Round 1 v Giants

[MattW]

Disagree about McDonald as when he was on the ground, he contested hard and doesn't shirk a contest. But give him some time as he has so much talent and just needs a good time on the ground and as we saw in the first 3-4 games last season, McDonald has what we need going forward, a key position forward who will kick loads of goals for the Swans

Good post.

[MattW]

25,000 crowd. 65/35 ratio Swans to Giants = 16,250 swans supporters ( 32% of 2021 membership number) and 8,750 Giants supporters ( 28% )

Pretty much both sets of fans stayed away at a similar ratio. Weather, Covid, ground, lack of promotion ?

Or maybe its actually a good crowd figure. Only 16,000 went to last pre-covid Derby at Giants stadium in 2019. You could read into that that swans fans prefer Accor over Giants stadium. heaven forbid!

-----------

Its an interesting dynamic. While at the game, it was apparent that when the giants were ahead in the first half, the swans fans weren't too flustered, and when the swans kicked on later in the game, the giants fans werent to flustered either. Only a few walked out early. (Contrast to a Collingwood Carton game, half the stadium would be empty by final siren) The vast majority of fans (except a few rabid on here) have a soft spot for both sides. This presents a problem for the AFL who want to drive a rivalry. As seen by crowds at both home grounds over the years, the swans v giants game is just seen as another H&A game, nothing special. So, if you were in charge, how do you maximize the derby (monetize it). ?
I think the best way is to make a festival of footy type thing. Embrace the common bond, rather than force a division. First round lock. Play AFLW round as a curtain raiser. etc, promotion. Make it an event.

In summary, if the AFL are disappointed at 25,000 crowd, then the AFL dont know Sydney. Which is embarrassing as AFL has been in Sydney for 30 years now. You'd think someone from Melbourne would bother to at least try and understand the place.

Disagree with much of this. I question the suggestion that the Swans fans weren't flustered about being down (whatever that means). Where I was sitting (Swans bays, western end), there was plenty of anxiety when the Swans were down. I thought those bays were rowdier than SCG games I've attended. Great noise, rollicking support all game.

I still haven't regained my voice.

[MattW]

I continue to be amazed by the game play of Eric Gulden.

As has already been mentioned here he is an elite tackler. He can win his own ball in almost any role. He has outstanding disposal skills. He is steady under pressure especially when shooting for goal. He is a strong overhead mark despite his size.

However, these strengths pale beside his game awareness. His vision, his sense of timing and his tenacity are remarkable for one so young. If any one example demonstrates his acumen and poise, the run out of defense with the two bounces and then to by-pass the temptation of passing to Franklin and to choose the correct option in the Heeney/Parker contest and then to deliver so well was exceptional.

Fantastic contribution, Graeme!

Errol is a bloody ripper.

[giant]

Was a ripper game - I watched a little bit of every game (little bit tragic I acknowledge) and thought this was comfortably the best of the round.

And a fantastic win against a quality opponent, notably a few players down, but still with an outstanding top 12. Was all very enjoyable.

Parker's performance was immense - worthy of Huddo-style "give him a longer contract!" heroics. And of course he was given the licence to do so by the tremendous work of so many great young mids.

To achieve a great win like this, while giving "flying hours" (Horse's words) to McCartin, P, JPK, McDonald and Sheldrick was a real bonus. Even bigger challenge awaits this Friday (OMG, Danger's first 30 mins were jaw-dropping), can't wait - should be another cracker.

[graemed]

Yep....and Eric's brother Errol looks pretty good too.

Omg bloody Self correction. Of course Eric is more common than Errol. Lol

[stevoswan]

Omg bloody Self correction. Of course Eric is more common than Errol. Lol

[neilfws]

Fun stat: Kennedy's first ever game without a contested possession.

Swamp on Twitter: "Josh Kennedy (SYD) has the second most contested possessions since the stat was recorded (behind Gary Ablett jnr)
2022 R01 was the first time in his 280 game career where he did not record any in a game"

[bloodspirit]

Sheldrick has gone straight on to my list of favourite young Swans - along with Gulden and McInerney. He didn't have an enormous impact but I loved what I saw. Absolute Warnerish (or Parkeresque?) desperation at the contest and Rowbottom-strong defensively. As noted already, he is incredibly good at keeping his feet and being ready to make second and third efforts. Like Errol and Juzzy, a great team player too.

Lots of our young 'uns had good games: Blakey, Rowbottom, Errol all stood out. McInerney, Stephens and Campbell were all good (Campbell's goal was a ripper!).

I was pleasantly surprised that we played McLean ahead of Ladhams. Given that Ladhams is a young guy on a 4 year contract I think we need to make him adapt to our culture and earn his spot by learning the Bloods way.

I was very impressed with Paddy McCartin's field kicking (notwithstanding the clanger that gave away a goal). He offers a lot sending the ball forward. His marking was strong too. I thought I detected some (understandable) caution with his attack on the ball e.g. he was a bit slow to get up after that relatively innocuous collision and there was another time I noticed him being a bit tentative (unlike Tom who was all courage and vigour). I'm not holding this against Paddy and hopefully he will build his confidence as he too gets more 'flying hours'.

Parker really had a great game. His goals were all quality but he made so many other contributions besides and with real determination and desperate competitiveness. Showed the way.

I don't know the answer for JPK, or in relation to who goes out as Lloyd and Warner return. I place my faith in the match committee - they mostly get it right.

Fabulous all round team performance, although defensively shaky at times. Gritty win against quality opposition. Great coaching performance too, making the necessary adjustments to blow past the Giants in the second half while, together with the senior players, instilling the faith that we could do it.

Bring on Geelong! I think we should be happy if we win one of our next two (two out of three against strong opposition will be an excellent start to the year). I can't decide who I would prefer to beat if it had to be a choice - Geelong or Bulldogs? I really want to beat both of them. I think I'm going to say Geelong - not sure if that's just because it's our home game.

[bloodspirit]

Did anyone else think Daniel Lloyd is a bit of a poor man's Jordan Dawson? Same ability to kick long goals from outside 50. Decent mark.

Incidentally, when people talk about how we miss JD, they always talk about his kicking. However, as has been pointed out, we have lots of great kicks in our team: Blakey, Campbell, McInerney, Paddy McCartin, Rampe, Florent, Mills, Stephens, Heeney and Buddy all kick well. What people sometimes forget is that JD is excellent overhead and that is a tougher thing to cover. Blakey is taller but not as good. Errol is great for his size but under 180 cm. Nobody really replaces that marking ability. Still, we have so much else going for us that hopefully it's not going to matter too much and we'll make up for it in other ways.

[KTigers]

Did anyone else think Daniel Lloyd is a bit of a poor man's Jordan Dawson? Same ability to kick long goals from outside 50. Decent mark.

Incidentally, when people talk about how we miss JD, they always talk about his kicking. However, as has been pointed out, we have lots of great kicks in our team: Blakey, Campbell, McInerney, Paddy McCartin, Rampe, Florent, Mills, Stephens, Heeney and Buddy all kick well. What people sometimes forget is that JD is excellent overhead and that is a tougher thing to cover. Blakey is taller but not as good. Errol is great for his size but under 180 cm. Nobody really replaces that marking ability. Still, we have so much else going for us that hopefully it's not going to matter too much and we'll make up for it in other ways.

Lloyd has done pretty well for himself, 70 or so games so far in a good team. Especially considering he was first spotted
by Mark McVeigh playing in the Hunter Valley league. As you say, he is a thumping kick.

[barry]

Maybe Jordon Dawson's is a poor man's Daniel Lloyd. Played 2 less games and never played in a grand final.
Hasn't kicked on at Adelaide.

[Roadrunner]

Maybe Jordon Dawson's is a poor man's Daniel Lloyd. Played 2 less games and never played in a grand final.
Hasn't kicked on at Adelaide.

You’re funny, barry!!
Both terrific players, but it’s a wee bit early to assess JD in Adelaide after 1 game!????
But I hope he plays a lot worse against us- yes, his overhead work can be exceptional: Isaac would be a great matchup on him.

[Bangalore Swans]

Did anyone else think Daniel Lloyd is a bit of a poor man's Jordan Dawson? Same ability to kick long goals from outside 50. Decent mark.

Incidentally, when people talk about how we miss JD, they always talk about his kicking. However, as has been pointed out, we have lots of great kicks in our team: Blakey, Campbell, McInerney, Paddy McCartin, Rampe, Florent, Mills, Stephens, Heeney and Buddy all kick well. What people sometimes forget is that JD is excellent overhead and that is a tougher thing to cover. Blakey is taller but not as good. Errol is great for his size but under 180 cm. Nobody really replaces that marking ability. Still, we have so much else going for us that hopefully it's not going to matter too much and we'll make up for it in other ways.

We are ahead without Dawson. His cost v output compared to the upside and cost v output of Campbell and Stephens is in favour of the Swans.

[KTigers]

Dawson's career is over. He'll be dropped pretty soon and will be struggling to hold a spot in a SANFL reserves team by mid year.
Give it a year or so and he'll be wandering around Rundle Mall, dishevelled and unwashed telling anyone within earshot, "I coulda
been someone, I coulda bin a contender".

[Nico]

Maybe Jordon Dawson's is a poor man's Daniel Lloyd. Played 2 less games and never played in a grand final.
Hasn't kicked on at Adelaide.

Gidday Baz, That's what I would call "going the early Crow". Not a bad move by you, as the worst that can happen is you have "Crow" egg on your face.

Love your posts.