Grand Final - Saturday 24 September, 2:30 PM at MCG

[Scottee]

What we could do if Reid doesn't come up is leave Campbell in the 22 and replace McDonald with Amartey, with McDonald as the sub.

I don't think we need to have 3 tall forwards against Geelong, who will just suck up everything that comes into their defence through the air. Amartey can back up in the ruck. McDonald will get a medal, even if not substituted in, although I would think both subs will get to play in a GF, just to replace a tiring player.

If a smaller man gets injured, McDonald coming in would just get us back to our usual structure.

Must say that this thought had also crossed my mind.

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[The Big Cat]

Can anyone open the Lance Franklin statement he’s released via the Swans?

Signed for another year.

[Mel_C]

I would love Paul Kelly to present the cup if we win

Didn't he present it in 2005?

[barry]

Agree Barry. The 2017 final when Stewart almost single-handedly cut the Swans to pieces still gives me nightmares. I am not sure that Clarke is equipped to do the job. Maybe McLean?

Logan McDonald?

I think Reid will play.

[Ludwig]

Notwithstanding Liz' valid reservations about playing Harry Cunningham due to a lack of AFL level playing time in the past few months, I would consider the following plan to replace an injured Reid:

• Name an unchanged side, with Cunningham in the emergencies.
• Before the game, Reid pulls out and is replaced by Cunningham.
• Cunningham plays in defence against Stengle.
• Robbie Fox replaces Reid in the forward line with the role of locking down on Tom Stewart.
• Fox and Buddy can relieve Hickey in the ruck when needed.
• Name Amartey as the sub, just in case Hickey or a tall forward is injured.

Geelong would be taken by surprise and would shake up their plans for the game.

[MattW]

It may not have come through on the telecast, but it seemed Logan was very much playing his role even if he didn't get a lot of touches. He ran himself into the ground in the second half creating space and providing a marking option.

We have to pick the best team to win the game on Saturday, but I imagine it would be devastating to drop a young guy who has played 17/24 games and the last 5 straight.

Exactly. McDonald's hard running and ability to take strong contested marks up the wings will be particularly valued in Reid's absence.

Here are Amartey and McLean's stats for the year side by side: https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/...&fid2=S&type=A.

Pretty even. Supports what we'd all expect: McLean brings more goal threat inside 50 and Amartey is more mobile around stoppages as a back--up in the ruck.

I've been vacillating on this since Saturday night. I would back McLean to kick a goal next Saturday, but doubt Amartey would. But can imagine his lack of mobility around the stoppages being keenly felt.

It might depend on whose weaknesses the coaches feel they can best address/cover.

[bloodspirit]

I love the creative thinking Ludwig! I especially admire the idea of Fox playing on Stewart. I'm not sure I endorse the idea but it's not crazy.

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Amartey's goal kicking form in the VFL in the back half of the year was strong. He marked well inside 50 and was particularly accurate kicking for goal. He kicked more goals per game than any other Swans VFL player I think.

[Matty10]

He’s signed for one more year.


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That’s really cool.

However, I think the media department missed an opportunity with the video they subsequently posted to confirm what the original post actually meant. The Anthony Hudson, “Give him a longer contract!” call would have been more apt.

[giant]

You don't think Rampe, Fox, Florent and Lloyd have been taking care of small forwards recently?

I wouldn't lose any sleep over Cunningham being in the team - he's a solid, dependable player at worst - but I don't see the coaches voluntarily breaking up the defensive team at this stage of the season, and not for a player who has had no exposure to AFL pressure for the second half of the season.

For all the plaudits they get, I consider the Lions small-medium defenders to be grossly overrated. Neither Starcevich nor Rich have great defensive instincts and Coleman can get exposed as well. Feel way more comfortable that our chaps can get the job done (as of course could Harry were he to return).

[MattW]

I love the creative thinking Ludwig! I especially admire the idea of Fox playing on Stewart. I'm not sure I endorse the idea but it's not crazy.

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Amartey's goal kicking form in the VFL in the back half of the year was strong. He marked well inside 50 and was particularly accurate kicking for goal. He kicked more goals per game than any other Swans VFL player I think.

Yeah, but it's the vfl. McLean is a more proven goalkicker at AFL level.

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[crackedactor 01]

Yeah, but it's the vfl. McLean is a more proven goalkicker at AFL level.

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Mclean is not a ruck man where as Amartey is. I don't want to see Heeney or Gulden going up against the Geelong Ruck division.

[tlock]

We need a mobile pack to run the ageing Geelong players off their feet. By the fourth quarter Swans should be able to run over the top of their tired players.
That's why I'm in favour of picking the more mobile Amartey over McClean, speedster Cunningham, pinpoint accurate Campbell and hooking McDonald off. It's the running game, quick play ons, short kicks and contested defensive pressure that will beat Geelong. We can improve on kicking accuracy and take the game on for 4 quarters instead of protecting the lead like last game.

[barry]

For all the plaudits they get, I consider the Lions small-medium defenders to be grossly overrated. Neither Starcevich nor Rich have great defensive instincts and Coleman can get exposed as well. Feel way more comfortable that our chaps can get the job done (as of course could Harry were he to return).

Lions won't win a flag if Rich is playing. Too slow, too small.

[Aprilbr]

For some reason, I have more confidence in McLean to step up to the GF pressure than I do Armetey. I think its to do with some timid shots at goal by Armetey when he last played for us. Armetey seems more versatile than McLean though!

[aardvark]

Lions won't win a flag if Rich is playing. Too slow, too small.

I'm fairly sure I once said a similar thing about Ryan Clarke. I'm happy to be proved wrong!