Swans v Dogs Gamethread

[Auntie.Gerald]

fairly awesome skill being shown on the run this season

What stood out yesterday was how defiant we were to use our non preferred foot to keep the footy moving.

I havent seen so many swans do this on the one day

Lloyd
Hewie
Heeney
Paps
Errol
etc were all fairly comfortable to go to their non preferred foot when steered by the defence to that side.

loving the attack and the ability to keep the ball moving by foot where possible has really made it hard for a zone defence to pin us down

we have kept on the run and alot of one on one on one or none situations

the use of contested and un contested footy yest was very composed

Yes the Doggies would be a different side with 7 back from their best 22

We too could argue we had a few out also but granted not 7

[O'Reilly Boy]

I definitely think that there is a place for Rowbottom. The question is both where and when. As I wrote above, I can't see us playing Mills, Kennedy, Parker, Hewitt and Rowbottom in the same squad. One of those players needs to come out for Rowbottom to come in—not Bell or Florent, or another of the outside players.

I think that moving Hewitt back into the midfield has been really important in recent weeks—I think that he has been really strong and creative, using the ball well, and is making it harder for Rowbottom to find his way back into the team.

The other complication was Warner's dramatic leap to prominence this year.

So the timing thing with Rowbottom is the key: when Kennedy and Parker retire, an inside midfield group built around Mills, Hewitt (if we can hold onto him), Warner and Rowbottom would be the nucleus for five or six seasons going forward.

After the last two weeks, I am getting really excited. I think that team balance is just about right across the park. The skills have been really good, and the speed and spread super impressive.

[Bangalore Swans]

How would you like it if someone encouraged people to get on Twitter and give you some 'candid feedback' about your job (assuming though you actually have one)? I find your post absolute poor taste and stuff of a true keyboard warrior.

Yep. I agree.

[mcs]

No argument about the Coaches Votes this week, especially the first 2.

10 Jordan Dawson (SYD)
8 Tom McCartin (SYD)
3 Bailey Smith (WB)
3 Luke Parker (SYD)
3 Alex Keath (WB)
2 Taylor Duryea (WB)
1 Caleb Daniel (WB)

Hard to argue with that, although I'd argue Mills had a far greater influence on the contest then any of those listed outside the top 2 - but coaches always have an interesting view on the game as such that might not align with the normal fan's view of what goes on out there.

[KTigers]

I generally try to disregard the umpiring, but found myself yelling at the telly a fair bit thru that third quarter in particular. I don't believe there is bias against us, corruption / cheating etc, though at times it seems incompetence is the main concern. I'm probably more aligned with the school of thought that questions why is it that in 2021 umpires are still not fully professional, when you consider some of the superfluous constructs that have crept into the game in the past decade such as AFL X and some of the soft cap indulgences.
Observers new to the game are often gobsmacked by the size of the playing arena. Maybe three officials is insufficient to adequately patrol a field of this size for a game often played at a breakneck speed. Umpires are often unsighted when calling or not calling an infringement. Might this not explain the perception that the Bulldogs get away with a lot of incorrect disposals? Perhaps its all too much for too few.
Basketball, as a comparison, played on a court one tenth (?) the size of an AFL ground is umpired by three referees. I acknowledge though that introducing more officials would piss people off even more, and the requirement for professionalism would be more difficult to achieve, and slowing the game down with coach challenges (ala professional US Sports) would destroy game momentum. Could boundary umpires also be tasked with calling free kicks that field umpires aren't in a position to judge? (Though from yesterday's vision they seem to be struggling with their own domains).
It's an issue crying out for a solution.

I'm not sure we really need more umpires. We're already up to seven. The ground is crowded enough already. This reminds me of a funny
story I heard recently. A Sydney couple (both long-term rugby league followers) went to their first (and only) AFL game at the MCG a couple
of years ago. During the third quarter the woman asked her husband, "So, how many teams are playing today?".

[mcs]

You keep saying this, stevo, and it's not true. In fact Richmond has by FAR the worst free kick differential. Last time I checked they were based in Victoria.

However, the Bulldogs (and West Coast) do do consistently well in terms of free kick differential and we tend to languish towards the bottom. West Coast is not a VFL side. And the Bulldogs are not one of the big power clubs. Conversely, we have not fared well with the umps generally over the Longmire era (dunno before that).

I tend to think it is more to do with gamestyle and coaching. I don't subscribe to umpire bias theory (except affirmation bias).

None of which is to say it is not frustrating when we get soft frees against us and the opposition get away with repeated infringements.

Anyway, Mongrel Punt has published their typically quality review of the game: Sydney v Western Bulldogs - The Good, Bad and Ugly - The Mongrel Punt. You'll be pleased to see they comment on the umpiring.

An excellent write up as always from Mongrel Punt - really enjoy their work (Also enjoy what Rohan Connolly and his buds do on Footology at times too).

The stats around umpiring are beyond useless for really working through the 'issue' anyway, because they ultimately only record free kicks given - a proper look at the issue would need to consider the free kicks 'not given' that should have been given (A statistic impossible to compile without people having a lot of time on their hands and nothing better to do). That would tell an interesting story - because I think the changes in the game have suited some teams a lot more than others, and elements of the game where we have generally been pretty good may not be rewarded as they once were.

Back on the stats - we have had a pretty bad run of it in totem over the past decade or so, but are up and down season by season if I remember. Though we did get pretty badly crucified in 2016 if I remember correctly.

The fairypuppies definitely get a cushy ride - but I think that is partially their style of play as they are hard at the footy and often get to the contest first, and it seems these days almost anything is considered to be a legal handball unless its blatantly not (though I think there was one throw called yesterday wasn't there) - JUH had a perfect example of one (maybe in a lead up to a goal?) where unless he lives in two dimensions (one where his fist was closed and one where his hand was laid flat) it was physically impossible for him to handpass. That sort of stuff happens a lot - maybe its a product of modern footy, but players get away with it too much for mine in the pursuit of 'ever faster' footy.

[dejavoodoo44]

No argument about the Coaches Votes this week, especially the first 2.

10 Jordan Dawson (SYD)
8 Tom McCartin (SYD)
3 Bailey Smith (WB)
3 Luke Parker (SYD)
3 Alex Keath (WB)
2 Taylor Duryea (WB)
1 Caleb Daniel (WB)

Personally, I'm a bit surprised that Mills didn't get a vote. And the way that BT and Nige were going on, they might be surprised that the Bont wasn't BOG.

[stevoswan]

You keep saying this, stevo, and it's not true. In fact Richmond has by FAR the worst free kick differential. Last time I checked they were based in Victoria.

However, the Bulldogs (and West Coast) do do consistently well in terms of free kick differential and we tend to languish towards the bottom. West Coast is not a VFL side. And the Bulldogs are not one of the big power clubs. Conversely, we have not fared well with the umps generally over the Longmire era (dunno before that).

I tend to think it is more to do with gamestyle and coaching. I don't subscribe to umpire bias theory (except affirmation bias).

None of which is to say it is not frustrating when we get soft frees against us and the opposition get away with repeated infringements.

Anyway, Mongrel Punt has published their typically quality review of the game: Sydney v Western Bulldogs - The Good, Bad and Ugly - The Mongrel Punt. You'll be pleased to see they comment on the umpiring.

You make some great points and perhaps I am over reaching on the bias.....but there is no excuse for 'affirmation bias', the reason WC do so well and it has to be said, there is absolutely no affirmation bias at the SCG. Why is this so?

I think we have not faired well in the Franklin era as opposed to the Longmire era. Before that, the AFL had no reason to be upset with us.....but we really pissed them off when we recruited Buddy. It's been all downhill since then. Why is this so?

The Bulldogs are consistently at the top of the free kick differential and get away with things that no other club does....why is this so?

Their is ample evidence that points to some level of bias in this league and Swans fans still have many reasons to be less than satisfied with the way we as a team are adjudicated......whether it's deliberate or not.

[KTigers]

Is the part in bold really necessarily? Your having a go at others for taking cheap 'keyboard warrior' shots, but then taking what could be interpreted as a pretty cheap shot in the process (who knows what the employment circumstance of said poster is - its entirely irrelevant anyway). Just seems entirely unnecessary and unhelpful.

And to be honest - Nige was nauseating yesterday. But as you suggest, he was just doing his job. Doesn't mean feedback shouldn't be provided - but I'd suggest there are more appropriate ways to do so then starting a twitter war.

Was yesterday Nige's first game? We normally give first-gamers (players that is) a bit of leeway, a bit of time to find their feet. So maybe this
courtesy could be extended to commentators as well. Who knows, Nige may well turn into the next Luke Darcy, or the next Jobe Watson.

[dejavoodoo44]

An excellent write up as always from Mongrel Punt - really enjoy their work (Also enjoy what Rohan Connolly and his buds do on Footology at times too).

The stats around umpiring are beyond useless for really working through the 'issue' anyway, because they ultimately only record free kicks given - a proper look at the issue would need to consider the free kicks 'not given' that should have been given (A statistic impossible to compile without people having a lot of time on their hands and nothing better to do). That would tell an interesting story - because I think the changes in the game have suited some teams a lot more than others, and elements of the game where we have generally been pretty good may not be rewarded as they once were.

Back on the stats - we have had a pretty bad run of it in totem over the past decade or so, but are up and down season by season if I remember. Though we did get pretty badly crucified in 2016 if I remember correctly.

The fairypuppies definitely get a cushy ride - but I think that is partially their style of play as they are hard at the footy and often get to the contest first, and it seems these days almost anything is considered to be a legal handball unless its blatantly not (though I think there was one throw called yesterday wasn't there) - JUH had a perfect example of one (maybe in a lead up to a goal?) where unless he lives in two dimensions (one where his fist was closed and one where his hand was laid flat) it was physically impossible for him to handpass. That sort of stuff happens a lot - maybe its a product of modern footy, but players get away with it too much for mine in the pursuit of 'ever faster' footy.

There was one where Liberatore was actually fending off one of our players, with one arm (possibly Dawson), but at the same time, he apparently got a legal handball away with the other.

[snajik]

Hi snajik,

I'm with you on Rowy, he is one of my favourites and i'm sure there are many others who are the same! He's a great kid and player. Has had some fantastic moments this year and has never stopped trying.

The question worth asking is do we think he can improve and get to the level we know he can play at in order to earn his spot in the 22?? Big question mark! Any games from here out he will probably have to be managed and that might be too much of a liability for a team challenging for top 8/top 4! I would love to see him part of our young brigade taking to the field in our first finals match since 2018!! But might be best to play the long game with him as we've seen this year that pushing him too far hasn't made him any better!

NB, i pretty much agree with what you saying. He can improve and rejoin the 22 but he'll need to shake off or work through these injuries. We will be blessed if we make it to the end of this season without someone losing form, getting injured, suspended whatever. It's unlikely that the 22 will remain as is for the rest of 2021. Anyway a more than handy back-up if it comes to that.

[mcs]

Was yesterday Nige's first game? We normally give first-gamers (players that is) a bit of leeway, a bit of time to find their feet. So maybe this
courtesy could be extended to commentators as well. Who knows, Nige may well turn into the next Luke Darcy, or the next Jobe Watson.

No idea - I don't watch enough footy on seven (outside of Swans games) to know whether he is a regular or not on their telecasts for other matches.

Haha if he is going to turn into the next Luke Darcy, then we should be complaining heavily to nip that idea in the bud Has a great footy brain, but I find him utterly painful, especially when he is commentating on Dogs games....

[stevoswan]

How would you like it if someone encouraged people to get on Twitter and give you some 'candid feedback' about your job (assuming though you actually have one)? I find your post absolute poor taste and stuff of a true keyboard warrior.

That smacks of over reaction don't you think (and slight hypocrisy with the job comment)? His commentary was terrible and so biased it was laughable. He's tarred with the same brush as the idiots who run this league and could do with a few reminders that he is commentating a 'national' game that is televised to the entire country, not just Victoria. Besides, I don't think anyone is going to tell 'Nige' to kill himself. He's a big boy, I'm sure he can handle some deserved criticism. If not, he shouldn't be on Twitter.

[Captain]

That smacks of over reaction don't you think (and slight hypocrisy with the job comment)? His commentary was terrible and so biased it was laughable. He's tarred with the same brush as the idiots who run this league and could do with a few reminders that he is commentating a 'national' game that is televised to the entire country, not just Victoria. Besides, I don't think anyone is going to tell 'Nige' to kill himself. He's a big boy, I'm sure he can handle some deserved criticism. If not, he shouldn't be on Twitter.

Absolute BS.

His commentary was ordinary. The umpiring sucked. But you are an absolute peanut if you jump on Twitter (or anywhere else) to personally abuse him or an umpire.

[Markwebbos]

Really enjoyed Jimmy Bartel's comments during the game yesterday