2024 Pre Season

[i'm-uninformed2]

Yes, as someone who prefers the three captain model, I was also wondering that. As in, perhaps it was decided that Rampe and Parker would be better off just concentrating on their own form, rather than continuing with any extra responsibilities that captaincy might bring?

Also, looking at the leadership group from last year of: Franklin, Papley, Lloyd, Heeney and Hayward; I'm not sure if any of them is really a long-term and immediate captaincy option? Obviously Franklin has retired. Papley is probably a decent option, but there does seem to be a bit of loose cannon to his personality. So, perhaps they'll be assessing how he goes while Mills is injured, with an eye on a future promotion to co-captain? Lloyd might be an option, but he seems a touch introverted to me (which may or may not be correct). Heeney has been reluctant to take on a leadership role in the past, so it's possible that he's not all that keen to expand his role? And while Hayward seems popular around the club, with our added depth, I'm not sure if his spot is totally secure?

Of other options, I suspect that almost everyone would consider Gulden to be a future captain, but maybe they think he's currently too young to be a co-captain? Though I think that it's likely he'll replace Franklin in the leadership group.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who does the coin tossing in the absence of Mills, and it'll also be interesting if they revert to the co-captaincy model next year.

All fair enough. I suspect Paps will definitely stay, Heeney in the leadership group at least, and sometimes people like Hayward are in these groups for what they do off the field as much as on.

My instinct re Errol is let him be him for now, but who knows - I suspect they could ask him to Chair the Board and play fullback, and he'd go cool and cool and by the way, anything else?

I wouldn't be surprised if Blakey was added to the leadership group. He really has blossomed over the past two years, does a lot more onfield talking and direction these days, and struck me as a bloke whose standards stayed high during our rough patch last year - which always gets high marks from me and I reckon would internally too.

[liz]

I won’t be surprised if Grundy and/or Adams is added to the leadership group. Might depend on how big a group they go with this year.

[dejavoodoo44]

All fair enough. I suspect Paps will definitely stay, Heeney in the leadership group at least, and sometimes people like Hayward are in these groups for what they do off the field as much as on.

My instinct re Errol is let him be him for now, but who knows - I suspect they could ask him to Chair the Board and play fullback, and he'd go cool and cool and by the way, anything else?

I wouldn't be surprised if Blakey was added to the leadership group. He really has blossomed over the past two years, does a lot more onfield talking and direction these days, and struck me as a bloke whose standards stayed high during our rough patch last year - which always gets high marks from me and I reckon would internally too.

Now that you've mentioned Blakey, he does seem a reasonable option. Especially as he's the son of a long term coach. Which means that there's a good chance that he's been discussing football tactics for much of his life.

- - - Updated - - -

I won’t be surprised if Grundy and/or Adams is added to the leadership group. Might depend on how big a group they go with this year.

Wouldn't surprise me either. Haven't heard much of Adams speaking, but I get the feeling that he might like to lead by example. While there does seem to be a bit of depth to Grundy's thinking.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I won’t be surprised if Grundy and/or Adams is added to the leadership group. Might depend on how big a group they go with this year.

Adams is the other one I should have mentioned and a good call from you. Grundy has had a lot of attention but it’s easily forgotten Adams was vice captain at the Pies and often led them on the rare occasions Benjamin Button was out.

[dejavoodoo44]

maybe Mills will have plenty of time to do the media first10 rounds

Maybe fill in for Longmire at the occasional post-match press conference?

"Yeah, the boys really put in, but honestly, the game plan was crap."

[Auntie.Gerald]

But the game plan was good with Don Pyke

[O'Reilly Boy]

Really enjoyed the extended footage of the match play in episode 4 of Inside Sydney. Brodie Grundy runs like a midfielder and is such a good user. very exciting.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Really enjoyed the extended footage of the match play in episode 4 of Inside Sydney. Brodie Grundy runs like a midfielder and is such a good user. very exciting.

Very good. It's his one wood actually. He is serviceable as a tap ruckman, but his real point of difference has always been playing as an extra midfielder and his ground ball work is first class.

There's also a very funny moment in the video where Rowie marks the ball in space and then has Ladhams looping around next to him, followed by Blakey. He opts for Ladhams and someone yells 'why give it to him'. But Ladhams then nails a 40m pass and yells 'that's why'.

As for the golf swings, let's just say I'm glad Parks, Blakey, Ladhams and Grundy can play footy. Harry C looks the winner, closely followed by Errol.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Caleb Mitchell was doing it easy running freely in the inter game...........good anticipation, change of pace.............and he appears to have arms down to his knees...........seems much taller then 186cm?

Good to see Gus in the thick of it

Grundy follow up work outstanding and even Pete Ladhams looking sharp

[707]

Caleb Mitchell was doing it easy running freely in the inter game...........good anticipation, change of pace.............and he appears to have arms down to his knees...........seems much taller then 186cm?........

Mitchell pick 40, a rich area of the draft over the years for us. Same pick as Micky O and Parker, other notables Reid at 38, Chad at 39, Goodes at 43, so go Caleb, be another pick 40 gun.

Don't think I've ever been so keen before to see trial games, such intrigue surrounds the make up of the side.

Who will be the other KPD's as only Tom and Rampe (third tall) are locks. Blakey will take one HBF plus Lloyd, but what about the other medium/small backs, anyone pushing out encumbents?

Three KPF needed, assume McL and McD are locks, Amartey, Ladhams, Buller jostling for the third spot.

Midfield and wings, Errol, Chad, Parker, Adams, McInerney probably locks, Rowbottom, JJ, Roberts, Campbell?

So much to play out, trial games will be full bore as players attempt to get their name into the lock column.

[Mel_C]

There's also a very funny moment in the video where Rowie marks the ball in space and then has Ladhams looping around next to him, followed by Blakey. He opts for Ladhams and someone yells 'why give it to him'. But Ladhams then nails a 40m pass and yells 'that's why'.

I laughed when I saw/heard that. But I missed when Ladhams responded with "That's why". I was thinking the same reply when I saw his pass. He looked impressive in the footage shown. Hopefully he has left his brain farts behind!

[rojo]

Recently I was idly looking at a few players' stats on the Swans website comparing a few to see how they matched up with each other. I know that stats are just part of the picture! However I had a look at those of Ladhams and McLean to see how they matched up and my eyes opened wide. They both scored below average for 'hit outs to advantage' and McLean also for 'hitouts', while Ladhams got an average for that - phew! The real surprise was that Ladhams followed up with an above average for all other stats ie disposals, kicks, handballs, total clearances!

Who is this player? His weakest point lies in his ruck work! As with Mel here's hoping he can have a year free from injury and stuff ups. One or two 'elites' may be hiding there which would be good.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Recently I was idly looking at a few players' stats on the Swans website comparing a few to see how they matched up with each other. I know that stats are just part of the picture! However I had a look at those of Ladhams and McLean to see how they matched up and my eyes opened wide. They both scored below average for 'hit outs to advantage' and McLean also for 'hitouts', while Ladhams got an average for that - phew! The real surprise was that Ladhams followed up with an above average for all other stats ie disposals, kicks, handballs, total clearances!

Who is this player? His weakest point lies in his ruck work! As with Mel here's hoping he can have a year free from injury and stuff ups. One or two 'elites' may be hiding there which would be good.

That doesn’t surprise me. Ladhams has had some games with good numbers, and actually has good skills for a ruckman. Watch his hands in general play for example. It’s his brain and injuries that have hurt him.

[Auntie.Gerald]

also sometimes our game plan likes years gone past was to tap down to a scramble and our mids matched up on the outside

especially if our Ruck was not dominant and or the centre mids just had too much break speed

old game plan vs West Coast in the Roos days

doesnt reflect well for the Rucks stats but locks the contest in

[Nico]

also sometimes our game plan likes years gone past was to tap down to a scramble and our mids matched up on the outside

especially if our Ruck was not dominant and or the centre mids just had too much break speed

old game plan vs West Coast in the Roos days

doesnt reflect well for the Rucks stats but locks the contest in

The Roos ploy was to force a secondary ball up so more players could come into the square to contest the stoppage.