Rnd.3 V Richmond.

[rb4x]

I guess it will be either McLean or Hayward to replace Buddy. Laidler gave Hayward a wrap after the GWS game so he might be a good chance.

[Aprilbr]

It will be very interesting to see whether they go tall (McLean) or a bit smaller (Haywood) with Bud's replacement. One could make arguments either way. I suspect McLean may just get the nod as he was unlucky to miss out last week.

[Ludwig]

I guess it will be either McLean or Hayward to replace Buddy. Laidler gave Hayward a wrap after the GWS game so he might be a good chance.

I hope we go with Melican or another key defender. Richmond are very strong in the air, with strong marking targets both forward and in defence. I think we will have to construct our attack more at ground level than kicking long to a contest in the forward line. We might be able to get them going over the top on the rebound.

[Rod_]

We have proven that on last years performance we have the skill to lock down the tigers scoring.

While I agree this is a different game and some rules have helped. I am hopeful we can attack when it is our turn and score quickly. Concerned that their pressure game may be a notch above our young players. However a fantastic test and a game I am looking forward to immensely.

Big stage, best team of the last 4 years, and playing at the MCG. Near on a grandfinal afternoon this Saturday.. LOL (Yes I am excited BTW)

Strap in people as is going to be good! Either a win!! and / or a lesson learning day, that will help in the long run.

GO Swans. Best foot forward and do your best.

Team selections may be interesting as I would drop Buddy and one other and select O'Riodan and Mclean (extra defender with some pace and save Buddy for Thursday)

[bloodspirit]

SEN is also reporting that Nick Vlastuin will miss the match. He's a medium defender (187 cm) - does that affect who we pick to take Buddy's place? They've still got Grimes, Astbury and Balta who can all play tall.

[Mark26]

SMH now reporting that Buddy's out.

I don't mind that the big fella is out for this one. Hopefully, we'll become unpredictable when going inside 50, instead of being Buddy-centric.

[Aaron]

Don't know the real reason why Buddy has been ruled out. There were talks that he would only play "Home" games to boost attendance and income. Can't agree to that. Anyway, if he is not playing, a left field replacement can be Sinclair while Melican is not preferred. He is physically strong and can play full forward and help with the ruck work in the front, sparing Reid and Hicky to help with defence at the back when required. Hicky helped defence much more against the Lions than against the Crows.

[longmile]

Don't know the real reason why Buddy has been ruled out. There were talks that he would only play "Home" games to boost attendance and income. Can't agree to that. Anyway, if he is not playing, a left field replacement can be Sinclair while Melican is not preferred. He is physically strong and can play full forward and help with the ruck work in the front, sparing Reid and Hicky to help with defence at the back when required. Hicky helped defence much more against the Lions than against the Crows.

I like it. Has shown in the past that he's much better as a FWD than a ruck. The poor bastard deserves a go as a forward after suffering out of position for years.

Also, agree, find it a bit suss that Buddy is out again this week after looking relatively fit last week?

[Markwebbos]

Buddy has to miss either Tigers or Bombers. He’s also got a brand new (second) baby at home. Might be a good reason not to leave Sydney

[Bangalore Swans]

Don't know the real reason why Buddy has been ruled out. There were talks that he would only play "Home" games to boost attendance and income. Can't agree to that. Anyway, if he is not playing, a left field replacement can be Sinclair while Melican is not preferred. He is physically strong and can play full forward and help with the ruck work in the front, sparing Reid and Hicky to help with defence at the back when required. Hicky helped defence much more against the Lions than against the Crows.

Yep. Thats logical. Let Buddy work his magic on a Thursday night.

While Buddy is resting. Let the 1st year kids freshen up for Thursday night. They are 1st year players and need carful management.

There are some Swans guys would come in and to replace these guys and be highly effective.

Outs

Buddy
McDonald
Gulden
Campbell

Ins

Sinclair (help Hickey)
Heywood (defensive forward Grimes)
Stephen’s (let him run)
Melican (take a tall).

Imagine those 4 ins against a depleted bombers. Rowbottom might be ready as well.

That’s squad play and informed player management.

[NeonBible]

There is nothing enigmatic about it. Stephens is best 22, get our best team out there and id back em in against anyone

I was making the point that you have such high hopes for young Dylan even though he has played just eight games. But Rowbottom has been a fine young player and played nearly 30 odd games and you dont have any faith in him.

[The Runner]

Do not pick Sinclair unless Hickey is out. He's not a good modern day forward. He's just better at it than he is a ruck.
McLean is the logical replacement, but he's probably not going to be able to do the defensive job needed on a Grimes or Balta. They really hurt teams peeling off their defender, and bringing the footy out. Hayward would be the better defensively minded forward option.

Can't see Stephens taking anyone's spot in the team, he'll be waiting for injury or rest. Might be this week, but might not be.

Vlastuin out is huge, he's easily top 5 in the Richmond squad.

[AB Swannie]

Yep. Thats logical. Let Buddy work his magic on a Thursday night.

While Buddy is resting. Let the 1st year kids freshen up for Thursday night. They are 1st year players and need carful management.

There are some Swans guys would come in and to replace these guys and be highly effective.

Outs

Buddy
McDonald
Gulden
Campbell

Ins

Sinclair (help Hickey)
Heywood (defensive forward Grimes)
Stephen’s (let him run)
Melican (take a tall).

Imagine those 4 ins against a depleted bombers. Rowbottom might be ready as well.

That’s squad play and informed player management.

I respect you opinion and have a lot of time for the “ins” but I think that’s crazy. The best development for Logan, Errol, and Braeden is to play the best on the MCG. I’d rather rest them against Essendon if they need it than on the big stage on Saturday. I’d say that there is a decent chance that Hayward comes in to play a role on Grimes. I’m also okay if Stephens comes in for Blakey with Blakey returning for the Essendon game.

[Thunder Shaker]

Some "upset" losses against Richmond in past seasons.

2016 Round 8, MCG. Sydney 3rd, 6-1. Richmond 15th, 1-6. Richmond 14.17 (101) d. Sydney 15.10 (100).
2014 Round 23, S.A. Sydney 1st, 17-5. Richmond 8th, 11-10. Richmond 10.8 (68) d. Sydney 9.11 (65). (S.A. = Stadium Australia)
2012 Round 7, MCG. Sydney 3rd, 5-1. Richmond 12th, 2-4. Richmond 13.13 (91) d. Sydney 8.14 (62).
2011 Round 21, MCG. Sydney 7th, 9-8-1. Richmond 14th, 5-12-1. Richmond 14.15 (99) d. Sydney 7.14 (56).
2010 Round 14, MCG. Sydney 7th, 7-6. Richmond LAST, 3-10. Richmond 14.5 (89) d. Sydney 12.13 (85).

Richmond have managed to pull off one of these upsets (winning against us from lower on the ladder) about once every two years in the last two decades.

Let's return the favour this year.

[SwanSand]

I am sure Buddy was thought to be a liability for this round. Does not have the run to play against quality opposition hence rested.
I reckon it may be Hayward in ... who plays on Grimes and neutralises him. But I am happy with McLean too but as I suggested earlier they may bring in Callum Sinclair and get some substantial height advantage in the front half.
With the Essendon game they will rest Logan and bring back Buddy I guess but not Errol or Campbell. With those 2 they will play around 5-6 games before any rest. They both look like were at the pace of the game right from the start.