How much have we really improved ?

[i'm-uninformed2]

One other thing I should have mentioned is flexibility of game style.

Last year, we were clearly trying to embed the faster game style and when it worked, it worked brilliantly, but we often played the one way.

This year, Horse seems comfortable in the ability of the players to adjust and has tweaked his game plan according to the opponents. We used very different methods in some of our big wins: from the chip chip chip vs Freo, to the run and gun vs the Dogs, and something in between vs Collingwood and Melbourne.

He's been at the top of his game as a coach this year, and it's a sign of the maturation of the playing group that they can go with it.

[TheBloods]

Great analysis by imuninformed2 I also think the improvements in what some may call our bottom six has been noticeable. We have some great depth and quite a few of our VFL squad would probably be playing seniors at other clubs.
It’s an impressive “ rebuild “ in such a short time and the recruitment team should give themselves a well deserved pat on the back.
At the risk of setting someone off Chad could well be looked back as one of our all time great draft steals . Pick 39 and potentially could be right up there with our pick 43 in 1997 by the time he finishes ????

Spot on

[stevoswan]

Personally I am very bullish about our finals appearance. Which sides have we beaten this year? Thats right the top 4 sides in the competition (apart from Sydney)- Geelong, Melbourne, Collingwood and Fremantle. Quite impressive and also indicates our best is good enough to win the flag. The only aspect that worries me is that we don't always bring our best to the park such as our efforts against Essendon and Port Adelaide.

True but we seem to always be 'up' when we play the better teams which augers well for the finals.

[bandwagon]

In 2020 we finished 16th with a percentage of 82.6%. So the huge improvement came last year.
At the beginning of the year I was concerned such a big jump wouldn't be sustainable, especially as we lost two high-performers in Dawson & Hewett, and we would have a year of consolidation with a small slip down the ladder (think 2004). But by any metric we have improved again, not a huge amount but still a laudable position to be in.
Two factors have contributed to this - the improvement of so many of our younger players, and development of some decent depth players, which even if not forcing their way into the 22, keeps pressure on the incumbents.

[bandwagon]

Just to add - VFL ladder:
2021 - 19th - 2W - 88.9%
2022 - 4th - 13W - 130.65%

[Kafka's Ghost]

One other thing I should have mentioned is flexibility of game style.

Last year, we were clearly trying to embed the faster game style and when it worked, it worked brilliantly, but we often played the one way.

This year, Horse seems comfortable in the ability of the players to adjust and has tweaked his game plan according to the opponents. We used very different methods in some of our big wins: from the chip chip chip vs Freo, to the run and gun vs the Dogs, and something in between vs Collingwood and Melbourne.

He's been at the top of his game as a coach this year, and it's a sign of the maturation of the playing group that they can go with it.

Top analysis all round. Last year we took the rest of the comp by surprise, but this year we’ve added maturity and a variety of game styles, as well as natural development. Stephens is now tracking beautifully and can run all day, while his disposal is incomparable to some of what he produced earlier in the season in the VFL.
Longmire and team have developed this group into one that can challenge this year, when everyone was thinking it was going to be 2023 that we were in with a realistic chance.
Essendon did it in 1993, Hawthorn in 2008. We’re in with a shot, at the very least.


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[Blood Fever]

Top analysis all round. Last year we took the rest of the comp by surprise, but this year we’ve added maturity and a variety of game styles, as well as natural development. Stephens is now tracking beautifully and can run all day, while his disposal is incomparable to some of what he produced earlier in the season in the VFL.
Longmire and team have developed this group into one that can challenge this year, when everyone was thinking it was going to be 2023 that we were in with a realistic chance.
Essendon did it in 1993, Hawthorn in 2008. We’re in with a shot, at the very least.


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We've had a very good run with injuries. Long may it last. Very big factor for all teams.

[H2F]

We have the best record in the league against the top 8.2022Top8vsTop8.jpg

[Markwebbos]

I knew it!

The Swans leaders had a “brutal” review after the Bombers loss and committed to bring more consistent effort

‘Brutal’ review pushed Sydney Swans to top-four finish

“You could say the review was brutal, but at the same time the boys accepted it and we don’t want to stand for that and it’s been proven we haven’t since.”

[RogueSwan]

We have the best record in the league against the top 8.[ATTACH]2396[/ATTACH]

If it's easy enough, can you find the same table for last year?

[Roadrunner]

Whats wrong with being similar to last year ? We were 1 straight kick away from a semi final and wouldve killed Geelong , if we are tracking about the same as last year that is ok by me !

True, but nearly all our players improved and the young ones are a bit more experienced. Plus having Paddy has helped to stabilise our backline!