Rd 16 v Essendon Bombers @ MCG

[Swanny40519]

Pity we couldnt afford Clarkson, i think we would be a serious Premiership contender within 2 years!

Agree. I just watched Horse's interview and even though he is disappointed with the loss, I thought his comments were very casual.

I really believe if we had a Clarkson or a tough coach like Voss, we would not be in the bottom list of teams trying to make finals.

I think it is time for a change - 12 years is a long time to hear the same message.

[crackedactor 01]

If I were one of the selectors I would drop Papley. Since his return he has not played a one decent game.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I’m not sure about the ditch Papley thing. His goal kicking was poor and arguably one of those that cost us the game, but he was otherwise good. And I’m not sure we drop blokes for poor goal kicking.

[Matty10]

I don't think I've ever seen us beat Essendon at the MCG live.

Well, you’d have to be well over a hundred to have any memory of it, if you did see it happen.

Apart from last year’s victory at the MCG (in front of no fans), we haven’t beaten them there since 1923.

[Roadrunner]

We are not a serious side. I noticed just like the Port game that just when the other side became more physical we went into our shells. Missed Joey Kennedy out there today. We really look like we don't want to play finals football. Mcdonald and Campbell are promising but they are not yet up to AFL standard.

Haven’t seen the game- not sure I want to, following the comments here! Clearly, our pressure and intensity are so inconsistent- until this is addressed somehow, we don’t deserve to achieve in finals. We’re a team in progress and need to find the correct roles for our players and certainly give game time to the likes of Amartey and Gould.

We just don’t know which team turns up from week to week. With the fixtures being what they are, we need to accept some 6 day breaks and no use using this as an excuse- coming off a bye shows that rest is not what our lads need- it’s mental toughness!

[Matty10]

Haven’t seen the game- not sure I want to, following the comments here!

Everyone is venting. The reality is we played a good game and were the better team for the majority of the day. The scoreboard tells the tale, really. We missed too many of our many, many chances - they took theirs. That, and the fact that we missed another opportunity to move into the top four, is what is so frustrating.

Most of the commentary on here is likely null and void if we converted just two more of the shots on goal that we missed.

[Hotpotato]

Was watching a replay and seemed like we had the game under control.
Then Bomber friends started hitting me with braggadocio, gosh , that hurt.

Parker’s mocking em last game, it’s funny how that inspires a team. I don’t think he will do it again.
Didn’t watch the last quarter after learning the result.

[i'm-uninformed2]

A few things.

Good on the Chad. Every few weeks you see a new little bit of growth in his game. Today, it was playing a lone hand and nailing it. Parker was ok, but nothing more than that and the rest of our midfield, poo. But Chad was brilliant and the goalkicking an added bonus.

We continue to struggle with that kick inside 50. Our goalkicking will get the headlines today but boy we can be guilty of either bombing it or butchering it. There was a patch in the last quarter before Heeney kicked that goal when the ball was bombed on his head three times in a row.

I’ve already posted on Campbell, and why I think his development is being stunted. But he will go out. What this year has showed is we’re short a real quality second small forward. Wicks showed signs last year but seems to have regressed. I’m less convinced by Ronke than others.

Logan looked tired to me today, just didn’t have that strength and power in his game. It’s ok to rest young players so I’d give Amarty a go. I also thought Fox had some poor moments and would be inclined to bring Harry back in for him, or if not, finally get Gould in to find out.

My other surprise at the end of the game was to see Stephens’ disposal numbers. Thought he was a bit better than they suggest, but regardless, certainly wouldn’t kick him to the curb again. There were others a lot worse than him.

[giant]

I'm so furious about that spineless performance that has probably sabotaged a great opportunity to have a crack this season, that I'll keep my comments brief. Just hope there are some players hanging their heads in shame for that pathetic effort on their captain's 250th. Some shameful sh&!.

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I’m not sure about the ditch Papley thing. His goal kicking was poor and arguably one of those that cost us the game, but he was otherwise good. And I’m not sure we drop blokes for poor goal kicking.

Isn't that his job? Those 3 very poor misses either side of Q1 were absolutely the catalyst for Essendon getting back in the game. Appalling. Definitely the poster boy for Swans players getting ahead of themselves.

[Roadrunner]

I'm so furious about that spineless performance that has probably sabotaged a great opportunity to have a crack this season, that I'll keep my comments brief. Just hope there are some players hanging their heads in shame for that pathetic effort on their captain's 250th. Some shameful sh&!.

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Isn't that his job? Those 3 very poor misses either side of Q1 were absolutely the catalyst for Essendon getting back in the game. Appalling. Definitely the poster boy for Swans players getting ahead of themselves.

Love Paps but his goal kicking from set shots is very erratic- his snaps are much more reliable. Practise, practice and more practice is the answer. Where’s Plugger when we need him?

[Agent 86]

Rd 16 v Essendon Bombers @ MCG

I'm so furious about that spineless performance that has probably sabotaged a great opportunity to have a crack this season, that I'll keep my comments brief. Just hope there are some players hanging their heads in shame for that pathetic effort on their captain's 250th. Some shameful sh&!.

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Isn't that his job? Those 3 very poor misses either side of Q1 were absolutely the catalyst for Essendon getting back in the game. Appalling. Definitely the poster boy for Swans players getting ahead of themselves.

Yes. We absolutely need the Longmuir speech about getting ahead of ourselves. How often do we dish up insipid performances when we have a chance to set up our season? Chokers (or jokers)?

Our kicking generally was poor. Even the Lizard - who is normally excellent - fluffed some entries that should have resulted in a shot but lead to a turnover.

I was so cranky when Papley called for Buddy to kick to him and then missed from straight in front. then he missed the next 2 as well. one went about 30 metres. He is just not timing it and trying
to kick the cover off it. There have been a few times lately when he just overruns the ball on the ground. You’ve gotta earn it before u spend it.

[Blood Fever]

Everyone is venting. The reality is we played a good game and were the better team for the majority of the day. The scoreboard tells the tale, really. We missed too many of our many, many chances - they took theirs. That, and the fact that we missed another opportunity to move into the top four, is what is so frustrating.

Most of the commentary on here is likely null and void if we converted just two more of the shots on goal that we missed.

Spot on summary. I was at the game and to describe us as insipid is ludicrous. Essendon had a real crack and had a 75% conversion rate whilst we were below 50%. Rutten mentioned how they were very fortunate in the 3rd quarter when the ball lived at our end. Some of the reactions on here from the usual suspects are embarrassing.

[dejavoodoo44]

A few things.

Good on the Chad. Every few weeks you see a new little bit of growth in his game. Today, it was playing a lone hand and nailing it. Parker was ok, but nothing more than that and the rest of our midfield, poo. But Chad was brilliant and the goalkicking an added bonus.

We continue to struggle with that kick inside 50. Our goalkicking will get the headlines today but boy we can be guilty of either bombing it or butchering it. There was a patch in the last quarter before Heeney kicked that goal when the ball was bombed on his head three times in a row.

I’ve already posted on Campbell, and why I think his development is being stunted. But he will go out. What this year has showed is we’re short a real quality second small forward. Wicks showed signs last year but seems to have regressed. I’m less convinced by Ronke than others.

Logan looked tired to me today, just didn’t have that strength and power in his game. It’s ok to rest young players so I’d give Amarty a go. I also thought Fox had some poor moments and would be inclined to bring Harry back in for him, or if not, finally get Gould in to find out.

My other surprise at the end of the game was to see Stephens’ disposal numbers. Thought he was a bit better than they suggest, but regardless, certainly wouldn’t kick him to the curb again. There were others a lot worse than him.

Since it seems that Liz hasn't posted about the game, it looks like you're actually leading today's 'voice of reason' award. I'm not sure how you feel about that? Pleased or desperately in need of intoxicants?

[rickmat]

It's like one step forward, two steps back. We lose the games we should win and that puts us under the pump in the 8. We weren't that bad today, just didn't take our chances. I feel for Campbell as he is not being given the chance of full run of games and I'm not sure dropping him to the VFL will help his cause, he is too good. Stats don't always tell the full story so let's give him a chance to fully blossom. He is part of our future. I agree with giving Logon a rest back in the VFL. He is throwing his body into the contest and doing a lot of grunt work, which is what I like about him. No single player is responsible for the loss today, it was a team "effort". But we didn't put the Bombers away when we had the chance and now we are in the bottom of the 8 and every game from now on, is critical.

[Agent 86]

Was watching a replay and seemed like we had the game under control.
Then Bomber friends started hitting me with braggadocio, gosh , that hurt.

Parker’s mocking em last game, it’s funny how that inspires a team. I don’t think he will do it again.
Didn’t watch the last quarter after learning the result.

Better not watch it. Some comments above about us being the better team - but poor finishing cost us. The game was there to be won in the final qtr - but we lost our nerve. They were simply the better team in Q4. We had a lot of chances to have the game iced by the end of Q3 but we choked.

This was yet another example of what I call (to my audience of 1) the Mark Twain games (that quote about never argue with an idiot).