Changes v West Coast

[The Runner]

Weird changes. To drop Brand against 3 tall forward is strange.

I honestly can’t see us winning a game when Bell and Amartey play. Solid NEAFL players at best.

I think it says more about where Brand is at than anything else.
Looks like both Blakey and COR are now ahead of Gould in the defensive line. Which is a concern, as it makes it difficult to see if he'll get a game at all this year.

We're fortunate their missing Rioli, Ryan and have dropped Petruccelle. Cunningham to Cripps, and Lloyd to Jones. Easy assignment for Lloyd after last weeks showing.

Got a good feeling about this game - I don't think West Coast respond well to challenging conditions. Forced to pack bags quickly and then play at Geelong, coming off a huge loss (could have been 100+).. they could roll over like they did in the bubble.

I'd also hate to be a West Coast small defender like Witherden or Shepherd - Sam Wicks coming back after a fortnight off is going to be looking to collect some bodies in the forward half

[bloodspirit]

I’ve had a few champagnes, happy hour at home.

Can we have a game where we leave the umpires alone and focus exclusively on Swans players doing their jobs?

Once the umpire has made a decision it stands.

TBH I agree. I have avoided the last 2-3 match day threads because the negativity, especially about umpires, sucks the joy out of it for me. If it was the odd comment I could live with it but it feels like it's a lot more than that.

[MattW]

TBH I agree. I have avoided the last 2-3 match day threads because the negativity, especially about umpires, sucks the joy out of it for me. If it was the odd comment I could live with it but it feels like it's a lot more than that.

I maintain the position that we need stand-alone umpiring gripes and 2016 GF threads respectively.

[caj23]

I don’t want to bag a young player but the continued selection of Bell is puzzling. He may run the most distance, but he doesn’t find the ball, and his tackling and pressure is nothing special.

In his 16 games he averages 8 disposals (best 15), and 2.75 disposals

You cannot tell me that he is a better and more effective player than Taylor or even Clarke who have been dominating at VFL level. We are in the 8, winning games must be the priority.

I’d love to be proven wrong, but I just don’t see anything more than an average VFL player in him.

Longmire clearly has his favourites and his players with red lines through them. It has probably cost us in close games already this year, and will cost us again

[Ralph Dawg]

I don’t want to bag a young player but the continued selection of Bell is puzzling. He may run the most distance, but he doesn’t find the ball, and his tackling and pressure is nothing special.

In his 16 games he averages 8 disposals (best 15), and 2.75 disposals

You cannot tell me that he is a better and more effective player than Taylor or even Clarke who have been dominating at VFL level. We are in the 8, winning games must be the priority.

I’d love to be proven wrong, but I just don’t see anything more than an average VFL player in him.

Longmire clearly has his favourites and his players with red lines through them. It has probably cost us in close games already this year, and will cost us again

Unlike Stephens, Blakey, Ling, Gould, Taylor and most others on our list, it's clear that Bell lacks the ability to play good standard AFL. I suspect his attitude and training is superior to the more talented guys and Horse is rewarding effort over talent. Maybe he's trying to send a message that no matter how talented you are, if you're not putting in, you won't be picked. It would be good if he could do more than just run aimlessly around though........

[COB]

COB

TBH I agree. I have avoided the last 2-3 match day threads because the negativity, especially about umpires, sucks the joy out of it for me. If it was the odd comment I could live with it but it feels like it's a lot more than that.

Well said. Agree 100%

[MattW]

Unlike Stephens, Blakey, Ling, Gould, Taylor and most others on our list, it's clear that Bell lacks the ability to play good standard AFL. I suspect his attitude and training is superior to the more talented guys and Horse is rewarding effort over talent. Maybe he's trying to send a message that no matter how talented you are, if you're not putting in, you won't be picked. It would be good if he could do more than just run aimlessly around though........

I think that's all correct, except I have a sliver of a hope he could become a player and that the starting point is a boost of confidence. He's got 1-2 games I reckon.

[Ralph Dawg]

I think that's all correct, except I have a sliver of a hope he could become a player and that the starting point is a boost of confidence. He's got 1-2 games I reckon.

He has the physique and tank to be a top liner. Reminds me of a shorter version of buddy in his prime. Just needs some skills. Unfortunately that's the hardest attribute to attain........

[MattW]

He has the physique and tank to be a top liner. Reminds me of a shorter version of buddy in his prime. Just needs some skills. Unfortunately that's the hardest attribute to attain........

I think his kicking is OK - reckon his contested work and poise are the issue.

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[caj23]

He doesn’t seem to have any stand out features that make him look like he’ll make it at AFL level

Handing out games for effort is for little league, not AFL

[stevoswan]

I’ve had a few champagnes, happy hour at home.

Can we have a game where we leave the umpires alone and focus exclusively on Swans players doing their jobs?

Once the umpire has made a decision it stands.

After a few champagnes open the door to an a land of fantasy.....the umpire apologist is back.

BS, we won't talk about the umpires if they're doing a good job.....sadly that means we WILL be talking about the umpires. That's a gimme in the real A(V)FL world.

So I guess the answer is NO.

[stevoswan]

TBH I agree. I have avoided the last 2-3 match day threads because the negativity, especially about umpires, sucks the joy out of it for me. If it was the odd comment I could live with it but it feels like it's a lot more than that.

Um, have you ever thought that it might be the deplorable week in, week out anti-Swans umpiring that is sucking the joy out of footy? Are you from the Bangalore Swans 'Lay Down and Take It' school of umpire over-appreciation? Cheating officials deserve to be talked about and on a public forum it is our right to debate this horrible flaw on our game.

[KTigers]

I’ve had a few champagnes, happy hour at home.

Can we have a game where we leave the umpires alone and focus exclusively on Swans players doing their jobs?

Once the umpire has made a decision it stands.

Not bitching about the umpiring? You can't get any more un-Australian than that, Bangalore. I suggest you duck down to the bottle
shop pronto and pick up some good old Aussie sparkling to make amends. No more of the good French stuff for you.

[Agent 86]

Unlike Stephens, Blakey, Ling, Gould, Taylor and most others on our list, it's clear that Bell lacks the ability to play good standard AFL. I suspect his attitude and training is superior to the more talented guys and Horse is rewarding effort over talent. Maybe he's trying to send a message that no matter how talented you are, if you're not putting in, you won't be picked. It would be good if he could do more than just run aimlessly around though........

Maybe, but no one you’ve mentioned has set the world alight when given a chance either. Not that I’ve seen much of Gould - hope we don’t lose another due to lack of opportunities.

[Markwebbos]

Um, have you ever thought that it might be the deplorable week in, week out anti-Swans umpiring that is sucking the joy out of footy? Are you from the Bangalore Swans 'Lay Down and Take It' school of umpire over-appreciation? Cheating officials deserve to be talked about and on a public forum it is our right to debate this horrible flaw on our game.

TBH I’m with Bangalore Swans on this. I did try to suggest a separate thread for umpiring. It normally dominates the discussion, regardless of its impact on the game.