Match thread. THE GRAND FINAL!!! Swans v Cats.

[stevoswan]

This is about right.

Hell, two years ago I thought it’d only be about now we would be contending for the eight, let alone a flag.

Special kudos to Chad and Fox today. Also thought Paps, Rowie and one or two others fought it out.

Oh, and Geelong’s sub in Parfitt had more possessions and goals than Rohan so there’s that.

Good post. Yeah, Rohan was Rohan.....but he's got a premiership medal around his neck now. Good on him.

[Mel_C]

We are a young side and I wasn't expecting us to be in contention for a couple of years. Hopefully we use this loss as motivation like the Hawks did and we have our own dynasty!

[stevoswan]

Yes, but now Mad Monday might be a bitter, twisted and self harming affair. So the hangover from that might last a while.

Nah deja, I think our boys are a bit more mature than that. I certainly hope so....

[dejavoodoo44]

Yet again you miss the point, if the team had played hard and tough I would have been the first to commiserate and congratulate them for a great year.

If your not going to get angry and demand change when that slop is served up when are you. The problem for all those defending the status quo is that it isnt like this has happened before is it! So last time we were all calm and rational and out a protective arm around everyone, so tell me how has that worked out so far.

A willingness to compete is non-negotiable every time, its totally unacceptable it wasnt today.

Who do you think reads this thread, Sherlock? Hint: it's not the coaches, players or administrators. So all your tedious and petulant whining is doing, is being a mild irritation to Swans fans who aren't in the mood for it.

- - - Updated - - -

Haven’t seen a team do that to us for a very long time. They were clearly at a different level to us.

I’m very concerned about the mental hangover on the club of an annihilation like that.

It’s going to take a huge effort from the coaches, psychs etc to get over this and bounce back next year.

Let’s see just how resilient the players are?

With the benefit of hindsight it would have been better to have lost last week.

Hopefully a genuine investigation into Geelong's salary sombrero will alleviate the mental hangover. Although, I suspect that might be too much to wish for?

[Melbournehammer]

I don’t post here that much but surely people are allowed to vent after that performance what’s the point of having a chat site.

I’d love to say so much but there really wouldn’t be anything useful to say. It was a truly horrific performance. One which follows a good and unlucky performance in 2016 and a horrible 2014.

This was nearly as bad as Adelaide and gws. And both this sides really have died ever since.

We are at a real risk of falling over if we can’t start well next season

[dejavoodoo44]

Nah deja, I think our boys are a bit more mature than that. I certainly hope so....

I dunno, I don't think I am and I've got a few decades on most of them?

[goswannies]

I’m at the MCG as I type. Listening to the Geelong supporters joy.

Classy of Chris Scott to recognise Swans supporters for staying for the presentation “even though they didn’t have to”.

Ramps, I appreciate that in your articulate speech that you feel the team let the supporters down. It sounded like you choked back a tear as you said it. Not a good result today, but for session 2022, you didn’t let this supporter down. If, prior to round one you had told me that you could guarantee that I could watch my beloved Swans in a Grand Final, but couldn’t guarantee me a win, I would have taken that offer.

I have bad days at work some days. But I’m never not trying my best for my patients. I will always believe that, regardless of the result, my Swans are always giving their best. Sometimes it’s not good enough. Sometimes, like today, it’s not good enough by a long way. But I will still appreciate your efforts, Sydney, in the context of a difficult game, a surprisingly successful season overall, and a lifetime of joy despite the results sometimes. Football isn’t always about the win and the loss as far as the joy it gives me. I get joy from the Swans in many ways. Today hurts the supporters and members. But I’m sure it hurts the players and coaches more. Much more.

And like 1996, like 2006, like 2014 and 2016, the pain will pass for me - eventually - and I’ll look forward to my next opportunity to cheer you on in a grand final. Because 2005 and 2012 were two of the best days of my life. And I didn’t have to wait 72 years for the joy.

Grand Finals aren’t easy to make. And they’re even harder to win (just ask our star studded sides of the 1933-1936 who, despite fielding the best players in the competition won just 1 premiership from 4 straight grand finals). This young side achieved a lot this year. I can only hope they continue their improvement over the following years for more chances.

goswannies

[stevoswan]

Yes, I have started very clearly that an insipid and disgraceful performance requires change.

It now appears 2 injured players were taken into the game - bad coaching.

Team not ready to play and compete - bad coaching.

Getting embarrassed in 2 GF's - bad coaching

Seems to be something of a trend, do you need some more help spotting it.

I can see all that, I'm just not going to be a child about it.

Keep kicking if it makes you feel better.

[sprite]

Yet again you miss the point, if the team had played hard and tough I would have been the first to commiserate and congratulate them for a great year.

If your not going to get angry and demand change when that slop is served up when are you. The problem for all those defending the status quo is that it isnt like this has happened before is it! So last time we were all calm and rational and out a protective arm around everyone, so tell me how has that worked out so far.

A willingness to compete is non-negotiable every time, its totally unacceptable it wasnt today.

No, you miss the point, Geelong didn't give us a chance to play hard and tough. They were absolutely ruthless.

They gave us a lesson in extreme pressure football that only has one aim and that is to demolish the opposition.

[The Big Cat]

Has anyone who has been critical said they wont be supporting the team next year?

Loyalty is being willing to stand up and speak up when you need. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. The standard today was unacceptable and must be called out.

Changes need to be made otherwise what we just saw was acceptable it wasnt!

Losing is fine, playing like that isnt.

Sometimes you bust a gut and still get beaten easily. It’s only unacceptable if you don’t try.

[Ludwig]

I don't think there is much validity to compare GF performances. 2014, 2016 and 2022 all had differrent circumstances. I don't think losing all 3 indicates a pattern for the Swans as a club.

I also don't think we will carry any scars from this GF into next season. Our coaches will be positive about what was achieved this year, and the GF letdown will be the inspiration to get better next year.

I've already forgotten the Grand Final. It's over. It's history. We have an exciting trading and draft period coming up. We should go into 2023 with a better and more experienced side. Something to look forward to.

[stevoswan]

Now that I am starting to calm down, there are a few things to consider that would have influenced that outcome.
1. One day less to recover.
2.A hard game vs an easy game in the preliminary.
3. Playing 2 injured players
4. Lack of physical presence in the middle.
5. Young team.
6. My opinion only, but I thought there was a lack of creative moves to address the structural issues during the game.

Yep....points 1 and 2 were out of our control but points 3 and 4 were issues that lead to point 6. It's as if they had faith that sticking with those issues would somehow turn things around. The coaches box definitely shares responsibility for today's events.

However, point 5 means we'll be back better next year. I think the 'mental scars' angle is being overplayed by some.

So go Swans in 2023....gutted but still love youse all. Keep the faith everyone.

[Thunder Shaker]

Now the time to start putting together a song called Geelong's Magically Expanding Salary Cap. Then sing it at the next game vs Geelong, in the style of the Barmy Army. Those barmy lads that follow the England Cricket team around the world know how to get joy out of disappointment. We could learn a few lessons from them.

[Sandridge]

I’m at the MCG as I type. Listening to the Geelong supporters joy.

Classy of Chris Scott to recognise Swans supporters for staying for the presentation “even though they didn’t have to”.

Ramps, I appreciate that in your articulate speech that you feel the team let the supporters down. It sounded like you choked back a tear as you said it. Not a good result today, but for session 2022, you didn’t let this supporter down. If, prior to round one you had told me that you could guarantee that I could watch my beloved Swans in a Grand Final, but couldn’t guarantee me a win, I would have taken that offer.

I have bad days at work some days. But I’m never not trying my best for my patients. I will always believe that, regardless of the result, my Swans are always giving their best. Sometimes it’s not good enough. Sometimes, like today, it’s not good enough by a long way. But I will still appreciate your efforts, Sydney, in the context of a difficult game, a surprisingly successful season overall, and a lifetime of joy despite the results sometimes. Football isn’t always about the win and the loss as far as the joy it gives me. I get joy from the Swans in many ways. Today hurts the supporters and members. But I’m sure it hurts the players and coaches more. Much more.

And like 1996, like 2006, like 2014 and 2016, the pain will pass for me - eventually - and I’ll look forward to my next opportunity to cheer you on in a grand final. Because 2005 and 2012 were two of the best days of my life. And I didn’t have to wait 72 years for the joy.

Grand Finals aren’t easy to make. And they’re even harder to win (just ask our star studded sides of the 1933-1936 who, despite fielding the best players in the competition won just 1 premiership from 4 straight grand finals). This young side achieved a lot this year. I can only hope they continue their improvement over the following years for more chances.

goswannies

Brilliant post, goswannies!

[U.S. Swan]

I’m at the MCG as I type. Listening to the Geelong supporters joy.

Classy of Chris Scott to recognise Swans supporters for staying for the presentation “even though they didn’t have to”.

Ramps, I appreciate that in your articulate speech that you feel the team let the supporters down. It sounded like you choked back a tear as you said it. Not a good result today, but for session 2022, you didn’t let this supporter down. If, prior to round one you had told me that you could guarantee that I could watch my beloved Swans in a Grand Final, but couldn’t guarantee me a win, I would have taken that offer.

I have bad days at work some days. But I’m never not trying my best for my patients. I will always believe that, regardless of the result, my Swans are always giving their best. Sometimes it’s not good enough. Sometimes, like today, it’s not good enough by a long way. But I will still appreciate your efforts, Sydney, in the context of a difficult game, a surprisingly successful season overall, and a lifetime of joy despite the results sometimes. Football isn’t always about the win and the loss as far as the joy it gives me. I get joy from the Swans in many ways. Today hurts the supporters and members. But I’m sure it hurts the players and coaches more. Much more.

And like 1996, like 2006, like 2014 and 2016, the pain will pass for me - eventually - and I’ll look forward to my next opportunity to cheer you on in a grand final. Because 2005 and 2012 were two of the best days of my life. And I didn’t have to wait 72 years for the joy.

Grand Finals aren’t easy to make. And they’re even harder to win (just ask our star studded sides of the 1933-1936 who, despite fielding the best players in the competition won just 1 premiership from 4 straight grand finals). This young side achieved a lot this year. I can only hope they continue their improvement over the following years for more chances.

goswannies

Great post EXCEPT... "winning isn't everything...it's the ONLY thing." Vince Lombardi