Round 16: Sydney Swans Reserves v Gold Coast Suns Reserves @ Blacktown

[ugg]

NEAFL 2016 Round 16

Sydney Swans Reserves v Gold Coast Suns Reserves

Saturday 16th July 2016
12.00pm
Blacktown International Sports Park

NOTE: Match originally scheduled for Newcastle now relocated to Blacktown

The Suns are making a late charge for the NEAFL finals on the back of 3 consecutive wins, but the loss of senior midfielders Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli will also impact on their NEAFL team and dampen their prospects of finals action.

The Swans had a blistering start in Canberra last week and were heading towards yet another impressive win, but slowed down in the second half and actually lost the last quarter in a disappointing finish to the game. One bonus of playing this NEAFL match after the seniors match is that all 3 emergencies can play full games and not sit out a full or part of the match as a precaution for the seniors.

These 2 sides last met in Round 10 at Metricon Stadium. In torrential conditions the Swans dominated the Suns from start to finish winning by 86 points, Xavier Richards kicking 6 himself.


NEAFL Ladder
Position|Team|Played|Wins|Losses|Draws|FF|For|Agai nst|Percentage|Points
1|Sydney Swans|13|12|1|0|0|1631|667|244.53%|48
2|Giants|13|8|5|0|0|1259|1079|116.68%|32
3|NT Thunder|13|8|5|0|0|1169|1018|114.83%|32
4|Sydney University|13|8|5|0|0|1117|1070|104.39%|32
5|Aspley|13|8|5|0|0|1034|1022|101.17%|32
6|Southport|13|6|7|0|0|1125|1057|106.43%|24
{colsp=11}-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7|Redland|13|6|7|0|0|932|1004|92.83%|24
8|Gold Coast Suns|13|5|8|0|0|984|1251|78.66%|20
9|Brisbane Lions|13|2|11|0|0|813|1333|60.99%|8
10|Canberra Demons|13|2|11|0|0|841|1404|59.90%|8


Recent Form
Reserves
Round|Team|Venue|Result|F|A
R1|Brisbane Lions|Away|Win|162|40
R2|Giants|Home|Win|115|97
R3|Redland|Away|Win|149|52
R4|Southport|Home|Win|85|45
R5|Brisbane Lions|Away|Win|135|25
R6|Gold Coast Suns|Home|Win|120|55
R7|Canberra Demons|Away|Win|170|28
R8|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE
R9|Sydney University|Away|Win|103|44
R10|Gold Coast Suns|Away|Win|107|21
R11|WSU Giants|Away|Loss|108|109
R12|Aspley|Home|Win|110|47
R13|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE
R14|NT Thunder|Home|Win|127|61
R14|Canberra|Away|Win|140|43


Gold Coast Suns Reserves
Round|Team|Venue|Result|F|A
R1|NT Thunder|Away|Loss|58|76
R2|Aspley|Away|Loss|80|92
R3|Brisbane Lions|Away|Win|138|30
R4|Giants|Home|Win|81|57
R5|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE
R6|Sydney Swans|Away|Loss|55|120
R7|Giants|Away|Loss|47|118
R8|Redland|Home|Loss|64|133
R9|Brisbane Lions|Away|Loss|38|150
R10|Sydney Swans|Home|Loss|21|107
R11|Sydney University|Away|Loss|99|112
R12|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE|BYE
R13|Canberra|Away|Win|109|97
R14|Southport|Home|Win|95|62
R15|Brisbane Lions|Home|Win|99|97



Past Meetings
2016
Round 6 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Reserves|3.3|7.8|12.11|18.12|120
Gold Coast Suns|3.2|3.5|6.7|8.7|55

Type|Players
Goals|J.Hiscox 4, M.Wilson 4, B.Jack 3, A.Davis 3, J.Rose 2, M.Manteit, T.Derickx
Best|B.Jack, N.Newman, J.Hiscox, H.Marsh, D.Towers, A.Davis


Round 10 @ Metricon Stadium
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Gold Coast Suns|1.2|2.3|3.3|3.3|21
Reserves|5.7|6.8|13.12|15.17|107

Type|Players
Goals|X.Richards 6, T.Nankervis 3, D.Towers 2, C.O'Riordan, N.Newman, A.Aliir, S.Reid
Best|C.O'Riordan, D.Towers, A.Aliir, S.Naismith, J.Foote, B.Jack


2015
Round 19 @ Metricon Stadium
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Reserves|1.3|3.4|6.6|10.7|67
Gold Coast Suns|1.2|6.4|7.6|8.8|56

Type|Players
Goals|J.Kelly 2, L.Behagg 2, D.Towers 2, T.Nankervis, A.Davis, L.Perris, S.McLaren
Best|D.Towers, H.Marsh, Z.Jones, A.Davis, X.Richards, T.Derickx

Round 9 @ Metricon Stadium
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Gold Coast Suns|3.5|3.8|7.12|7.17|59
Reserves|2.2|2.8|7.12|12.17|89

Type|Players
Goals|J.Rose 3, G.Hewett 2, T.Derickx 2, J.Hiscox, M.Wilson, B.Jack, J.Veale, X.Richards
Best|G.Hewett, J.Hiscox, C.Bird, J.Rose, J.Foote, X.Richards

Round 3 @ Harrup Park, Mackay
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Gold Coast Suns|0.3|2.9|3.9|5.12|42
Reserves|6.2|9.5|12.9|16.14|110

Type|Players
Goals|Naismith 5, Rose 2, Nankervis 2, Jack, Taylor, Mitchell, Goodes, Wilson, Marsh, Campbell
Best|Marsh, Mitchell, McLaren, Robinson, Goodes, Davis


Last week
Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Canberra|1.1|1.5|3.7|6.7|43
Reserves|7.8|14.11|18.17|20.20|140


Type|Players
Goals|X.Richards 3, J.Dawson 3, T.Nankervis 2, S.Murray 2, J.Foote 2, B.McGlynn 2, N.Newman, J.Laidler, H.Cunningham, N.Reinhard, M.Wilson, L.Robertson
Best|H.Cunningham, B.McGlynn, J.Foote, T.Nankervis, J.Laidler, L.Melican


Team|Q1|Q2|Q3|Q4|Final
Gold Coast Suns|4.3|6.6|12.11|14.15|99
Brisbane Lions|3.1|8.5|12.5|15.7|97

Type|Players
Goals|I.Franks 4, M.Hallahan 2, J.Williams 2, J.Grant 2, S.Davidson 2, J.Bowes, J.O'Meara
Best|M.Hallahan, J.Leslie, J.Lonergan, J.Grant, J.Dawson


Team List
Listed players
#|Name|Games|Goals|Votes|Notes
1|James ROSE|6|14|7|First NEAFL game since Round 9
5|Isaac HEENEY|0|0|0|Has played NEAFL as a topup but will be his first as a listed Swans player.
7|Harry CUNNINGHAM|2|1|0|
13|Toby NANKERVIS|8|12|9|Senior emergency
17|Jack HISCOX|11|19|10|
19|Tom DERICKX|8|6|2|
28|Nic NEWMAN|12|4|22|
30|Tyrone LEONARDIS|9|4|1|
33|Brandon JACK|10|13|18|
34|Jordan DAWSON|6|11|1|
38|Colin O'RIORDAN|12|5|28|
42|Xavier RICHARDS|11|15|6|Senior emergency
45|Jordan FOOTE|12|5|40|Senior emergency
46|Sam MURRAY|11|6|1|
47|Kyle GALLOWAY|11|4|0|


Changes
In: Rose, Heeney, Derickx
Out: Abe DAVIS (???), Jeremy LAIDLER (hamstring), Ben McGLYNN (seniors), Lewis MELICAN (hamstring)

The Swans lose 3 defenders from last week's game, leaving them with a quandary of how to replace them. Will they swing Xavier back to defence, at the cost of not just his goals up forward, but a chance for him to press his claims for a senior spot as a tall forward (not a bad assumption to make since he's been an emergency the last 2 weeks). Or will Shaw take a leaf out of the Suns' playbook and play one of our 3 ruckmen as a tall defender, the way Keegan Brooksby has been utilised by the Suns this year at both AFL and NEAFL level.

Heeney should start in the middle as he attempts to not only overcome his injury, but regain some form as his possession count in the last few AFL games have been relatively low.

Academy Players/Topups
#|Name|Games|Goals|Votes|Notes
48|Will GOWERS|1|1|0|
49|Jake BROWN|3|1|0
51|Callum McFADDEN|12|6|0|
52|Darcy BARON-HAY|5|0|0|
54|Ryan HEBRON|11|4|5|
56|Luke ROBERTSON|1|1|0|
57|Ben DAVIS|0|0|0|
60|Nathan COOPER|1|1|0|


In: Brown, Cooper, Davis, Gowers
Out: Ned REINHARD, Matt WILSON

One to be omitted.

Wilson is our leading goalkicker this year with 25 and Reinhard is our fourth leading goal kicker with 17 so their absences will be felt.

Statistics
Kicks
Player|Games|Avg. Kicks
Nic NEWMAN|13|18.8
Harry CUNNINGHAM|3|15.7
Ben McGLYNN|2|15.0
Brandon JACK|11|14.6
Dean TOWERS|7|13.9


Handballs
Player|Games|Avg. Handballs
Zak JONES|1|14.0
Brandon JACK|11|12.1
Dean TOWERS|7|11.6
Jordan FOOTE|13|11.5
Colin O'RIORDAN|13|9.0


Disposals
Player|Games|Avg. Disposals
Brandon JACK|11|26.7
Dean TOWERS|7|25.4
Nic NEWMAN|13|24.8
Zak JONES|1|24.0
Ben McGLYNN|2|23.0


Marks
Player|Games|Avg. Marks
Jeremy LAIDLER|1|6.0
Aliir ALIIR|9|5.6
Nic NEWMAN|13|5.3
Abe DAVIS|11|5.3
Luke ROBERTSON|1|5.0
Ted RICHARDS|2|5.0
Harry CUNNINGHAM|3|5.0
James ROSE|6|5.0


Tackles
Player|Games|Avg. Tackles
Ben McGLYNN|1|9.0
Harry CUNNINGHAM|3|7.0
Jordan FOOTE|13|6.4
Dean TOWERS|7|6.1
Brandon JACK|11|5.8


Hitouts
Player|Games|Avg. Hitouts
Sam NAISMITH|9|26.7
Toby NANKERVIS|9|17.8
Tom DERICKX|8|13.9
Kyle GALLOWAY|12|6.8
Dean TOWERS|7|1.7


Clearances
Player|Games|Avg. Clearances
George HEWETT|1|9.0
Dean TOWERS|7|7.3
Brandon JACK|11|6.3
Zak JONES|1|5.0
Harry CUNNINGHAM|3|5.0
Jordan FOOTE|13|5.0


Inside 50s
Player|Games|Avg. Inside 50s
Brandon JACK|11|7.5
Dean TOWERS|7|6.6
Harry CUNNINGHAM|3|6.0
George HEWETT|1|5.0
Harrison MARSH|7|4.4


Rebound 50s
Player|Games|Avg. Rebound 50s
Nic NEWMAN|13|4.9
Aliir ALIIR|9|4.0
Jeremy LAIDLER|1|4.0
Colin O'RIORDAN|13|2.8
Harrison MARSH|7|2.6


Goals
Player|Games|Total Goals
Matt WILSON|12|25
Jack HISCOX|12|19
Xavier RICHARDS|12|18
Ned REINHARD|12|17
James ROSE|6|14
Jordan DAWSON|7|14
Toby NANKERVIS|9|14
Brandon JACK|11|14


Coaches Votes
Player|Games|Total Votes
Jordan FOOTE|13|44
Colin O'RIORDAN|12|28
Aliir ALIIR|9|25
Harrison MARSH|7|23
Nic NEWMAN|13|23


NEAFL MVP Votes
Player|Games|Total Votes
Brandon JACK|11|45
Jordan FOOTE|13|41
Nic NEWMAN|13|30
Aliir ALIIR|9|27
Dean TOWERS|7|21


Gold Coast Suns (listed players in bold)
|||
B:|36. Josh SCHOENFELD|56. Brandon KAUFMAN|23. Sean LEMMENS
HB:|58. Max SPENCER|21. Jack LESLIE|48. Seb TAPE
C:|53. Jacob DAWSON|52. Daniel CHARLESWORTH|45. Jack BOWES
HF:|27. Clay CAMERON|46. Cameron LOERSCH|47. Brad SCHEER
F:|49. Curtis MARSDEN|54. Zac SAAD|51. Josh WILLIAMS
Foll:|31. Keegan BROOKSBY|1. Jaeger O'MEARA|29. Brayden FIORINI
Int:|43. Nick KEMPE|57. Jesse ESAM|50. Sam DAVIDSON
|40. Tom KEOUGH|59. Harry SIMINGTON|60. Brayden CROSSLEY
Emg:|55. Brodie FOSTER|35. Shaun WATSON


In: Fiorini, Keough, Lemmens, Crossley, Kaufman, Saad, Simington
Out: Jarrad GRANT, Mitch HALLAHAN, Jesse LONERGAN, Henry SCHADE, Mackenzie WILLIS, Isaac FRANKS

Losing 5 listed players and only gaining two in return means the side will have to rely on just 10 listed players. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly O'Meara, who has been earmarked to play a full game after 1 half and 3 quarters in his past 2 NEAFL games. AFL purists will salivate at the thought of a Heeney v Jaeger matchup in the midfield but it is more likely that Foote will have a run with role with O'Meara.

Brooksby has been a dependable option in the ruck for the Suns, whilst Leslie has put up good performances in the NEAFL and has been perhaps a little unlucky to only get 1 seniors AFL game this year thus far. Last year's pick 20 Fiorini makes his comeback after missing the last 15 weeks with a right knee injury.

We will also get to have a look at some of the Suns' highly regarded Academy players. Scheer is a hard inside midfielder who was awarded the NEAFL Rising Star nomination last round after a stellar 27 disposals and 8 inside 50s for the Suns against the Lions reserves. Another midfielder in Jack Bowes starred for the Queensland U18 team this year and has been touted by some as a possible number 1 draft pick.

16 year old ruckman Brayden Crossley has already turned heads this year, carrying the ruck for the Suns against the Giants' experienced ruck duo of Simpson and Downie and winning a Rising Star nomination for his performance. Ex NFL player Brandon Kaufman has been learning the game playing in defence.

[Leaguey]

Reinhard named for UNSW & Wilson strangely as an Emergency for North Shore Prems !
Looks like they are having a look at Davis & Brown after Allies games & rewarding Gowers for Rising Star award.
Strange way of rewarding your leading Goal Kicker or am I missing something.

[ugg]

Probably just resting them or general soreness? They've both only missed one game so far this year

[Ludwig]

Abe Davis is listed at CHB in the NEAFL Heeney article on the Swans' website. What do you make of that, Ugg?

[707]

Nice work yet again Ugg, much appreciated.

Be interesting to see how much game time Heeney plays EDIT, just read the ressies article on the Swans website, Rhyce Shaw says Heeney will play a full game after being rested last week. Named on a wing.

[ugg]

Abe Davis is listed at CHB in the NEAFL Heeney article on the Swans' website. What do you make of that, Ugg?
Let's wait and see.

[mcs]

Let's wait and see.

Davis played a bit of CHB last week against the Demons - actually looked fairly comfortable down there and played quite nicely. Interesting to see him down there again tomorrow (shame there is no live feed tomorrow!)

[liz]

There were some photos published on the Swans website a few days ago of this week's training session. One of the photos was what I presume to be the rehab group, handballing to each other (since it included known-to-be-injured Swans). Davis was taking part in the drill with them, suggesting he has picked up a niggle of some kind.

I don't think the Davis brothers have yet played a NEAFL game together. I recall one game last year where Ben played, but Abe was the first senior emergency that week and didn't play any of the NEAFL game. There may have been another game later in the season where Abe was injured.

[ugg]

I'm pretty sure Abe Davis won't play which leaves a massive hole in our defence.

Ben played 2 NEAFL games last year. The second one was with his brother. The reason you probably don't remember it was because we were annihilated by UWS by 183 points and your brain has wiped it from your memory

[Mug Punter]

Thanks so much for this preview, it will be very handy for when I head out there tomorrow as I'm always asking who the toppies are

[Simo]

Is this match being streamed live anywhere?

[MadCanuck]

Still no Reid?

[Meg]

Still no Reid?

Reid is still shown as "2 -3 weeks" estimated return on the injury list.

[MattW]

I am interested to see where Heeney plays today. I'd really like to see him play forward for the seniors.

[dejavoodoo44]

Is this match being streamed live anywhere?
It's not listed as being streamed on the NEAFL website, so I don't think so. Not sure if there's any other options?

[ugg]

I am interested to see where Heeney plays today. I'd really like to see him play forward for the seniors.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't play midfield for most of the game.


It's not listed as being streamed on the NEAFL website, so I don't think so. Not sure if there's any other options?
There are no other audio/visual options. I'll be tweeting on Swans Reserves (@swansreserves) | Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/swansreserves)

[liz]

Davis is in attendance - on crutches.

[ugg]

Couldn't bear the weight of Ludwig's expectations

[Ludwig]

Davis is in attendance - on crutches.At CHB?





OH NOOOO! You mean he's not playing.

Talia, Reid, Tippett, AJ, Melican and Davis all out injured. It's a curse being a KPP at he Swans.

[liz]

Swans' runners are Dan Robinson and Harry Marsh.

Tight, somewhat scrappy first half. Two goals apiece, with Heeney and Derivkxthkfd the Swans' goal kickers . X had muffed a couple of chances, one an absolute sitter.

[ugg]

Crossley is massive ! Can't believe he is 16

[ugg]

HT @swansreserves 7.8 50 @GoldCoastSUNS 4.2 26 goals: Heeney 2 Nankervis 2 Derickx Dawson Richards Suns: Cameron Kempe O'Meara Crossley

[ugg]

FT swans 26.14 170 Suns 7.4 46 Goals: Richards 8 Rose 4 Nankervis Leonardis 3 Dawson Heeney 2 Derickx Davis Robertson Brown Gowers #neafl

Glorified training run in the end. I think they lost O'Meara Brooksby and Lemmens through injury and were left with 6 listed players. Every time we went forward in that last quarter they just couldn't or wouldnt man up

[dimelb]

Glad to see that Xav came good.

[lwjoyner]

Is total goals right. Individual adds to 27

[ugg]

Is total goals right. Individual adds to 27
Rose has three not four

[The Big Cat]

FT swans 26.14 170 Suns 7.4 46 Goals: Richards 8 Rose 4 Nankervis Leonardis 3 Dawson Heeney 2 Derickx Davis Robertson Brown Gowers #neafl

Glorified training run in the end. I think they lost O'Meara Brooksby and Lemmens through injury and were left with 6 listed players. Every time we went forward in that last quarter they just couldn't or wouldnt man up

Is Isaac ready for a recall?

[ugg]

Yes if he pulls up alright. He was told to come off about 1/3 through the last quarter and wasn't happy about it by the way. He was way too good for everyone in this game except maybe O'Meara. Some of his left foot passing in particular was excellent. But overall just very clean

I would say he played more forward than midfield but pushed up the ground anyway to collect his many possessions. 21 disposals at half time. Third quarter was quieter has they put a tagger on him.

[Ludwig]

If we wanted to replace Ted in the forward line, who would be the better choice, XR or Dawson?

Who do you think should come in for Jones?

[lwjoyner]

thanks ugg for the goals note

[ugg]

If we wanted to replace Ted in the forward line, who would be the better choice, XR or Dawson?

Who do you think should come in for Jones?
I don't think Dawson is quite ready. Especially if we want him to play KP. So for me if it was between those 2, it would be Xavier easily.

That's a tougher question. We could switch Ted back but then we could possibly be too tall down back, otherwise Cunningham spent some time at half back today, he could possibly come in there.

Edit: Derickx report. Yet again he came off injured and didn't finish the game.

[Industrial Fan]

surely that should be called the D-rex files?

[liz]

After half-time, pretty much everything about the Suns dropped off. I had spotted that JOM was no longer out there (as he was the only Sun I was really taking any notice of) but hadn't realised they'd lost a couple of others too. That partly explains it. With less pressure, the Swans got their gears greased and played a very smooth style of footy. (To be fair, they really started getting on top halfway through the second quarter.) They are certainly well-drilled. They mostly keep things simple and play unselfishly, looking to use team mates but not (most of the time) overusing the ball. The top up players generally fit in seamlessly, and there is no evidence that the listed players avoid passing to them (as tended to happen a decade or so back),

Heeney's class stood out like a sore thumb. He didn't go at full pelt at everything, but rather picked him moments to pounce. But when he did, it was with purpose and almost always to the benefit of the team. As Ugg noted, the only thing between him and a senior recall is how he feels, physically.

Heeney aside, the outstanding player for me was big Nankervis. He rucked well, cleared his own ball at times, marked strongly and kicked straight for goal.

Most of the rest of the senior wannabees had their moments but drifted in and out a bit. Dawson was good early, while the heat was still on, quieter in the middle part of the game, then strong towards the end when the whole team was rampant. I barely spotted Leonardis in the first quarter but he certainly warmed up as the game progressed. He showed a fair bit of skill up forward in the second half, in particular.

Rose looked a bit out of sorts in the first half, I thought, He was involved in a lot of the play but looked a little slow, wasn't judging marks very well, and his pressure was ordinary. He certainly picked things up in the second half, and was running on top of the ground by the end of the game.

Jack, Foote and Cunningham were workmanlike, rather than brilliant. They got the job done but didn't scream out "pick me, pick me" to Longmire. Jack used his pace to clear the ball from the centre very nicely on a couple of occasions but his kicking was at its normal standard.

Newman was busy across half-back but his kicking was a mixed bag.

COR was quietish, I thought, but still showed some excellent signs. His best moment for me was a pack mark, where he started someway off the contest but read the ball brilliantly and timed his run and jump perfectly. It wasn't a spectacular mark by any stretch but did show his increasing confidence and timing.

X is possibly a little flattered by his eight goals - at least two were from the goal line after the ball spilled over the top of a pack. His intensity was a little variable, especially in the first half, and he missed one early easy shot at goal. Still, he can run and he can mark, and most of the time he can kick the ball well. Much as I love Ted, we're not going to win a premiership with him playing at full forward. We can hope that one or both of Tippett or Reid comes good by the time the finals start (with the latter looking more unlikely by the week) but it would be good to see the coaches experiment with other options, especially with a couple of softer games coming up. I suspect X doesn't have the intensity for senior footy but I wouldn't be disappointed if the coaches took the opportunity to give him a go to find out for sure.

It was pleasing to see several of the recent "graduates" from the NEAFL side in attendance to support their erstwhile team mates. I spotted Aliir and Naismith - there may have been others. As per usual, the injured players were all there, including Davis, Melican and, of course, AJ who was in the coaching box and showed no sign of a limp. Marsh and Robinson were running for the side.

[liz]

Two other observations, especially for Ludwig. You'd have been proud of Tom D today. He managed to ram one shot into the goal post from about a metre out from goal. Admittedly it was off a not-so-helpful pass that put him off balance, but it was still one hell of a miss.

And at the other end of the spectrum, Galloway is starting to look like a footballer. He's still got a long way to go, but he is definitely on the improve. He spent more time in the ruck than Derrickx (ie some - with Nankervis taking most of it). He took a couple of decent overhead grabs and generally looked quite composed. I'm not ready to call him as the next Dean Cox quite yet, but you never know...

[ugg]

What did you think of Murray liz?

[liz]

He was OK but nothing special. He's got some pace and likes to tuck the ball under his arm and run in a way that won't translate to senior football at all. His kicking was OK. He also looked absolutely exhausted every time he came off the ground.

What were your thoughts? Do you think he's in with a shot at a second year on the list?

[Ludwig]

Thanks for your comments on the game liz and ugg. I wished the NEAFL had broadcast the game. I was also interested to know how Leslie went for GC, as he is an out of contract KPD that I thought might be available as he seems to be 4th in their pecking order for key defenders.

I was terribly disappointed with the news of the Abe Davis injury. I felt that if he had a good game he would have been a serious chance to make his debut v Carlton.



X is possibly a little flattered by his eight goals - at least two were from the goal line after the ball spilled over the top of a pack. His intensity was a little variable, especially in the first half, and he missed one early easy shot at goal. Still, he can run and he can mark, and most of the time he can kick the ball well. Much as I love Ted, we're not going to win a premiership with him playing at full forward. We can hope that one or both of Tippett or Reid comes good by the time the finals start (with the latter looking more unlikely by the week) but it would be good to see the coaches experiment with other options, especially with a couple of softer games coming up. I suspect X doesn't have the intensity for senior footy but I wouldn't be disappointed if the coaches took the opportunity to give him a go to find out for sure.

When I read this paragraph I felt it was exactly my feelings on all the points. I have been thinking the same about definitely needing Tippett and probably Reid as well if we are to go deep into finals. Without Reid, we will probably be forced to play Towers in the finals, which looks a scary prospect atm. We can only hope he makes some big strides forward in the next few weeks.

I was pleased to hear that Tom Derickx fooled such an astute observer of the game as ugg into believing that he was injured. It just shows how well his acting career is progressing.

And when I read that liz thought Galloway was starting to look like a footballer, I unpacked my Santa Claus garden gnome and put it out on the lawn.

[rb4x]

I called for Richards to be picked at FF for the Geelong match and Horse took notice. Unfortunately he did not hear the initial and put in T rather than X. I would like to see X given a go especially against Carlton. T can go back to defence as can McVeigh to replace Zak where he will be replaced by Heeney. Rohan can replace Benny in a FP. Ins X and Heeney, Outs Zak and Benny, side picked.

[wolftone57]

He was OK but nothing special. He's got some pace and likes to tuck the ball under his arm and run in a way that won't translate to senior football at all. His kicking was OK. He also looked absolutely exhausted every time he came off the ground.

What were your thoughts? Do you think he's in with a shot at a second year on the list?

I've seen a few replays of the Resies & 2 home games. So not much but I like what I have seen so far of Murray. I think he might be ok. He is a player for development as a back pocket to take over when Smooch retires down the track. I think the younger players are developing quicker under Shaw than under any of our previous coaches, as good as they were. I also think that maybe this list just has far more raw talent than we had then as well. I'm glad Galloway is coming good and starting to develop. He can take a grab but not a natural footballer, a basketballer. Nice to hear the toppies are blending well too. That is something I have noticed as well with the matches I have seen. training with the senior & development Swans would most certainly help. One of the Academy lads was telling me he was trying to ruck against Tip, Derrickx, Toby & Sam & he is only 196cm. A bit overawed I think.

[ugg]

He was OK but nothing special. He's got some pace and likes to tuck the ball under his arm and run in a way that won't translate to senior football at all. His kicking was OK. He also looked absolutely exhausted every time he came off the ground.

What were your thoughts? Do you think he's in with a shot at a second year on the list?
This is probably the first game that I've been remotely impressed by him. He's certainly not short of self confidence, loves to take players on with his pace. I thought he was better when the game was still alive, had the vision to direct his kicks long and wide but during the fourth quarter seemed to lapse back into old selfish habits

Ok the basis of his games thus far probably not getting a spot on the rookie list especially if places are at a premium but if he keeps improving who knows

Also very impressed with Baron-Hay today he was essentially our key defender along with Hebron and he was good in both the one on ones and the ability to read the play and compete for the loose ball.

[ugg]

Best Players: X. Richards, T. Nankervis, B. Jack, N. Newman, R. Hebron, D. Baron-Hay

[56-14]

I'd like to say thanks to all the posters to this thread.
Thoroughly enjoying the discussion about what's happening in the reserves, the future of young players, etc.

[liz]

Not often a NEAFL games earns two articles on the main page of the AFL site - one about JOM's slight setback and another about X's exploits plus a little of Heeney (also on the Swans' website, less surprisingly).

[Mug Punter]

Haven't had a chance to read through but having seen the game my comments are as follows

Star of the day was with a doubt for me Dawson, time on the ball and a peach of a left foot. He's a good size at 190cm and with another good pre-season I can see him really pushing for selection as the third tall. I think our need for a third tall could be solved in house.

Leonardis is way behind Dawson in my opinion, he took some decent marks and kicked at leats three goals against pretty average opposition. He's not ready for AFL by a mile but I'll reserve judgement on him until next year as there is something there.

Foote was the other standout for me, very busy and good skills. It's a tough school o break into with the Swans mids but he'll get there for mine. As long as he is board I'd keep him as a third year rookie in 2017 and blood him as an upgrade next year.

Xav was good (7-8 goals), it will be very tempting for us to re-list him as a rookie next year and if Buddy was to get injured he'd be worth a chance this year. just very hard to judge against very poor opposition, and it really does ram home why Gold Coast are in such strife seeing that game.

BJ was OK without demanding a recall, I suspect 2017 will be a make or break season for him.

Likewise Rose was busy and classy without demanding a recall.

Newman impressed. Good delivery and drive off the half back flank. I can't see us letting another club getting a crack at him.

O'Riordan again impressed though perhaps less so than last time I saw him. Very good composure and skills for a newcomer to the game. Definitely a keeper and Crouchy agrees.

Isaac was fine, clearly a class above and took a couple of decent marks. If it's jus a matter of fitness he'll be back next week.

As for the toppies I thought Brown as an under ager showed come class and I also thought Baron-Hay did well. Galloway has definitely improved a LOT since I saw him last.

TDx copped a knock and his date tonight could be in doubt.

Abe Davis on crutches and Harry and Robbo running water. Aliir the only player from Thursday night there I saw.

All in all a good afternoon but a good awful place to get to. Sooner we get a decent base like Macquarie Uni sorted for our twos and training the better

[Mug Punter]

See above:)

[ugg]

Blacktown is far from the CBD but the ground and facilities itself are very good. Not sure what would be achieved by relocating games to Mac Uni. And I noticed today that the NEAFL game between Sydney Uni and Canberra at Henson Park was called off at half time because of a hole in the centre square, so using that venue is questionable too.

[liz]

It took me barely an hour and a quarter in each direction to drive to Blacktown today from the Eastern suburbs, with roadworks along the M4 limiting the speed limit to 80kmph for about half of the stretch and decent amounts of traffic along Parramatta Road and through Surrey Hills. There is also ample free parking (for a NEAFL game). I realise it's not that easy to get to without your own transport, but otherwise it's accessible enough and, as Ugg says, a reasonably good facility.

[ugg]

http://i.imgur.com/99eoFAU.png
http://i.imgur.com/4LIQRsG.png

[barry]

All in all a good afternoon but a good awful place to get to. Sooner we get a decent base like Macquarie Uni sorted for our twos and training the better

Dont tell me you went out to blacktown by yourself on public transport?.
Lol

[dimelb]

I'd like to say thanks to all the posters to this thread.
Thoroughly enjoying the discussion about what's happening in the reserves, the future of young players, etc.

+1

[Triple B]

Aliir the only player from Thursday night there I saw.

Naismith, Rohan and Towers were also there from the Thursday nighters.

Longmire left his seat in the stand multiple times to go down to the bench to mentor players and liaise with Nick Davis and the runners, presumably to deliver messages. I got the impression he wanted to see certain things from certain players with a view to the next few weeks.

Zac Jones diagnosis 4-6 weeks.

[Mug Punter]

Naismith, Rohan and Towers were also there from the Thursday nighters.

Longmire left his seat in the stand multiple times to go down to the bench to mentor players and liaise with Nick Davis and the runners, presumably to deliver messages. I got the impression he wanted to see certain things from certain players with a view to the next few weeks.

Zac Jones diagnosis 4-6 weeks.

Forgot about Gary who I saw at the canteen area.

[AnnieH]

It took me barely an hour and a quarter in each direction to drive to Blacktown today from the Eastern suburbs, with roadworks along the M4 limiting the speed limit to 80kmph for about half of the stretch and decent amounts of traffic along Parramatta Road and through Surrey Hills. There is also ample free parking (for a NEAFL game). I realise it's not that easy to get to without your own transport, but otherwise it's accessible enough and, as Ugg says, a reasonably good facility.

This venue is about a 10-15 minute walk from Rooty Hill station.

[ugg]

Clearances


Nankervis 9
Heeney 7
Foote 6
Jack 5
Brown 2
McFadden 2
Rose 2
Cunningham 1
Davis 1
Dawson 1
Hiscox 1
Leonardis 1
Murray 1
Richards 1



Swans 40 Suns 42

[troyjones2525]

I read somewhere that Foote played off half back last weekend and is a possibility to replace Jones this week. Comments/thoughts from those who saw last weeks game and if you think he could fill that role for us???

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[ugg]

As I posted in the Changes v Carlton thread, I'm pretty sure Foote didn't play in defence on the weekend, or if he did it was for short periods in the 2nd half when the ball was constantly down in our forward half.

He has played there in the past so he wouldn't be totally out of position but he's been predominantly used in the midfield all year. The Carlton forwards don't seem very dangerous to me (Matthew Wright and Gibbs are their leading goalscorers?!) but I guess we are looking longer term given the length of Jones's diagnosis.

[707]

Surely this would be an ideal time to try Newman who seems to keep doing the job in the ressies? Don't think Jones will play a part in the finals so need to find someone who has played the same role and hope they stand up at senior level.

We rolled the dice late in the season on Biggs a few years ago and he was very good, always thought we should have kept him and now doing nicely for the Dogs. Think this is Newman's time, if he makes it we can use Jones further up the field next year.

[Aaron]

Newman has to be promoted first but there is no room at the moment I think

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[liz]

Newman has to be promoted first but there is no room at the moment I think

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There might be a spot, but whether the club wants to use it is another matter. AJ, Tippett and Talia have all been placed on the LTIL. I think Robinson was too, though not certain of that. Papley, Marsh and Foote have been promoted to fill three spots. So it depends on a) whether Robinson was placed on the list; and b) if he was, how far off he is to returning to football. He and Marsh both running for the reserves on Saturday suggests they might both be quite close to resuming.

Edit: Robinson was placed on the list, though as above, that doesn't mean they are about to promote another. I have no idea of the rules of chopping and changing promoted players against those they were originally elected to replace. To illustrate, Papley was initially touted as replacing Rohan. But once Rohan returned, he must have nominally replaced one of the other injured players.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-19/swans-duo-placed-on-longterm-injury-list

[ugg]

They've relaxed the rules regarding chopping and changing promoted players, you can do so quite freely provided you have the spots on the senior list.

[troyjones2525]

Well if that's the case then we must give Newman his chance! I've been saying this over and over for a long time but to me he looks ready and is just what we need in our backline!

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[ugg]

Sydney v Gold Coast
10: Xavier Richards (Sydney)
7: Toby Nankervis (Sydney)
5: Brandon Jack (Sydney)
5: Isaac Heeney (Sydney)
3: Nic Newman (Sydney)

[Nico]

But wasn't Heeney a cut above the rest?

[liz]

But wasn't Heeney a cut above the rest?

In terms of his obvious class, yes he was. That doesn't necessarily translate into his contribution to the result being the most important, or even to him being the most productive player.

That's said, his contribution wasn't far off that of X or Nankervis, if it was below theirs. They were all very good.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Great to see Brandon up and about 34ish disposals ?

Sometimes when certain players leave ressies it provides other fringe players like Brandon the opportunity to step up in leadership and role.

with towers, Hewitt, Robinson, Lloyd, mills etc now more in Snrs.... Brandon is being given more opportunity to play a decent % inside as well as outside mid

This opportunity is invaluable and like towers I have not given up on Brandon as yet.....just needs longer in the system but will be great value 2017 onwards me thinks to make serious depth and then from there who knows as we may see Heeney and or mills move to the midfield for more minutes in 2017 and opportunity will surface more upfront

Mcglynn probably won't be back upfront in 2017 either