Round 2 v Adelaide at the SCG

[Thunder Shaker]

The one clear change that I would make is Franklin for McLean.

Franklin is an upgrade to McLean and will improve the team.

Franklin will be, once he has the match fitness to play a full game. He only played a half in the practice match so he may be a bit underdone.

I think he'll be included for round 3 (Richmond at the MCG).

[liz]

The one clear change that I would make is Franklin for McLean.

Franklin is an upgrade to McLean and will improve the team.

I think McLean is clearly the player who would make way from yesterday's side once Franklin is available. And, yes he's an upgrade (understatement) and will improve the team (probably, so long as the rest of the team allows him to become just part of the team, and not The Team).

But McLean could count himself somewhat unfortunate. He was pretty good. He moved well. He kicked well. He competed well.

He showed enough, IMO, to establish himself clearly in that group of 24-30 ranked players on our list who are clearly capable of coming in and making a solid contribution should need arise. That's a good place for the squad to be in.

[SwanSand]

Tom McCartin vs tex Walker would be good for Tom’s development. Tex had a day out against Geelong and would be raring to go. Or maybe he will have to take up Billy Frampton.
Probably need someone to wrap up Sloane in the middle. The rest is all kids vs kids.
Buddy is probably not ready for this game. With so many days away from the competition he needs more time and kms under his belt at AFL speed. Otherwise we may be looking at more soft tissue injuries.

[graemed]

Tom McCartin vs tex Walker would be good for Tom’s development. Tex had a day out against Geelong and would be raring to go. Or maybe he will have to take up Billy Frampton.
Probably need someone to wrap up Sloane in the middle. The rest is all kids vs kids.
Buddy is probably not ready for this game. With so many days away from the competition he needs more time and kms under his belt at AFL speed. Otherwise we may be looking at more soft tissue injuries.

In every game, since Reg retired, Rampe has done the job on Walker. Walker is not a strong pack mark but is a powerhouse on a lead and when getting the ball on the deck. This is where Rampe has been his master with great closing speed and core strength. McCartin will get the second tall forward probably Frampton

[giant]

I think McLean is clearly the player who would make way from yesterday's side once Franklin is available. And, yes he's an upgrade (understatement) and will improve the team (probably, so long as the rest of the team allows him to become just part of the team, and not The Team).

But McLean could count himself somewhat unfortunate. He was pretty good. He moved well. He kicked well. He competed well.

He showed enough, IMO, to establish himself clearly in that group of 24-30 ranked players on our list who are clearly capable of coming in and making a solid contribution should need arise. That's a good place for the squad to be in.

Totally agree, really liked his game - it was interesting how they used the big fellas (bar Logan), all having stints deep back at some point or another but Reid & McLean in particular spending plenty of time forward. Meant we were stretched at times down back (saw Cunningham v Daniher and Lloyd v Joe at points), but we managed to cope and seemed to keep the Lions guessing. Really their defenders had an awful day; I reckon Rich must have had about 6 goals kicked on him!

[crackedactor 01]

I dont disagree with all of them. Like his excitement in Warner. I agree that he is a talent. High praise of Cal Mills i agree with too. Just let the RB criticism be i say

Anyone that criticizes RB are obviously not watching the game. The kid is a gun.

[Ralph Dawg]

I think McLean is clearly the player who would make way from yesterday's side once Franklin is available. And, yes he's an upgrade (understatement) and will improve the team (probably, so long as the rest of the team allows him to become just part of the team, and not The Team).

But McLean could count himself somewhat unfortunate. He was pretty good. He moved well. He kicked well. He competed well.

He showed enough, IMO, to establish himself clearly in that group of 24-30 ranked players on our list who are clearly capable of coming in and making a solid contribution should need arise. That's a good place for the squad to be in.

It's been a long time since there are no clear players to make way after a game.

I wouldn't even be disappointed if we kept the same team and gave Buddy a bit more time.

[dejavoodoo44]

It's been a long time since there are no clear players to make way after a game.

I wouldn't even be disappointed if we kept the same team and gave Buddy a bit more time.

Since he only played half a game, I'd prefer it if we gave him at least another week, to get a bit more match fitness. Although that's assuming, that our reserves will be playing some sort of scratch match, next weekend?

[Ralph Dawg]

Since he only played half a game, I'd prefer it if we gave him at least another week, to get a bit more match fitness. Although that's assuming, that our reserves will be playing some sort of scratch match, next weekend?

The more I think about it, the more this approach makes more sense. In the past, there was an urgent imperative to get him back asap. After Saturday night's performance, not so much. I'm sure it would help his injury risk if he got some more km's in those old man legs.

[AB Swannie]

I'm being selfish but given it's the first time in a long time that I will be going to a game at the SCG with a decent crowd, I want Buddy to play.

[dejavoodoo44]

The more I think about it, the more this approach makes more sense. In the past, there was an urgent imperative to get him back asap. After Saturday night's performance, not so much. I'm sure it would help his injury risk if he got some more km's in those old man legs.

And while it's a small sample size, I got the feeling that our forward line coaching may better this year. There seemed to be more separation, less instances of forwards leading to the same spot, more occasions were the smalls arrived at the exact right time, and there were hardly any cases of bombing it long to a nest of opposition players. Of course, the quality of the midfield movement and delivery, might contribute to that perception.

[liz]

I'm being selfish but given it's the first time in a long time that I will be going to a game at the SCG with a decent crowd, I want Buddy to play.

Me too, notwithstanding my comments on McLean.

I trust the Swans' conditioning staff to know if he needs more kms in his legs to reduce the chance of further injury. If he's ready to go, I wanna see him play. It's been so long since we've seen him out there that maybe the memory of how masterful he is - when on song - has faded a little.

[barry]

Lot of young players contributed to the win, but young players are very hit and miss week in week out. If Buddy is half fit, he must come in*. You get a guaranteed output from him even if it isnt his normal 100%.
I certainly wouldnt take Adelaide for granted. I think 2020 was not a true reflection of their real position.

Note * - Unless it keeps raining, then his skills are less useful.

[Markwebbos]

BUDDYS RETURN CONFIRMED

Lance Franklin to make AFL return on Saturday

[TheBloods]

Awesome