Swans VFL 2022

[Ludwig]

Two drop Buddy posts, in the VFL thread - and no refutations.
Be interesting to see what happens in the next Pre-Game thread.

Too ridiculous to even refute.

I know we won't drop Buddy, but I don't think it's ridiculous. Amartey played really well in the VFL and has for most of the year. I think we should start playing McDonald and Amartey together. They are the future. I think our forward line operates better without Buddy. He may be one of the greatest players ever, but that's just how it's going. We could drop Reid and let Amartey backup ruck, or we might play all 4 talls and have one play on the wing or in defence. Reid has really played well lately and would hate to drop him in this kind of form. He's not that old; only 30, so may have a few more years to give. But I think the key is to try to play the 2 youngsters together as much as possible now.

I also don't think it's ridiculous to have Buddy as our Medisub. The opposition wouldn't want to hurt any of our players for fear of having Buddy come in and turn the game in our favour.

[Agent 86]

Disagree about the negative comments on O'Riordan. I thought he was one of our better players in the 2nd half. I like Fox as well and think we can play both in the same side, but it means we have to drop some regulars to do it.

Based on the VFL performances, giving consideration to the weak opposition, and the AFL game, I would suggest the following changes for next week:

In -------------------- Out
Amartey ------- Franklin
Hickey --------- Ladhams
Ronke --------- Wicks
Gould -------- Lloyd
Fox ----------- Florent

I like this. Except for Buddy. Not gonna happen.

What does Gould have to do? Needs a chance - even if only for the reason we need someone who is a more reliable kick.

I also agree negativity around COR is undeserved. I hope he gets some time to see if he can make it at this level.

Not totally convinced on Fox - but Ollie’s due for a rest.

[Markwebbos]

I like this. Except for Buddy. Not gonna happen.

What does Gould have to do? Needs a chance - even if only for the reason we need someone who is a more reliable kick.

I also agree negativity around COR is undeserved. I hope he gets some time to see if he can make it at this level.

Not totally convinced on Fox - but Ollie’s due for a rest.

Ollie just had a rest.

[The Big Cat]

Stephens had 8 tackles, so he’s in.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

2 v 2 - not quite the overwhelming support of previous seasons.

[Roadrunner]

I know we won't drop Buddy, but I don't think it's ridiculous. Amartey played really well in the VFL and has for most of the year. I think we should start playing McDonald and Amartey together. They are the future. I think our forward line operates better without Buddy. He may be one of the greatest players ever, but that's just how it's going. We could drop Reid and let Amartey backup ruck, or we might play all 4 talls and have one play on the wing or in defence. Reid has really played well lately and would hate to drop him in this kind of form. He's not that old; only 30, so may have a few more years to give. But I think the key is to try to play the 2 youngsters together as much as possible now.

I also don't think it's ridiculous to have Buddy as our Medisub. The opposition wouldn't want to hurt any of our players for fear of having Buddy come in and turn the game in our favour.

We will never drop Buddy, but will rest or “manage” him from time to time. He is simply too good to ever be dropped, though it is fair to say we are sometimes too Buddy centric and so our forward thrusts become more predictable.

No doubt we need to play Amartey and Logan together- could we try Buddy on a wing for a quarter or two? His field kicking is elite and while he may have lost a little pace, how would an opposition match up?
Bottom line: we need to try something different as at the moment we are taking one step forward and one step back.

[KSAS]

Did Melican play? If so, how did he go and would he be ready to replace any of our defensive talls through injury?

[dejavoodoo44]

Did Melican play? If so, how did he go and would he be ready to replace any of our defensive talls through injury?

Melican played well, but he didn't have a whole lot to do in a one-sided victory. His form has been decent in the VFL this season and should be able to step up if one of the McCartins were injured. Gould is more of an attacking weapon though and has put in a few dominant performances. So, I'd like to see him get a run some time in the not too distant future.

[KSAS]

Thanks for the update Deja.

[Blood Fever]

I know we won't drop Buddy, but I don't think it's ridiculous. Amartey played really well in the VFL and has for most of the year. I think we should start playing McDonald and Amartey together. They are the future. I think our forward line operates better without Buddy. He may be one of the greatest players ever, but that's just how it's going. We could drop Reid and let Amartey backup ruck, or we might play all 4 talls and have one play on the wing or in defence. Reid has really played well lately and would hate to drop him in this kind of form. He's not that old; only 30, so may have a few more years to give. But I think the key is to try to play the 2 youngsters together as much as possible now.

I also don't think it's ridiculous to have Buddy as our Medisub. The opposition wouldn't want to hurt any of our players for fear of having Buddy come in and turn the game in our favour.

Won the game for us v Tigers. Mcdonald signed for 2 more years. Amartey and Reid vying for the one position. Understand your anxiety about player development but flag is wide open this year although I think our midfield is not seasoned enough. Nevertheless, our best is as good as anyone.

[Agent 86]

Won the game for us v Tigers. Mcdonald signed for 2 more years. Amartey and Reid vying for the one position. Understand your anxiety about player development but flag is wide open this year although I think our midfield is not seasoned enough. Nevertheless, our best is as good as anyone.

I think it was Cornes on the cob who said the gap between our best and our worst is the widest in the comp (tho I’d put Essendon in that category) - sounds pretty fair.

[Ludwig]

The VFL report is up on the Swans website: VFL dominate with 111-point victory

One of the things I love watching is just how effortlessly Amartey kicks the ball from 50 out. Easily makes the distance. No running around the mark to get extra power. Just an easy drop punt. I think he's really put it together this year. He's doing all the physical stuff. He's marking well and kicking straight. I'm so looking forward to him teaming up with Logan.

[Blood Fever]

The VFL report is up on the Swans website: VFL dominate with 111-point victory

One of the things I love watching is just how effortlessly Amartey kicks the ball from 50 out. Easily makes the distance. No running around the mark to get extra power. Just an easy drop punt. I think he's really put it together this year. He's doing all the physical stuff. He's marking well and kicking straight. I'm so looking forward to him teaming up with Logan.

Game versus Williamstown very poor preparation for seniors. Zero pressure. Amartey looked good last year. decision to retain Reid has hurt him.

[The Big Cat]

Amartey looked good last year. decision to retain Reid has hurt him.

But not the team.

[Blood Fever]

But not the team.

True for this year. Not sure about future.