Qualifying Final vs Melbourne Demons @ MCG Match Thread

[Captain]

He was close to our best player in both 2014 and 2016. Easy to forget that when we lost both times.

The game was over in 2014 before he did anything. Junk time goals. 2016 he did absolutely nothing. As others have said, was injured early.

Whether it be form, injury, mental health or a combination of all, the fact is we haven't got value for money from Buddy when it comes to finals.

2022 - Dominated by May
2021 - Crucial miss that cost as the game against Giants
2018 - Goalless, destroyed by Davis
2017 - Beat up a weak Essendon then went goalless against Geelong
2016 - Goalless against Giants, played very well the next two games, then injured in GF
2015 - MIA/Injured
2014 - Played well in the first two finals, then ok in GF

Accordingly, I'm looking forward to seeing 'the greatest showman' in the next two (hopefully) finals, absolutely tear them apart.

[Nolie]

I think Cunningham should come in for McInerney next game. I feel he would be more reliable and make better choices

Totally disagree. I like Cunningham but McInerney has done nothing wrong.

[Hotpotato]

The game was over in 2014 before he did anything. Junk time goals. 2016 he did absolutely nothing. As others have said, was injured early.

Whether it be form, injury, mental health or a combination of all, the fact is we haven't got value for money from Buddy when it comes to finals.

2022 - Dominated by May
2021 - Crucial miss that cost as the game against Giants
2018 - Goalless, destroyed by Davis
2017 - Beat up a weak Essendon then went goalless against Geelong
2016 - Goalless against Giants, played very well the next two games, then injured in GF
2015 - MIA/Injured
2014 - Played well in the first two finals, then ok in GF

Accordingly, I'm looking forward to seeing 'the greatest showman' in the next two (hopefully) finals, absolutely tear them apart.

Sorry you’re so disgruntled Captain .

[Ludwig]

I think Cunningham should come in for McInerney next game. I feel he would be more reliable and make better choices

I don't think it will happen, but I do agree that Cunningham would be more valuable to the team than McInerney in his current form.

After watching the replay of the game, JMac was poor in just about every aspect of the game. He missed tackles, made feeble efforts in defence, didn't know what to do with ball in hand and made errors with his disposal.

I keep thinking that JMac is going to snap out of it, but he is currently in a slump and looks nothing like the aggressive attacking player he was last year. Something is definitely wrong, but what is it?

[Maltopia]

I don't think it will happen, but I do agree that Cunningham would be more valuable to the team than McInerney in his current form.

After watching the replay of the game, JMac was poor in just about every aspect of the game. He missed tackles, made feeble efforts in defence, didn't know what to do with ball in hand and made errors with his disposal.

I keep thinking that JMac is going to snap out of it, but he is currently in a slump and looks nothing like the aggressive attacking player he was last year. Something is definitely wrong, but what is it?

Like Samson, he need to grow out his hair again.

[KTigers]

Yes, one change they could consider is Campbell for McInerney. It really is interesting how few (declared) injured players we have right now,
especially considering the style of ultra pressure contested footy we are playing. On that point I was thinking about how us forcing
Melbourne to have 50% contested possessions when the AFL average is 30% effectively meant in a 300 possession game we turned 60 of
their uncontested possessions into contested ones. So it's little wonder their game had none of the flow that has been so successful for them.

[MattW]

I don't think it will happen, but I do agree that Cunningham would be more valuable to the team than McInerney in his current form.

After watching the replay of the game, JMac was poor in just about every aspect of the game. He missed tackles, made feeble efforts in defence, didn't know what to do with ball in hand and made errors with his disposal.

I keep thinking that JMac is going to snap out of it, but he is currently in a slump and looks nothing like the aggressive attacking player he was last year. Something is definitely wrong, but what is it?

He looks down on confidence; anxious and self-conscious. I suspect the reason or catalyst for that is unknowable for people at our proximity.

[KTigers]

He looks down on confidence; anxious and self-conscious. I suspect the reason or catalyst for that is unknowable for people at our proximity.

Anxious and self conscious? Not sure if I could pick those traits from watching a football player on TV.

[RogueSwan]

He looks down on confidence; anxious and self-conscious. I suspect the reason or catalyst for that is unknowable for people at our proximity.

Maybe he needs to have a chat with Dylan on how to turn that around. He was great on Friday night. Moving well, playing with purpose.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I don't think it will happen, but I do agree that Cunningham would be more valuable to the team than McInerney in his current form.

After watching the replay of the game, JMac was poor in just about every aspect of the game. He missed tackles, made feeble efforts in defence, didn't know what to do with ball in hand and made errors with his disposal.

I keep thinking that JMac is going to snap out of it, but he is currently in a slump and looks nothing like the aggressive attacking player he was last year. Something is definitely wrong, but what is it?

I saw it slightly differently. I thought he did a good job of minding Langdon and curbing his ability to get into open space and use his powerful running, and laid a few strong tackles in the last quarter. It's not the first time he's played this role well. I for one had assumed for a bit it was an injury that was causing McInerney's woes, and maybe he was at one point earlier in the season, but he's still covering the ground, at least defensively.

But I do agree he's completely lost his confidence offensively. Whenever he gets the ball he pauses, even in open play, looks around, and seems to freeze up; rather than go with his instincts or look to dash off when he is in a bit of space. Let's hope he can regain his mojo.

[Doctor J.]

Bloody magnificent, a wholehearted team effort. A number of key movers had lesser games but others stepped up to fill the void.

So much belief within the team, we CAN win the flag. So proud to be a Swans supporter, such a magnificent club. Wonder what Jordan Dawson is doing right now!

A weeks rest is just perfect, boys need to avoid one thing - their own bathwater! But I'm sure they won't be drinking that.

Still feeling the glow this morning, it will be a great fortnight until we next do battle.

We also hold Melbourne's first pick, so keep death riding the Dees folks!

Probably on the phone to Royal Adelaide because he can't get the tee time he wants at The Grange.

[ScottH]

Good to see some love for Robbie Fox across the media today. Nice article in the SMH and named in the Tackle by Robbo.

And a special metion in Access All Areas with Llooyd and Barrett on

[bloodspirit]

I don't think I learned anything much out of AAA today. Insipid.

[bloodspirit]

Excellent, close, and even-handed analysis of our QF: AFL Finals Focus: The Swans needed to find a way past mighty May. Buddy the decoy was how they did it (theroar.com.au). I think someone else already pointed to it but it's worth re-mentioning it. Better than the Mongrel Punt's typically high quality analysis on this occasion.

[RogueSwan]

I don't think I learned anything much out of AAA today. Insipid.

Be careful, I think any of those AFL "panel" videos could actually make you dumber