Changes for Round 18 v GWS @ Metricon Stadium Gold Coast, Sun 18 July 6.10pm

[Southern Swan15]

Sad to see us head to QLD, whilst I didn't want to go to Mars in those conditions, I felt we were really embraced being in Melbourne for a prolonged period of time.

It was like we were playing home games each week with the support the Sth faithful were supplying, vic boys getting to see family and friends (to scratch that itch)

While qld will be good temp wise, I hope it doesn't derail our momentum.

The game will now be played in qld

AFL news 2021, Sydney and GWS to relocate, Victoria, Queensland, hubs, Covid-19

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[Captain]

Bugger freezing Ballarat, we're off to sunny and warm Queensland, smart move, sunny and 21 degrees Saturday at Metricon improves our winning chances

Not sure about that, I actually think it makes it harder for us. The Giants are sooks and generally pretty poor in the rain and cold (and sometimes snow).

[Markwebbos]

I reckon it will make it easier for the families to join fwiw

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Are we playing at Metricon? It’s out “bogey ground”! allegedly we’ve lost the last 4 there

Every club's bogey ground: Where does your team NOT want to play?

[mcs]

Bugger freezing Ballarat, we're off to sunny and warm Queensland, smart move, sunny and 21 degrees Saturday at Metricon improves our winning chances

I'd prefer the gabba to be honest - I was suprised to read that we've lost our last 4 at Metricon.

[bloodspirit]

Sad to see us head to QLD, whilst I didn't want to go to Mars in those conditions, I felt we were really embraced being in Melbourne for a prolonged period of time.

It was like we were playing home games each week with the support the Sth faithful were supplying, vic boys getting to see family and friends (to scratch that itch)

While qld will be good temp wise, I hope it doesn't derail our momentum.

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I feel the same way. Although, I've decided to switch focus and hope the squad can enjoy the possibility of hitting the surf (if they're allowed to) and let it boost morale without losing focus on the season.

But I don't think the change of venue will hurt when playing the Giants. I was conscious that the Giants played their last match at Mars and have had more opportunity to adjust to the specific conditions there. Also, these days we have perhaps the stronger outside game and will benefit from a better playing surface and better weather.

[dejavoodoo44]

I'd prefer the gabba to be honest - I was suprised to read that we've lost our last 4 at Metricon.

I'm not. I was sullenly sitting there. And I think that it will be the Gabba, since Brisbane are playing at the MCG on the weekend, while Gold Coast are hosting the Bulldogs at 4.35 on Saturday. Which means that they either switch our game to Sunday, have a two for the price of one deal at Metricon, or try to get everybody in and out between games. Easier to just play at the Gabba on Saturday.

[i'm-uninformed2]

A shame, as the noise and buzz and support created by the old South Melbourne supporters is always a joy - and the players seem to love it.

But we're now at the stage of the AFL trying to keep the whole season alive, and do what can be done to reunite families in the best possible circumstances, so off we go.

And I'm sure Longmire is quietly using it as a chance to drill in the 'play anyone, anywhere, anytime' mantra.

[mcs]

It may actually not be a bad thing for our overall season - because being in QLD may (given arrangements were achieved last year for it to happen) allow players to be reunited with their families at least for a short period as well.

But it must be tough for the guys overall.

[NeonBible]

Hi all,

I wouldnt read too much into our record at Metricon! Our most recent loss there was the GCS debacle earlier this year. The other three losses were all last year, when we won only five games for the season and lost to West Coast, Carlton and Geelong - all of who finished above us!! So the figures are skewed slightly!!

[Rod_]

Being originally from Ballarat a lot of friends and family were excited to fly their flags on Saturday.

Understand we need to preserve the season and playing where it is dry and warm should improve skills.

Either way I was watching on the TV..

Go Swans no matter where the game is!

[TheBloods]

Midfield needs to lift on last weeks game , cant rely on superhuman games from Dawson and Mccartin to save us every week

[Goal Sneak]

Midfield needs to lift on last weeks game , cant rely on superhuman games from Dawson and Mccartin to save us every week

You make it sound like we've only had two good players all year! This team is not over-relying on anyone right now. We've had (at least) 2 games in a row where every player has shown great competitiveness for 4 qtrs. No one needs to lift, just keep doing what they're doing!

[TheBloods]

You make it sound like we've only had two good players all year! This team is not over-relying on anyone right now. We've had (at least) 2 games in a row where every player has shown great competitiveness for 4 qtrs. No one needs to lift, just keep doing what they're doing!

Not disagreeing but very different story last week without Dawson and Mccartin , we were smashed in clearances and lost centre clearances 3-15 our defence held up well and most of our best players were in defence but what if they dont this week ?

[The Runner]

Not disagreeing but very different story last week without Dawson and Mccartin , we were smashed in clearances and lost centre clearances 3-15 our defence held up well and most of our best players were in defence but what if they dont this week ?

We're playing a game style that is not about winning the immediate clearance but getting the ball back immediately post the clearance. The clearance stats are becoming less relevant for coaches. Richmond have never focused on clearances as a stat.
To use clearances as a metric to measure the midfield is out dated.

[snajik]

Hi all,

I wouldnt read too much into our record at Metricon! Our most recent loss there was the GCS debacle earlier this year. The other three losses were all last year, when we won only five games for the season and lost to West Coast, Carlton and Geelong - all of who finished above us!! So the figures are skewed slightly!!

Plenty of injuries for us last year. This year's game we were very poor and GC was very good.