23/2/2018 - Inter-Club practice match VS GWS @ Henson Park

[magic.merkin]

Details
When: Friday, February 23
Where: Henson Park, Marrickville
Time
4.00pm - Gates Open
5.30pm � First bounce
7.30pm - End of signing session
Travel: Public transport is encouraged. Please visit Transport NSW for more information. Gates into the venue will be closed to vehicles, while limited on-street parking is available.
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Any chance of a Stream? Can't see anything on GWS website. Someone just livestream via facebook from their phone!

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Buddy, Joey set for inter-club - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2018-02-21/buddy-joey-set-for-interclub)

Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy are among a host of senior players set to feature in Friday�s inter-club practice match against Greater Western Sydney at Henson Park.

"They won't be playing huge minutes but they will certainly be exposed for the first time this week which is terrific."
Longmire confirmed Tom Papley and Sam Naismith who have both had modified pre-season programs were also expected to line up on Friday afternoon.

Dan Hannebery has continued to increase his training load this week but remains in doubt for the season opener against West Coast on March 25.

"Dan is ok now, but he has taken his time since coming off his groin at the end of last year so we were really conservative with him," Longmire said.

"He hurt his calf a number of weeks ago which put him back at bit but he is back into running now and looking good."

"I think he will be touch and go for the start of the season but is not about Round 1 for him it is about making sure he gets in the best posisble shape to have the best season he can have."

[ugg]

Jeremy Cameron set to play in this match.

Cameron Set for Practice Match - GWSGIANTS.com.au (http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2018-02-21/cameron-set-for-swans)

[ugg]

Squads named

1 James Rose
6 Jordan Foote
7 Harry Cunningham
11 Tom Papley
12 Josh Kennedy
13 Oliver Florent
15 Kieren Jack
16 Gary Rohan
17 Darcy Cameron
18 Callum Sinclair
20 Sam Reid
22 Dean Towers
23 Lance Franklin
24 Dane Rampe
25 Ben Ronke
26 Luke Parker
27 Dan Robinson
28 Nic Newman
29 George Hewett
30 Tom McCartin
31 Harry Marsh
33 Ryley Stoddart
35 Sam Naismith
36 Aliir Aliir
38 Colin O�Riordan
40 Nick Smith
42 Robbie Fox
43 Lewis Melican
44 Jake Lloyd

GWS' squad
2 Jacob Hopper
3 Stephen Coniglio
5 Dylan Shiel
6 Lachie Whitfield
8 Callan Ward
10 Aidan Bonar
11 Will Setterfield
12 Jonny Patton
14 Tim Taranto
18 Jeremy Cameron
19 Nick Haynes
20 Adam Tomlinson
22 Josh Kelly
23 Heath Shaw
24 Matt de Boer
25 Lachie Keeffe
26 Dawson Simpson
27 Harry Himmelberg
30 Matt Flynn
31 Jeremy Finlayson
32 Ryan Griffen
33 Lachie Tiziani
34 Nick Shipley
38 Daniel Lloyd
39 Tim Mohr
41 Jack Buckley
42 Jake Stein
43 Dylan Buckley
50 Sam Reid

[Scottee]

Squads named

1 James Rose
6 Jordan Foote
7 Harry Cunningham
11 Tom Papley
12 Josh Kennedy
13 Oliver Florent
15 Kieren Jack
16 Gary Rohan
17 Darcy Cameron
18 Callum Sinclair
20 Sam Reid
22 Dean Towers
23 Lance Franklin
24 Dane Rampe
25 Ben Ronke
26 Luke Parker
27 Dan Robinson
28 Nic Newman
29 George Hewett
30 Tom McCartin
31 Harry Marsh
33 Ryley Stoddart
35 Sam Naismith
36 Aliir Aliir
38 Colin O�Riordan
40 Nick Smith
42 Robbie Fox
43 Lewis Melican
44 Jake Lloyd

GWS' squad
2 Jacob Hopper
3 Stephen Coniglio
5 Dylan Shiel
6 Lachie Whitfield
8 Callan Ward
10 Aidan Bonar
11 Will Setterfield
12 Jonny Patton
14 Tim Taranto
18 Jeremy Cameron
19 Nick Haynes
20 Adam Tomlinson
22 Josh Kelly
23 Heath Shaw
24 Matt de Boer
25 Lachie Keeffe
26 Dawson Simpson
27 Harry Himmelberg
30 Matt Flynn
31 Jeremy Finlayson
32 Ryan Griffen
33 Lachie Tiziani
34 Nick Shipley
38 Daniel Lloyd
39 Tim Mohr
41 Jack Buckley
42 Jake Stein
43 Dylan Buckley
50 Sam ReidNo Jones Mills Dawson as well as the H players, Hanners, Heywood and Heeney. Reg not in either.

Disappointed Dawson not in!?

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[Ludwig]

No Jones Mills Dawson as well as the H players, Hanners, Heywood and Heeney. Reg not in either.
It's not fair! The club always leaves us wondering what's going on.

It's so much easier for Collingwood fans, who can just assume someone's not playing because they were involved in a drunken brawl.

[Meg]

Reg�s wife Elise gave birth to their second son this morning (Jameson Heath Grundy). So my guess is that is the reason Reg won�t be playing. Haven�t heard any suggestion Reg is carrying an injury.

[liz]

Reg�s wife Elise gave birth to their second son this morning (Jameson Heath Grundy). So my guess is that is the reason Reg won�t be playing. Haven�t heard any suggestion Reg is carrying an injury.

While he probably wouldn't be playing anyway (given the birth of his son), Reg is one of the players that has been spoken of throughout the pre-season as carrying an injury and possibly in doubt for R1 (along with Hanners).

In terms of the others missing, none of them have been training with the full group any time I've been along to watch training apart from Macca, who looked in very good nick a few weeks ago but sat out the "intraclub", and Mills, who I have seen train but also seemed to take very little part in the "intraclub".

Jones has been running laps with Hayward and Heeney most sessions I've watched, and as previously mentioned, I've barely spotted Dawson and even when I have, it's just been running laps.

[Meg]

Thanks Liz, I�ve missed mention of Reg re injury. How do all these mysterious injuries happen?

[MattW]

Full list of outs after running through squad list, and a potential reason:

- Johnson (groin, due back late March: Another surgery setback for luckless Swan - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-13/another-surgery-setback-for-luckless-swan))
- McVeigh (managed: We�re for Sydney | Daily Telegraph (https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/lance-franklin-and-josh-kennedy-among-sydney-stars-who-will-take-on-gws-in-trial-match/news-story/c970682ea0ff79ebc1d3e7fc51357eb2) - NB, I can't read the full article, but Google search shows an excerpt)
- Hannebery (recovery from groin/calf: Buddy, Joey set for inter-club - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2018-02-21/buddy-joey-set-for-interclub))
- Heeney (knee cartilage surgery: Sydney Swans hold@AFL community camp@at Waratah Park | PHOTOS | Newcastle Herald (http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5210337/sydney-swans-hold-afl-community-camp-at-waratah-park-photos/))
- Hayward (presumed injury)
- Jones (knee: We�re for Sydney | Daily Telegraph (https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/lance-franklin-and-josh-kennedy-among-sydney-stars-who-will-take-on-gws-in-trial-match/news-story/c970682ea0ff79ebc1d3e7fc51357eb;) but should play JLT: Bud impresses as Swans swelter at training - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-14/swans-swelter-as-heavyhitters-return-to-the-track).)
- Mills ('light duties', but should play JLT: Bud impresses as Swans swelter at training - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-14/swans-swelter-as-heavyhitters-return-to-the-track).)
- Ling (injured, according to Hannebery on the AFLX telecast)
- Grundy (foot: Midfielder 'furthest behind' of Sydney's fab five - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-31/midfielder-furthest-behind-of-sydneys-fab-four) or calf: Race to round one: Who's injured at your club? - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-17/race-to-round-one-how-is-your-club-tracking))
- Maibaum (??)
- Dawson (??)
- Bell (Unless injured since last weekend, perhaps just omitted)
- Brown (Ditto)
- Styles (Ditto)
- Amartey (??)
- Pink (Alive: AFL South Coast launch exciting new season | South Coast Register (http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/5242754/afl-south-coast-launch-exciting-new-season/))

[bloodspirit]

Nice work, MattW.

When will the Swans explain? Perhaps they feel they just don't have to during the off season & pre season. Perhaps they're right. Still, potentially all that is required is for somebody to ask Horse at one of his presser's. He's just done one: Longmire press conference - February 21, 2018 - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/video/2018-02-21/longmire-press-conference-february-21-2018).

[chuckie]

There is a few players in this squad that don't fill me with confidence if we get a few injuries again.

[magic.merkin]

Inter-club to be streamed live - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2018-02-22/interclub-to-be-streamed-live)

Throughout the broadcast you will get to hear from Swans players not competing in the game as they join the commentary team for the match.

From 5.30pm you will have the chance to be able to watch all the action at sydneyswans.com.au as the four-quarter contest takes place in Marrackville.

Great news for out of towners!

[ugg]

GWS have also announced they will be streaming it, so if you get sick of the 'biased' Swans commentary team, you can switch over to the other mob's.

[longmile]

Would be good to see Dawson get a run, hope hes not injured

[Cosmic Wizard]

Would be good to see Dawson get a run, hope hes not injured

"Dawson was training strongly but suffered a injury, not going to be really ready until five or six weeks in"

That what horse said, or what i can remember, at the AGM today.

[DaveyCaper]

Inter-club to be streamed live - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2018-02-22/interclub-to-be-streamed-live)

Throughout the broadcast you will get to hear from Swans players not competing in the game as they join the commentary team for the match.

From 5.30pm you will have the chance to be able to watch all the action at sydneyswans.com.au as the four-quarter contest takes place in Marrackville.

Great news for out of towners!

What are the chances they usually make the stream available on demand afterwards? That will be 2:30 am for me LOL

[wolftone57]

Full list of outs after running through squad list, and a potential reason:

- Johnson (groin, due back late March: Another surgery setback for luckless Swan - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-13/another-surgery-setback-for-luckless-swan))
- McVeigh (managed: We�re for Sydney | Daily Telegraph (https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/lance-franklin-and-josh-kennedy-among-sydney-stars-who-will-take-on-gws-in-trial-match/news-story/c970682ea0ff79ebc1d3e7fc51357eb2) - NB, I can't read the full article, but Google search shows an excerpt)
- Hannebery (recovery from groin/calf: Buddy, Joey set for inter-club - sydneyswans.com.au (http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2018-02-21/buddy-joey-set-for-interclub))
- Heeney (knee cartilage surgery: Sydney Swans hold@AFL community camp@at Waratah Park | PHOTOS | Newcastle Herald (http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5210337/sydney-swans-hold-afl-community-camp-at-waratah-park-photos/))
- Hayward (presumed injury)
- Jones (knee: We�re for Sydney | Daily Telegraph (https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/lance-franklin-and-josh-kennedy-among-sydney-stars-who-will-take-on-gws-in-trial-match/news-story/c970682ea0ff79ebc1d3e7fc51357eb;) but should play JLT: Bud impresses as Swans swelter at training - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-14/swans-swelter-as-heavyhitters-return-to-the-track).)
- Mills ('light duties', but should play JLT: Bud impresses as Swans swelter at training - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-14/swans-swelter-as-heavyhitters-return-to-the-track).)
- Ling (injured, according to Hannebery on the AFLX telecast)
- Grundy (foot: Midfielder 'furthest behind' of Sydney's fab five - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-31/midfielder-furthest-behind-of-sydneys-fab-four) or calf: Race to round one: Who's injured at your club? - AFL.com.au (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-17/race-to-round-one-how-is-your-club-tracking))
- Maibaum (??)
- Dawson (??)
- Bell (Unless injured since last weekend, perhaps just omitted)
- Brown (Ditto)
- Styles (Ditto)
- Amartey (??)
- Pink (Alive: AFL South Coast launch exciting new season | South Coast Register (http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/5242754/afl-south-coast-launch-exciting-new-season/))Bell was very good in AFLX, even Buddy mentioned him. So they are probably resting the young blokes who played X. They will probably play game one Preseason comp

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[707]

Anyone going? Will we get the highly appreciated unbiased RWO report on proceedings?

[liz]

Anyone going? Will we get the highly appreciated unbiased RWO report on proceedings?

Given that it's being streamed, plenty of us should be able to watch it.

I was planning on going, but I am now remembering the last time I went and sweltered in the heat, sitting in seats that had no elevation (and hence gave a poor view of the game) and with what seemed like hundreds of kids running around screaming and yelping. (Yes, I know that's what kids do, but it doesn't enhance the footy watching experience.)

So sitting at home and watching the stream now seems like a far more attractive option.

[O'Reilly Boy]

Given that it's being streamed, plenty of us should be able to watch it.

I was planning on going, but I am now remembering the last time I went and sweltered in the heat, sitting in seats that had no elevation (and hence gave a poor view of the game) and with what seemed like hundreds of kids running around screaming and yelping. (Yes, I know that's what kids do, but it doesn't enhance the footy watching experience.)

So sitting at home and watching the stream now seems like a far more attractive option.

I'll be heading over to have a look, along with my mate Mathilde de Hautecloque, who writes very nicely about our time at the footy for the Almanac and sometimes the Swans site (and has twice won the guernsey raffle at the intraclub). I've printed the team list and remembered my binoculars so I should be able to tell my Ronkes from my O'Riordans. All I want from the evening is no injuries. Will try to report back afterwards.

[707]

Thanks ORB. Unfortunately no streaming at my place, dribbling is as fast as my internet gets!

[ugg]

It might be nice if we could get some details of the stream, with first bounce 1 hour away.

[goswannies]

It might be nice if we could get some details of the stream, with first bounce 1 hour away.
How do we find the link?

[ugg]

How do we find the link?
That's my exact question.

[ugg]

Here's the GWS stream as a backup

Live Stream: GIANTS v Swans Practice Match - GWSGIANTS.com.au (http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2018-02-23/live-stream-giants-v-swans-practice-match)

[liz]

That's my exact question.

Live Stream: GIANTS v Swans Practice Match - GWSGIANTS.com.au (http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2018-02-23/live-stream-giants-v-swans-practice-match)

Giants to the rescue. I am assuming the clubs have co-operated and it will be the same stream (including the same commentary).

I went along to the AGM yesterday and had meant to ask whether they've yet appointed a media manager but I forgot...

[Ludwig]

It might be nice if we could get some details of the stream, with first bounce 1 hour away.
Just copy and paste mine:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U_lAmHj9oGY/maxresdefault.jpg

[wolftone57]

Live Stream: GIANTS v Swans Practice Match - GWSGIANTS.com.au (http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2018-02-23/live-stream-giants-v-swans-practice-match)

Giants to the rescue. I am assuming the clubs have co-operated and it will be the same stream (including the same commentary).

I went along to the AGM yesterday and had meant to ask whether they've yet appointed a media manager but I forgot...

I rang and asked reception what time the stream link would be up and they said 5.30pm. I though 'Gees cutting it a bit fine there sweetie'.

[liz]

So by the time I clicked on the link, the Swans had already scored a goal. Anyone see who scored it?

[ugg]

So by the time I clicked on the link, the Swans had already scored a goal. Anyone see who scored it?

Rohan according to Swans Twitter

[ugg]

I�m watching without sound. I see a Swans #53 out there. Are we really playing with topups after naming a 29 man squad?

[liz]

I�m watching without sound. I see a Swans #53 out there. Are we really playing with topups after naming a 29 man squad?

No, that's Florent.

[Legs Akimbo]

Who is commentating in the swans top?

[liz]

Who is commentating in the swans top?

Luke McManus - he's a staff writer for the Swans' website.

[Legs Akimbo]

Thanks - looks more like a player than a staff writer LOL.

Pretty insipid game of footy, but what you expect at this time of year. Thought Alir has been good, albeit got some bad calls from umpire.

[wolftone57]

Luke McManus - he's a staff writer for the Swans' website.Yes indeed Liz. What did you think of the second quarter? I thought that if we continue these set ups, the same set ups as last year, we will get flogged in a lot of games.

I thought these games were for trying things out not same old same old. Some of the midfield moves have not worked at all. We got absolutely flogged in the clearances that quarter.

No I am not taking the game seriously but I would like to see us with some positive moves not negative like last quarter.

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[Legs Akimbo]

In wonder how history will treat Jordan Foote.

[wolftone57]

In wonder how history will treat Jordan Foote.Well he keeps injuring opponents so maybe a spoiler

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[ugg]

ALL but one goal kicked to right of screen

[Legs Akimbo]

Well he keeps injuring opponents so maybe a spoiler

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I guess hanging on to the ball and falling into a tackle makes sense if you are looking for ways to hurt someone

[Foreign Legion]

Glad it was streamed and better than an Intra-club match but not much to take away. I suppose McCartin looks pretty good for a barely 18yo.

[dejavoodoo44]

In wonder how history will treat Jordan Foote.
Probably as a Foote-note.

[MadCanuck]

Sinclair took a number of good grabs a both ends

[dejavoodoo44]

Sinclair took a number of good grabs a both ends

Yes, I was just going to say that Sinclair went well and that he does look fit. It was also nice to see Rohan looking fit, as well, since if I remember rightly, he's usually in some sort of rehab at this time of year. Hewett also looks very sharp. While of the new recruits, Stoddart seems to have plenty of flair and McCartin will probably develop into a very handy key forward, given enough time.

[troyjones2525]

Do you think that you will be able to replay the stream similar to the NEAFL streams on youtube?

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[mariachi]

The whole affair was quite shambolic. They ran out of sausages before quarter time, the beer queue was nearly out to Illawarra Road, there were several dog fights, and multiple children kicking footies willy-nilly. And to cap it off a major power outage meant that the scoreboard went down and the floodlights weren�t working so they could not play the final quarter. All in all, great fun! There was three goal breeze to the southern end. The game was a bit scrappy, and nobody really stood out for me, except for one burst down the eastern wing by Aliir which led to a set shot. Hopefully that promises a return to 2016 form for him. Some of the kids looked okay and the usual suspects played with their accustomed touch.

[liz]

It was scrappy but I suspect rust and the wind were to blame for that.

Lloyd and Hewett were both very busy, with Lloyd mostly using the ball well and Hewett sometimes well.

I agree with deja that it was great to see Rohan out there and looking in pretty good nick. I hadn't expected to see him. I love how he knows he can get away from players with a step or two burst and I thought he was pretty creative today.

Florent looked good in patches, especially in the first quarter. Aliir did some great stuff and some not so great stuff but he looked far closer to the 2016 model than the 2017 model.

[dejavoodoo44]

It was scrappy but I suspect rust and the wind were to blame for that.

Lloyd and Hewett were both very busy, with Lloyd mostly using the ball well and Hewett sometimes well.

I agree with deja that it was great to see Rohan out there and looking in pretty good nick. I hadn't expected to see him. I love how he knows he can get away from players with a step or two burst and I thought he was pretty creative today.

Florent looked good in patches, especially in the first quarter. Aliir did some great stuff and some not so great stuff but he looked far closer to the 2016 model than the 2017 model.

Yes, I forgot to mention Aliir. I did think that some of our better passages of play, did start with his rapid decision making and ball movement from the back half. And while he did make a couple of errors, I don't really have a problem with that. I tend to think that, the more he sticks to taking the game on in an innovative manner, the more adept he will become at rapidly choosing the best option.

[bodgie]

I was lucky enough to have a private entrance from my sons house which backs onto the oval. Had some nice cold long necks and a crisp chardy as the sun went down and the oval settled into near darkness.

The wind was very strong at times and was probably an old fashioned 5 goals worth for much of the 2nd Q (we were opposite the main stand). A few high kicks almost drifted backward!

Sinclair looked raring to go. Naismith good in the first half. Florent looked useful although perhaps he stood out because I was trying to work out who 53 was. Allir was a mixture of promising brilliance and embarrassing stuff ups. I noticed Rose a lot. Running near the ball but rarely getting it. Mexican, Newman, Towers, Hewett all seemed solid enough but I always mix them up. The boys were super pleased when Stoddart kicked his goal. Fox seemed useful enough.

It was great to be able to hear the players talking to each other. Rampe directing traffic: 'Lloydy! Keep moving!' Lloyd just stayed where he was.

[CureTheSane]

Only saw the first quarter, but from what I saw the team looked pretty switched on and applying more pressure than usual.
Skills overall looked on point.
I got a really good feeling about Buddy, Sinclair and Allir. Think they will all have a great year.

[mattybloods]

Probably as a Foote-note.Nice

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[MattW]

I was lucky enough to have a private entrance from my sons house which backs onto the oval. Had some nice cold long necks and a crisp chardy as the sun went down and the oval settled into near darkness.

The wind was very strong at times and was probably an old fashioned 5 goals worth for much of the 2nd Q (we were opposite the main stand). A few high kicks almost drifted backward!

Sinclair looked raring to go. Naismith good in the first half. Florent looked useful although perhaps he stood out because I was trying to work out who 53 was. Allir was a mixture of promising brilliance and embarrassing stuff ups. I noticed Rose a lot. Running near the ball but rarely getting it. Mexican, Newman, Towers, Hewett all seemed solid enough but I always mix them up. The boys were super pleased when Stoddart kicked his goal. Fox seemed useful enough.

It was great to be able to hear the players talking to each other. Rampe directing traffic: 'Lloydy! Keep moving!' Lloyd just stayed where he was.

Well told, bodgie.

[AB Swannie]

As a teacher, I see these kids every day who do all the work in class, do extra study, ask for feedback, help around the school and are generally nice kids. You really want these kids to do well but when it comes to the crunch in the HSC, they get only average results. I reckon Jordan Foote is this kid at the Swans. He seems like he tries his guts out but when it comes to the crunch he just doesn't cut it. I will be very surprised/worried if he plays any senior footy this year.

[O'Reilly Boy]

Now, I'm a glass half full kind of person, so I tend to see the good things. And last night I saw lots of good things.

The wind was a big factor, which may not have been obvious on the stream. Kicks were either holding up or carrying an extra few metres, which made it difficult for defenders. I thought that this provided a great opportunity to see how Aliir is going as KPD, and he impressed me, particularly when he struggled to get position (because of the wind), he was able to outbody opponents and spoil, and generally looked confident one out. Has that great ability, too, to attack the ball and play on, which he was also able to check on a couple of occasions. Very good signs, I reckon.

Overall, there was a level of early season messiness, but I actually thought that the skills were pretty good: having been to the past three or four intraclub days at Henson, this was the most impressive performance of the lot. Handskills in particular seemed strong. My impression was that the team is moving the ball well out of defence, playing quite direct, rather than down the lines. Not so much switching across the backline, although on a handful of handover transitions players found themselves loose along a wing and we seemed pretty efficient delivering to them.

GWS played a good second quarter, dominating the clearances and making good use of the breeze (which was worth three or four goals, I think), but we tightened up on them in the guts after half time.

Rampe was outstanding, marshalling the defenders. Can't see any shift into the midfield for him; he uses at least 60% of his energy directing traffic from FB. The others must be getting sick of the sound of his voice. I know I was.
Mellican and Smith solid. The defensive unit, even without Grundy, McVeigh and Mills, was well-organised and executing cleanly.
Fox was sharp off HB flank.
Kizza was lively in traffic and tackled well.
Papley was everywhere. He has some motor. I'm not surprised that he suffered from compartmentalitis: he looks like a sock stuffed with macadamia nuts.
Rohan looked very good, playing both forward and back. Strong chasing and tackling pressure. One of the few players to earn a round of applause from the crowd after one series of second and third efforts.
Sinclair is increasingly a key figure in the team, clearly loved by his team-mates and having a good dig both in the middle and in front of goal.
McCartin confirmed my earlier impressions. Every bit the footballer. Terrific build and getting plenty of the ball. Fits right in, and I reckon will get a game earlier rather than later.
Hewett impressed: strong through the hips and nice hands.
Lloyd looked very, very smooth.
Harry Marsh looked nippy and composed. We could do a lot worse than him as a depth defender.
Cunningham is interesting. I rate him morehighly than Nico does. I thought that he put himself in good places and broke lines a bit.
It was terrific seeing Stoddard kick his goal. He only came on late, having spent the first half looking like a caged tiger in the back of the players' box, but looked useful playing off a wing and providing a bit of zip in that link role out of traffic. It was great seeing him and McCartin buddying up in the huddle just before play got underway: what a moment for the young ones.
Kennedy and Parker were machines, playing a lot of minutes and in the thick of it. Good signs for them.
Reid contested well and clunked a couple. Buddy was Buddy, and took one great contested mark above shoulder level. Played more or less the entire first half.
Towers started well and then seemed to fade out of the game a bit.
Rose seemed composed and did little things well. Good second efforts to recover plays that broke down a bit.
Loeb ran Naismith around a bit, pulling him up the ground and exposing him a bit.
Quiet evenings from Newman and O'Riordan.
Florent, demoted to #53, looked a bit fumbly, but was well up on his toes and looking likely.
Foote . . . meh. A role player looking for a role. Robinson, too, did not stand out, although I do think that there is upside for him. Clearly Horse rates both of them, and they strike me as being a bit in the Craig Bird mold: a bit workmanlike, and perhaps a bit sacrificial

Overall, I loved the evening, in all its shambolicness. The scoreboard packed up, along with the lights I think just before half-time. The food stalls ran out of food. Several times I thought that the big planes surging out of the ground behind the southern hill weren't going to make it. At half time, even as the announcer requested that no-one go on the field, dozens of kids were streaming over the fence. There were about six announcements 'reminding' them to get off, all to no avail. The teams didn't leave the ground, having their half-time meetings out in front of us as the kids kick-to-kicked around them. Dogs streamed across the hill. The game was cut short because of the lights, the players shook hands, unwound strapping, the kids streamed onto the ground, and suddenly everyone was back in position and the game restarted. Poor Settlefield came up the race just in front of us in a world of pain and grief. No-one deserves that. Schneider is coaching for GWS (Didn't know that �and I see that Aamon B and Jason Saddington are also involved).

So, roll on the season. We have a useful-looking group, with some quality cattle to come back. I hope that Hannebery's body isn't too broken. I forget how young he is, really, and how much football he's played.

[rojo]

Thanks ORB. Really appreciate your report and observations. Oh to be reminded of 'grass-roots-like' footy. Did the live stream come back online I wonder!! I suspect not!

[longmile]

I was lucky enough to have a private entrance from my sons house which backs onto the oval. Had some nice cold long necks and a crisp chardy as the sun went down and the oval settled into near darkness.

The wind was very strong at times and was probably an old fashioned 5 goals worth for much of the 2nd Q (we were opposite the main stand). A few high kicks almost drifted backward!

Sinclair looked raring to go. Naismith good in the first half. Florent looked useful although perhaps he stood out because I was trying to work out who 53 was. Allir was a mixture of promising brilliance and embarrassing stuff ups. I noticed Rose a lot. Running near the ball but rarely getting it. Mexican, Newman, Towers, Hewett all seemed solid enough but I always mix them up. The boys were super pleased when Stoddart kicked his goal. Fox seemed useful enough.

It was great to be able to hear the players talking to each other. Rampe directing traffic: 'Lloydy! Keep moving!' Lloyd just stayed where he was.

Sounds like a beautiful evening Bodgie

[liz]

For those who couldn't get to Henson Park, or watch the stream live, the Swans now have each quarter up on their website, including the mysterious fourth period that was played almost as an afterthought. Mind you, the video for that is just a blank screen. Not sure if that reflects the fact they played the game in the dark, that they didn't actually record it, or that it is just a temporary technical glitch. Hopefully the last.

[TheMase]

For those who couldn't get to Henson Park, or watch the stream live, the Swans now have each quarter up on their website, including the mysterious fourth period that was played almost as an afterthought. Mind you, the video for that is just a blank screen. Not sure if that reflects the fact they played the game in the dark, that they didn't actually record it, or that it is just a temporary technical glitch. Hopefully the last.

I had the same problem with the Swans site Liz. I watched the 4th quarter on the GWS website, though it was largely uneventful (no goals scored).

[Scottee]

I just want to say that I thought Ryley looked a very likely type.I am on the bandwagon.

Also Ben Ronke showed great skill with his dribble goal, which seemed very deliberate. I will be keeping an eye on him too.Could be a real surprise packet, especially now that he has bulked up a bit.

Sent from my SM-T805Y using Tapatalk

[Ludwig]

We've only had a small slice of competitive footy to go on, but it's all looking very good a month out from the season's start.

Rampe is looking very sharp. I hope we do give him a bit more freedom to operate off the halfback line.
Sam Reid is looking fit and sharp, as is Rohan, who played very aggressively all game. He can be a real weapon when he attacks the player with ball coming at such pace.
Both Lloyd and Hewett coming off excellent seasons looking to take it to another level this year. Hewett has been a real workhorse showing up all over the ground.
Despite missing many targets by foot, Cunningham seems intent on fixing his weaknesses of lack of involvement and physicality. He's made a point of being in a lot of the play, using his pace and tacking well.
Towers also looks intent on holding his spot in the side with a more physical and active game.
Melican was very solid, picking up from where he left off last year.
If Aliir can keep his error rate down, he can be a game changer with the ability to break the game open.
Naismith seems fit and doing well in the ruck.
McCartin looks to be a great 2nd round pick. He was far from unnoticed and could have easily gone earlier. It's hard to find top quality key forwards with pace and endurance. He could well be one of the big finds in the draft.
The little we saw of Stoddart was quite encouraging. Runs hard and kicks well. Looks like the high draft pick he was expected to be. Nice get at pick 53.
I don't know what Ling's injury is, but the word from Hanners is that he was looking sharp before the injury.
So this just might be yet another solid draft for us.
We were missing half of our usual midfield and it was hardly noticeable. Heeney, Mills, Jones and Hanners still to come.


Our skills were off, but that's normal for this time of year. Nonetheless, we looked fit and ready to play. We don't seem to have too many injuries and the ones we do have don't sound too serious, although I wouldn't mind getting some news on Dawson and Ling. Dawson would be one we would expect to seriously challenge for a senior spot this season given that he was our best reserves player last year.


PS: I agree with The Runner and Liz on the current game. I've watched a number of those classic finals from the 70s and even the best games looked drab compared to the modern game.

[CureTheSane]

I always saw more positives in the good, exciting and random things that Allir did, than the negatives in the errors.
obviously the coaching staff saw it differently as is their official reasoning, but I still think there was more involved behind the scenes that has hindered his game time and progress.

[Markwebbos]

I always saw more positives in the good, exciting and random things that Allir did, than the negatives in the errors.
obviously the coaching staff saw it differently as is their official reasoning, but I still think there was more involved behind the scenes that has hindered his game time and progress.

Callum Mills said that Aliir had much more serious injury issues last year than people realised. I really hope they can find a role for him this year.

[Aaron]

For those who couldn't get to Henson Park, or watch the stream live, the Swans now have each quarter up on their website, including the mysterious fourth period that was played almost as an afterthought. Mind you, the video for that is just a blank screen. Not sure if that reflects the fact they played the game in the dark, that they didn't actually record it, or that it is just a temporary technical glitch. Hopefully the last.

Practice Match: Q4 - GWSGIANTS.com.au (http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/video/2018-02-23/practice-match-q4)
The Q4 plays OK at the Giants' site.

[jono2707]

I, for one, enjoyed the match, and it was a useful early season hit out. Yes skills weren't great, as to he expected any time in a pre-season, but it would have been a valuable run around for the more experienced players, and a good indication of what the younger guys can expect.

I liked Aliir, Ramps and Towers, and Sinclair really stood out. Hopefully he'll have a good consistent year and he must feel more comfy with his job security. Melican looks assured too, and I think he'll have another good year.

And has someone started the McCartin bandwagon yet? The kid can play. Toot toot - get on board.....

[707]

If McCartin plays this well against quality AFL players then if he was born two days later I can only imagine he would have been ultra impressive against U18s this year and therefore probably a high draft pick. We may already be in front at the 2018 ND!

[chalbilto]

If McCartin plays this well against quality AFL players then if he was born two days later I can only imagine he would have been ultra impressive against U18s this year and therefore probably a high draft pick. We may already be in front at the 2018 ND!

Especially if we get Nick Blakey. Now that would be a real bonus.

[O'Reilly Boy]

And has someone started the McCartin bandwagon yet? The kid can play. Toot toot - get on board.....

Refer to my post mid-January. All aboard. He will get a start much sooner than later.

[bloodspirit]

Just got around to watching the stream of the interclub. I thought some of the usual suspects (Rampe, Hewett, Lloyd) excelled. Newman was handy, so was Fox. I liked what I saw of McCartin, including his goal on the run. Stoddart was lively but a bit of a lightweight. Ronke kicked a nice goal. I liked what I saw from Robinson better than what I saw from Foote. Sinclair was quite involved. None of the fringe players really commanded attention. Aliir was his usual self, exciting at times with some good intercept marks and run but also some errors and lack of discipline and lapses in focus.

Probably the most exciting young player in the match was Bonar, for GWS. He was impressive. Powerful, fast, strong tackles. Good prospect.

The commentary was not perfect but I enjoyed the interviews with the players that they had sitting in the commentary box. Callum Mills had a sharp sense of humour, I enjoyed his digs at Sinclair's 'helmet' hair and 'Lego man' look. The questions were pretty good but they could have pressed to get better answers.

[liz]

The commentary was not perfect but I enjoyed the interviews with the players that they had sitting in the commentary box. Callum Mills had a sharp sense of humour, I enjoyed his digs at Sinclair's 'helmet' hair and 'Lego man' look. The questions were pretty good but they could have pressed to get better answers.

Was that not Towers that Mills was referring to?