Rnd 3 Pre-Match Thread, vs Richmond at MCG, 4 PM Sunday 31 March 2024

[Trever]

I think they play Adam’s in the reserves this weekend to get back into match fitness. I also worry about a situation where these mids come back and the coach plays Isaac forward. He is the best player in the AFL at the moment doing what he’s doing now.

Don’t move him.

[giant]

I went back and watched the game vs Richmond in round three 2021 this arvo, when we sliced them apart at the MCG. My god that was fun.

Two things stood out. We had Parker, Kennedy, Hewett and Mills in the midfield. It didn’t slow us down a lot.

The other was Chad. This game was kind of his coming out party and the explosion was there, most notably in that goal he kicked bursting out of the centre. But he has put some serious pace on since then. He had quick feet and power at the contest, but he wasn’t quick over the ground. I wouldn’t say he has Blakey or McInerney level speed, but he’s built it impressively. It’s a tribute to his work ethic.

One of my favourite recent games - as you say, the MCG coming out party for Chad was electric.

Richmond's pressure ratings (whatever they are) for the Port game were among the lowest I've ever heard from an AFL team, in the 130s/low140s. Surely they must respond?

I'm very much in the Keep Amartey camp - I simply don't think he's been that bad as effectively the third tall and we need to keep getting games into him to see whether he's up for it. Only changes for me, Fox in for Cunningham, or if not fit, Lloyd goes back, Warner on to the bench and perhaps Mitchell as the sub.

[Dow]

One of my favourite recent games - as you say, the MCG coming out party for Chad was electric.

Richmond's pressure ratings (whatever they are) for the Port game were among the lowest I've ever heard from an AFL team, in the 130s/low140s. Surely they must respond?

I'm very much in the Keep Amartey camp - I simply don't think he's been that bad as effectively the third tall and we need to keep getting games into him to see whether he's up for it. Only changes for me, Fox in for Cunningham, or if not fit, Lloyd goes back, Warner on to the bench and perhaps Mitchell as the sub.

I doubt they would drop Amartey yet, but its one Id be looking at and if he cant find away to be more effective over the 4 quarters id replace him with Reid or Ladhams.

[Roadrunner]

I doubt they would drop Amartey yet, but its one Id be looking at and if he cant find away to be more effective over the 4 quarters id replace him with Reid or Ladhams.

Amartey is very much a work in progress- on one hand we need to get more games into him so he can contribute more, on the other Reid and/or Ladhams deserve selection soon . Gut feeling: retain him as long as he is reasonably influential as we can’t afford passengers.

On another note, how would you rate Wicks on his last game? He did a few nice things, including his pass to Isaac resulting in a goal, but I didn’t think he did much. He was better value as a sub in the first 2 matches. I prefer Corey with Wicks as sub and if fit, Robbie in for Harry.

[BRS328]

I think I agree with you on this. Wicks did a couple of good things late in the game, but I hardly noticed him earlier on. The prior weeks he came on and had immediate impact.

[Dow]

Amartey is very much a work in progress- on one hand we need to get more games into him so he can contribute more, on the other Reid and/or Ladhams deserve selection soon . Gut feeling: retain him as long as he is reasonably influential as we can’t afford passengers.

On another note, how would you rate Wicks on his last game? He did a few nice things, including his pass to Isaac resulting in a goal, but I didn’t think he did much. He was better value as a sub in the first 2 matches. I prefer Corey with Wicks as sub and if fit, Robbie in for Harry.

Good call, I had been thinking on this he has been effective as the sub and I wonder if that's a role better suited to him ? when Fox is ready to return I would assume he would make way for him.

I doubt we would make wholesale changes while on a winning streak but I love us to blood say Cleary or Konstanty, leave Warner (I know I am not a fan, but you need a full run at to see what you can really offer) for another full game and make Wicks sub - Pipe dream I know

[Auntie.Gerald]

Konstanty debut game ?

[Mark26]

Konstanty debut game ?

Or Mitchell!

[dejavoodoo44]

Or Mitchell!

With Wicks going out, I suppose Konstanty is a chance, but I'd prefer Mitchell, as he's definitely had quite a few more impressive games in the VFL.

[Blood Fever]

Wicks unlucky

[Mark26]

With Wicks going out, I suppose Konstanty is a chance, but I'd prefer Mitchell, as he's definitely had quite a few more impressive games in the VFL.

I'd be happy for either, but neither is a guarantee to get the call up. Just hoping that whoever comes is smashes it and we beat Richmond on Sunday.

[The Big Cat]

Wicks unlucky

Wicks is the luckiest player ever to pull on a boot at the Swans.

[Thunder Shaker]

Extended bench is R.Fox, C.Mitchell, P.Ladhams, J.Konstanty, A.Francis.

My guesses (based on nothing):
* Fox will be given time to prove that he has recovered from his injury. He will be named if he's recovered. If not, Francis may take Fox's place, perhaps as late as 90 minutes before the start of the game.
* Mitchell or Konstanty may make their debut. The omission of Wicks is suggesting Konstanty will be the one, but it's possible that both may be selected.
* The inclusion of Ladhams may suggest another change, perhaps Amartey who hasn't had a big impact so far. Is Amartey playing with a niggling injury?

So the ins may be:
In: Fox, Konstanty, Ladhams
Out: Cunningham, Wicks, Amartey
Emergencies: Francis, Amartey, Mitchell

The Ladhams for Amartey swap is more speculative, but wouldn't surprise me.

[Markwebbos]

I went back and watched the game vs Richmond in round three 2021 this arvo, when we sliced them apart at the MCG. My god that was fun.

Two things stood out. We had Parker, Kennedy, Hewett and Mills in the midfield. It didn’t slow us down a lot.

The other was Chad. This game was kind of his coming out party and the explosion was there, most notably in that goal he kicked bursting out of the centre. But he has put some serious pace on since then. He had quick feet and power at the contest, but he wasn’t quick over the ground. I wouldn’t say he has Blakey or McInerney level speed, but he’s built it impressively. It’s a tribute to his work ethic.

I went to that game, on my own, expecting the worst and the Swans tore them to pieces. It was the emergence of Chad and the ability of the Swans kicking game to carve teams up. One of my best ever days at the football.

[Blood Fever]

I was there on my own as well and your post is spot on. I revelled in it and I also remember it because it was such a warm sunny day,