a formidable opponent. That, and the 5cm extra he has on Hurn.

The Lizard - appears to have been given the license to do as he pleases. Pops up in defence, presenting on the lead inside 50, roving ground balls from the centre square, and delivering to the forwards from the wing. All I can say is THANK YOU John Longmire for recognising that his lad does not need any restraining! I am hoping this will be the case when the season begins.

Rowbottom - looks stronger than he did same time last year. Has been matched-up on Joey and Parks occasionally during match-sim and has given them a run for their money more than once, looking too quick and too strong for them. And they are two of the very best mids in the league! His main opponent in these sessions seems to be Florent though.

Dawson - I'm anticipating a full season of Dawson at half back, and it has me buzzing to see where he can go. Back to back time trial wins and now he is flying for marks and using that loping left foot to exit defence. if i was to make one complaint, it would be that I haven't witnessed one of his goals from outside 50 in the match sim exercises yet and I feel like I am missing out!

Stephens - has lived up to the hype, and then some. Has accelerated himself into packs using his speed on a few occasions with little regard for his wellbeing, to the point I heard audible clashing of skin, and would then look on in concern to see if Stephens had just ended his season before it even began, only for the kid to jump back up and throw himself at the next contest. My initial fears about him being ready for the elite level have been allayed. He is good to go, and appears totally trustworthy with ball in hand and by foot. I see more midfield minutes for Stephens this year than Rowbottom had last year, when he became the first 18 year old to feature in our midfield since Dan Hannebery in 2009/10.

Unfortunately haven't seen much beyond a glimpse of our other draftees from this year, Warner and Taylor. I believe Warner was involved in a match-sim from last week, though I didn't see him involved in many passages and didn't appear on the ground for very long at all. I will also try and keep an eye out on McInerney. I was encouraged by his NEAFL form in the tail end of last year as a hybrid HBF/wingman who went inside every now and then. However from appearance he has struggled in that role and has only made an impact when swung forward to play a role not unlike Hayward. Do not take this as gospel as it can be hard to appreciate the little things players can do when standing on the sidelines trying to catch a glimpse of play happening 100 metres away.

Great first post. very inciteful.
Some exciting news in there!!