Rd 3 vs Western Bulldogs @ Marvel - Pre-Game Thread

[graemed]

Nobody has mentioned Ladhams. If Buddy is rested, or McDonald dropped, then he could come in rather than Armetey. Ladhams seemed to have a pretty good VFL game based on the highlights.

I watched the whole game and while both Ladhams and Armetey played forward. McAndrew did almost all the contested ruck work against Stef Martin. Moreover, I would expect Martin to play this week and allow English to play forward especially if there is some doubt about Naughton.

When Ladhams played on the ball it was noticeable he contested well but lacked the wherewithal when in defence. Armetey, too was used ver infrequently in the ruck and was clearly in the game to get match fitness. He was most dangerous early in the game and faded later.

Bell, Gould, Melican and Geddes were amongst our best.

[bloodspirit]

Wow! We've really elevated the level of discussion here. Great analysis a welcome break from some of the other stuff that goes on. (Not that I'm contributing much except some appreciation.)

[Ludwig]

It's hard to get a clear evaluation of Gould and Ladhams, as there isn't a VFL game replay, I believe.

I think both of them have a few things on their side: athleticism, marking ability and kicking. Other aspects, like work rate and decision making, are still to be determined. We will just have to see how the season unfolds.

They both seemed to play good 2nd halves. I liked Gould's game a lot, but I was focusing more on the positives than looking for negatives. Same with Ladhams. I more hoping they will work out rather than being convinced they will. Verdict still out. But I wouldn't mind seeing either in the AFL game.

It's already Tuesday and still waiting for a VFL game review from Friday. Is it asking too much? And when they do come, there's usually not much substance to them.

[SwanSand]

if players like Campbell keep moving on the same trajectory it will be impossible to keep them out of the 22.

Its one thing to have a good pressure forward but if your backline is so creative and rebounding so quick than it makes the forward pressure roles so much easier and less dependent on one pressure forward.

There is an opportunity cost for every role on the field.........but it is very possible in the near future we may rotate that pressure role with a bunch of mids rotating thru the forward line......ie 10mins at a time only via Parker, Warner, Ollie etc

i completely respect the advantages a team gains via minimising the impact of a dangerous HBF ....... but curtailing their impact does not have to be achieved via one player alone

On the one hand our f50 entries are low, our turnover game is not in full gear yet, and we are low in intercept marks, on the other hand we have very creative players everywhere who are playing amazingly well and hitting targets. The shining light is in our efficiency inside f50 and our ground ball gets in f50.

However I am sure there is a balance which if broken we may find ourselves in a bit of a slump.

There is a lot to improve on.

Doesn’t sound like there is any need to change the team this week unless Buddy wants a rest after all the celebrations. Would love to see Mcinerney back in line though if he is fit.

[AB Swannie]

I get Wicks plays a role in our team. However, there seems to be an inference that no one else can do that role if he wan't in the team. Why can't Gulden put pressure on and kick straight? Why can't Parker, Warner, Campbell et al put pressure on and kick straight. In most years, Wicks would be an easy selection but this year you have to be in top form to keep your place in our team. At the moment, there are higher performing players.

[Foreign Legion]

It's hard to get a clear evaluation of Gould and Ladhams, as there isn't a VFL game replay, I believe.

I think both of them have a few things on their side: athleticism, marking ability and kicking. Other aspects, like work rate and decision making, are still to be determined. We will just have to see how the season unfolds.

They both seemed to play good 2nd halves. I liked Gould's game a lot, but I was focusing more on the positives than looking for negatives. Same with Ladhams. I more hoping they will work out rather than being convinced they will. Verdict still out. But I wouldn't mind seeing either in the AFL game.

It's already Tuesday and still waiting for a VFL game review from Friday. Is it asking too much? And when they do come, there's usually not much substance to them.

G'day Ludwig - you should be able to watch the full VFL game here:
VFL Match Replay, R1: Footscray v Sydney

I was at the ground and Gould does look very fit. I was surprised how much of a talker - in a good way - that Melican is.

[Aaron]

It's already Tuesday and still waiting for a VFL game review from Friday. Is it asking too much? And when they do come, there's usually not much substance to them.

Nothing from Laidler yet but the VFL has a brief wrap of the game and provide some vanilla review at R1 wrap: Swans stun Bulldogs, Cats outlast Bombers

[Bexl]

Horrible way to debut sitting on the bench hoping for an injury. Let Roberts play reserves until there is a spot for him to move straight into the senior team.

I agree that he had a good game in the 2nds I also agree that we wont name him as sub. Sheldrick must play in the 2s this week as he had no game time last week. If no changes then I think Taylor as medical sub.

[Bexl]

Campbell and Stephens will play every week unless they need a rest . They are in our best 22 and are showing it now . Kennedy as well ,Horse would rather use him in different positions than drop him. He wont be dropped , end of .

I agree Campbell and Stephens are coming along well however we are now in the very good position that we have more than 22 players that are best22.

[Ludwig]

G'day Ludwig - you should be able to watch the full VFL game here:
VFL Match Replay, R1: Footscray v Sydney

I was at the ground and Gould does look very fit. I was surprised how much of a talker - in a good way - that Melican is.

Thanks for that.

I got the impression from an earlier posting that it was only shown live and didn't bother searching for a replay. I don't find the AFL website easy to navigate. Not much logic in it. Probably designed by Telstra.

[TheBloods]

I agree Campbell and Stephens are coming along well however we are now in the very good position that we have more than 22 players that are best22.

Not really

[Auntie.Gerald]

Agree SwanSand

It is such a fine balance

I suppose we will know more thus wknd re dominating in attack which is our no1 defence and how dominant this is vs playing with one or some defensive forwards

My gut feeling is that we are showing enough in attack that increasing this ability has more upside than keeping in a singular defensive forward.

Could be wrong for sure as it has been required to date but I suspect that cycle is changing as all teams do as emerging players start to become impossible not to pick because of their talent and IMPACT in possession of the ball

[Vonsteinman]

Apologies if this has already been noted but a Swans supporter I follow on another platform posted the following on Rowbottom:

James Rowbottom after two games is ranked sixth in the league for tackles (14), third for pressure acts (57) and LEADS THE LEAGUE for defensive half pressure acts (32)!

[Blood Relative]

Apologies if this has already been noted but a Swans supporter I follow on another platform posted the following on Rowbottom:

James Rowbottom after two games is ranked sixth in the league for tackles (14), third for pressure acts (57) and LEADS THE LEAGUE for defensive half pressure acts (32)!

Good post...future captain. IMO

- - - Updated - - -

I agree Campbell and Stephens are coming along well however we are now in the very good position that we have more than 22 players that are best22.

Indeed we do. Good observation.

[Aprilbr]

Apologies if this has already been noted but a Swans supporter I follow on another platform posted the following on Rowbottom:

James Rowbottom after two games is ranked sixth in the league for tackles (14), third for pressure acts (57) and LEADS THE LEAGUE for defensive half pressure acts (32)!

Rowbottom doing so well! Who would have predicted that? [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]