#AFL Round 18 Dockers v Swans Sat 20-Jul at Optus Stadium #AFLDockersSwans @sydneyswans

[ugg]

Fremantle Dockers (7W9L 13th) v Sydney Swans (6W10L 14th)
Saturday 20th July 8:10pm AEST
Optus Stadium

Fremantle
|||
B:|14. Nathan Wilson|21. Joel Hamling|38. Luke Ryan
HB:|19. Connor Blakely|44. Taylin Duman|15. Ethan Hughes
C:|9. Bradley Hill|6. Reece Conca|26. Ed Langdon
HF:|18. Darcy Tucker|10. Michael Walters|39. Sam Switkowski
F:|3. Brandon Matera|37. Rory Lobb|23. Cam McCarthy
Foll:|31. Aaron Sandilands|5. Adam Cerra|16. David Mundy
Int:|2. Griffin Logue|8. Andrew Brayshaw|34. Brett Bewley
|4. Sean Darcy
Emg:|35. Jason Carter|33. Travis Colyer|12. Mitch Crowden
|28. Lachie Schultz


In: Bewley, Duman, Logue, Sandilands
Out: Travis Colyer (omitted), Nat Fyfe (injured), Stephen Hill (injured), Ryan Nyhuis (omitted)

Sydney
|||
B:|43. Lewis Melican|24. Dane Rampe|38. Colin O'Riordan
HB:|14. Callum Mills|30. Tom McCartin|44. Jake Lloyd
C:|10. Zak Jones|26. Luke Parker|29. George Hewett
HF:|42. Robbie Fox|20. Sam Reid|13. Oliver Florent
F:|9. Will Hayward|22. Nick Blakey|11. Tom Papley
Foll:|36. Aliir Aliir|12. Josh P. Kennedy|5. Isaac Heeney
Int:|41. Hayden McLean|8. James Rowbottom|4. Ryan Clarke|
|33. Ryley Stoddart
Emg:|15. Kieren Jack| 25. Ben Ronke|1.James Rose
|2. Daniel Menzel


In: Clarke, Fox, McLean, Stoddart
Out: Harry Cunningham (injured), Jordan Dawson (suspended), Kieren Jack (omitted), Ben Ronke (omitted)

Umpires: Brett Rosebury (8), Hayden Gavine (14), David Harris (24) Emg: Daniel Johanson (46)


Selected stats from the Footy Live app:


The Dockers conceded 61 points directly from their turnovers against the Hawks last round - their second-worst result recorded this season.
Since Round 12, Fremantle has conceded 40 points per game from its defensive half turnovers - ranked 17th.
The Dockers have applied a pressure factor of 176 this season - ranked 18th. The AFL average is 182.
Since Round 12, Fremantle have scored a goal from 19% of its inside 50 entries - ranked 17th.
Fremantle has retained possession from 59% of Michael Walters kicks inside 50 this season - ranked fourth of the top-50 players to have kicked inside 50.
Nathan Wilson has averaged 506 metres gained this season - ranked sixth in the competition.




The Swans scored just 10 points from its clearances against the Blues last round - their worst result recorded this season.
Since Round 12, the Swans have won the disposal count by 46 per game - ranked No. 1
Since Round 12, Sydney has averaged 57 points from its intercept possessions - ranked third.
The Swans have taken a mark from 21% of their kicks inside 50 this season - ranked equal-third.
Oliver Florent has averaged 4.1 disposals per turnover this season - the worst rate of the top-10 ball winners at the club.
Lewis Melican has lost 34% of his defensive one-on-one contests this season - the fourth-worst percentage of the top-50 players to have defended a contest.



Head-to-head
J.​Longmire 8 R.Lyon 3 (with 1 draw)

[ScottH]

Aliir v Man Giant should be an interesting match up.

[jono2707]

Stephen Hill is an out for them now - replaced by Ethan Hughes.

Every little bit helps....

[undy]

Thread title caused panic.
Its at Optus in WA folks, don't panic.

[707]

Posted elsewhere, the youngest Sydney team since R8 1997

[Meg]

Thread title caused panic.
Its at Optus in WA folks, don't panic.

Haha! Otherwise the boys face a long flight back tonight in order to make the game!

[Markwebbos]

Posted elsewhere, the youngest Sydney team since R8 1997

Wow!

[707]

If we win tonight we go ahead of Freo on the ladder and slip further down the draft order :-( Got mixed feeling about this game now!

[stellation]

Posted elsewhere, the youngest Sydney team since R8 1997

Remarkable both in how young we are for this game, and what a sustained stretch of success we've had to not be playing too many youngsters.

[Ludwig]

If we win tonight we go ahead of Freo on the ladder and slip further down the draft order :-( Got mixed feeling about this game now!The best result is to play well, but lose because of biased umpiring. If we do in fact lose, I'm sure most RWOers will blame the umpires regardless. So hopefully the umpires will give us some help in securing better players in the draft, while simultaneously helping Ross Lyon keep his job.

[MattW]

The best result is to play well, but lose because of biased umpiring. If we do in fact lose, I'm sure most RWOers will blame the umpires regardless. So hopefully the umpires will give us some help in securing better players in the draft, while simultaneously helping Ross Lyon keep his job.

I hope we win. For the following reasons:
* Winning is always fun and enhances the weekend
* Winning in Perth will be good for a young team
* Love beating Perth-based teams, whose crowds are pretty rabid
* Hate losing to Lyon, and we rarely do.

[jono2707]

I too hope we win, for the following reasons:
* Whenever you play footy (or any other sport for that matter), you play to win.

[Ralph Dawg]

If we win, it will prove the hit out is over rated, considering we won't be winning too many.

[Markwebbos]

The best result is to play well, but lose because of biased umpiring. If we do in fact lose, I'm sure most RWOers will blame the umpires regardless. So hopefully the umpires will give us some help in securing better players in the draft, while simultaneously helping Ross Lyon keep his job.

Helping Ross Lyon lose his job is motivation enough for wanting us to win tonight. Hate the man, despite his connections to the Swans. Is there a way we can win, but go down the ladder? Melbourne to smash the Weagles. Saints ditto with the Dogs. Carlton to beat GCS and Ross the Boss to get the sack! (we might not go down, but we wouldn't be any worse off)

[Bloods05]

Helping Ross Lyon lose his job is motivation enough for wanting us to win tonight. Hate the man, despite his connections to the Swans. Is there a way we can win, but go down the ladder? Melbourne to smash the Weagles. Saints ditto with the Dogs. Carlton to beat GCS and Ross the Boss to get the sack! (we might not go down, but we wouldn't be any worse off)

Why do you hate him?

[Markwebbos]

Why do you hate him?

Just think he's too ruthless, too cynical, too cold blooded.

[Meg]

My TV sports viewing is a bit crowded tonight. Swans v Freo, Australian women Ashes test match and Aussie women WC netball semi final v Sth Africa all start at 8pm, and the TDF at 8.30pm!

I will camp on the Swans channel with some surfing in ad breaks.

[Bexl]

I too hope we win, for the following reasons:
* Whenever you play footy (or any other sport for that matter), you play to win.

Massive +1

[ugg]

No changes

Starting bench is Rowbottom Hayward Fox Stoddart

[Foreign Legion]

I hope Stoddart gets a good run at it. He is probably the best young bloke we have that is untried - Ling might be better but hardly seen him

[Markwebbos]

Did I see McLean (41) warming up with the mids?

[Ludwig]

Did I see McLean (41) warming up with the mids?The latest article about McLean identifies him as a ruckman who has come in to replace Sinclair. I don't know if the writers just do their thing, or check with Horse first.

[Auntie.Gerald]

I can’t get any coverage of the game on the AFL app ?

Other games playing no probs

[Legs Akimbo]

I can’t get any coverage of the game on the AFL app ?

Other games playing no probs

Same issue

[Ralph Dawg]

I can’t get any coverage of the game on the AFL app ?

Other games playing no probs
+1

[Scottee]

Same issueDitto!!!!!!!

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[Ralph Dawg]

McLean holding his own in the ruck. Maybe the MC knows something we all don't!

[Markwebbos]

McLean holding his own in the ruck. Maybe the MC knows something we all don't!

I'm very happy to see Toothpaste rucking. He's had a couple of touches around the ground too.

[Meg]

A Saxon goal!

[KellysHeroes]

Twice in 5 minutes that Zac Jones has given away a free kick. Does he think he can break every tackle every week?

[0918330512]

How often does Jones not choose the first option when he’s on the burst the tries to do something cute and buggers it up or gets caught (often while he’s spinning the ball in hand or pointing downfield to imaginary potential targets)?

Either that or undisciplined aggression

[KellysHeroes]

+1

[Meg]

Who is this Blakely player? I can see Blakey on the ground - so do we have 19 players?

[Markwebbos]

McLean on 36 fantasy points already (#2 on ground)

[Markwebbos]

Swans pressure huge.

[Ralph Dawg]

Good to see the boys tackling tonight.

[Markwebbos]

Reckon McLean will be playing next week!

[Foreign Legion]

McLean doing well - hope he can run the game out. We MUST use Reid when the ruck contest is within 30M of goal.

Rampe is an incredible player - I say it to myself every time I see him play.

[Mark26]

McLean doing well - hope he can run the game out. We MUST use Reid when the ruck contest is within 30M of goal.

Rampe is an incredible player - I say it to myself every time I see him play.

+1

[Mel_C]

To be fair Jones had no one to kick to up forward. It would have gone straight to a Docker. But I do agree in general he is caught a lot.

[stevoswan]

I'm not watching but it can't be a great game to witness.....10 to 7 in a whole quarter. Yes/no?

[707]

McLean a revelation, looks like he can play, wouldn't know it was his first game looking at what he's doing, good choice MC. Look so much better with Aliir back

[dejavoodoo44]

Would be nice to be further in front. Hopefully our forwards will come good, rather than us paying for not taking advantage of our momentum. McLean looking better than what he looks in the reserves. Midfield playing well and the defence right on top. Maybe Fremantle went a bit too tall?

[Meg]

I'm not watching but it can't be a great game to witness.....10 to 7 in a whole quarter. Yes/no?

No, great to watch! Immense pressure by Swans, should have been much further ahead.

[waswan]

All the ball no score
No method forward of centre

[Markwebbos]

Thats going to happen I guess (Sandilands to Walters)

- - - Updated - - -

I hate to be the first one, but the umpiring is @@@@house

[Swannette]

Watching on phone for 5 mins and already watched 2 dockers drop the ball and no free; Hayward tackle not rewarded. This comp is becoming a farce.


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[Daisi]

The effort has been great, but the question is how long can it continue? However, I'm pretty entertained...enjoying it so far...

[waswan]

Alir too casual, 2 silly mistakes when we are moving forward

[Legs Akimbo]

Alir has made a lot of errors

[Markwebbos]

I love the Lizard's breakneck runs.

- - - Updated - - -

Fox's mark wasn't bad either!

[stevoswan]

I hate to be the first one, but the umpiring is @@@@house

Well.....we are in Perth.:frown

[Markwebbos]

Is kicking in danger not a thing anymore?

[Meg]

Is kicking in danger not a thing anymore?

Apparently not.

[0918330512]

Is kicking in danger not a thing anymore?

To be fair, both sides have been guilty of it

[Daisi]

In Alir's defence = his mistakes could be a result of fatigue due to rucking over the last couple of weeks? We sometimes forget we're talking about young players with limited experience...This is a fun game I think...both sides are young and giving their all, and quite well matched...

[Markwebbos]

It's a great game to watch

[Meg]

And another Saxon goal! [emoji122]

[goswannies]

Who is this Blakely player? I can see Blakey on the ground - so do we have 19 players?

Connor Blakely from Freo?

[troyjones2525]

If Rowbottom continues to develop and the coaches keep giving him an opportunity to play in the middle he is going to be one hell of a great selection in the 2nd round by us!

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[Markwebbos]

If Rowbottom continues to develop and the coaches keep giving him an opportunity to play in the middle he is going to be one hell of a great selection in the 2nd round!

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He's made 3 excellent long kicks. McLean is going insanely well for a first gamer!

[stevoswan]

McLean's stats so far: 5 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 11 hit out's and 75 fantasy points before half time. Impressive.

[707]

He's made 3 excellent long kicks. McLean is going insanely well for a first gamer!that was picked up in the pre season!

[Markwebbos]

Hayden McLean BOG at halftime

[swannymum]

Apparently Aliir is not well, has been vomiting, no wonder he isn’t as sharp as usual

[stevoswan]

Half time and we have 5 free kicks.....mind you they only have 8.....but 5 in a half of footy? As I said earlier, I'm not watching the match....:smile:

[Mark26]

McLean is putting his hand up to play again next week. I remember Horse saying that he was a competitor. He's certainly shown that. Stoddart has had some good / bad moments. Hope he retains his spot. I'm liking Fox too. He's having a ripper.

[Scottee]

McLean has hugely exceeded my expectations as a ruckman after watching him in the ressies. Glad to be totally wrong. Looks like we have picked up another one :)

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[Meg]

And the Aussie women are 7/408 in 1st inns. Wow! Ashes in the kitbag. Diamonds are 3 goals up last quarter- ooh tight match.

[dejavoodoo44]

If Rowbottom continues to develop and the coaches keep giving him an opportunity to play in the middle he is going to be one hell of a great selection in the 2nd round by us!

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Yes, done a lot of good things tonight.

- - - Updated - - -


McLean's stats so far: 5 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 11 hit out's and 75 fantasy points before half time. Impressive.

Not sure if he's ever got 75 fantasy points in a NEAFL game? Though there, he largely plays deep forward.

[waswan]

+1

[Mel_C]

What a difference it makes being able to play Reid forward and Aliir back. It changes our structures. And McLean is doing well in the ruck. Hopefully Aliir is ok with his illness.

I'm disappointed in McCartin today. But he's only young and I'm sure he will improve in the second half.

I think Blakey's hands can't keep up with his feet when he runs and bounces the ball! I love when he goes on those long runs.

Go Swans, keep it up 😊.

[dejavoodoo44]

I think that Freo only getting three goals in a half, is a good indication of how well our defence is playing. Rampe superb once again, with good assistance from Lloyd, Mills, O'Riordan and Aliir. Also glad that Stoddart was able to show his class just before half time: firstly winning a tough ground ball, to start the move that ended up with Reid goaling, and then hitting Fox with a lovely pass for another goal.
On the other hand, us scoring only five goals, is probably not a reflection of the game. Should be a bit further in front. McLean playing a fun debut. Kennedy, Parker and Rowbottom good in the middle. Heeney starting to impose himself. Hopefully, one or two of our forwards will impose themselves in the second half and we'll kick away.

[Markwebbos]

That passage of play was sublime. Hope McCartin can kick it...

Nah

[Danzar]

The worst part of our game this season has been our disposal, with kicks to a turnover the absolute worst. Tonight our handballs are sublime.

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[Daisi]

Arghhhhh Papley...! Gotta think before kicking...

[Markwebbos]

Swans kicking inside 50 appalling

- - - Updated - - -


Arghhhhh Papley...! Gotta think before kicking...

He did but missed

[Agent 86]

Arghhhhh Papley...! Gotta think before kicking...

Better when he doesn’t. Think, that is. Wasteful so far…

[stevoswan]

And the Aussie women are 7/408 in 1st inns. Wow! Ashes in the kitbag. Diamonds are 3 goals up last quarter- ooh tight match.

A big scare....win by 2. Phew!

[Agent 86]

Groundhog Day with that Papley kick

[Mel]

Fair dinkum Papley’s off tonight. Why does he keep kicking to three Freo players at the top of the square. Better option to kick at goal since Freo end up with it anyway

[Legs Akimbo]

Our forward line is not functioning.

[stevoswan]

Dominating except on the scoreboard! Sheese....

[waswan]

abouth the 5th time going forward we have slipped, dropped a mark or turned it over with disposal

wouldnt be a fwd for quids

[Daisi]

Is anybody else laughing? Seriously silly mistakes, from both teams. Typical of young players, very entertaining..and regardless of result, a very good experience for our players...Terrible disposal from our team, they seem to be getting a bit fatigued.

[Agent 86]

Turnovers gonna cost us. Again.

[Daisi]

Our forward line is not functioning.

Excellent point. Defence is coping quite well, but will eventually lose energy....forward entries woeful.

[troyjones2525]

Geez, an AFLW team would outscore us!

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[Swannette]

Fair dinkum we are useless


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[KellysHeroes]

So much effort for so little reward at this stage. Turnovers are killing us.

[Swannette]

Skills, composure, structure and smarts were left on the plane, sadly


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[KellysHeroes]

Looking that way

[Agent 86]

Lots of effort. Little reward. Think we’re gonna run out of steam / but enjoying having a crack. Just need more composure up front.

[Foreign Legion]

Papley is the key is this qtr - get it to him and he might get it done.

McLean doing well

[Mel]

It's a great game to watch
I disagree. Long periods of poor skills and stupid turnovers, endless stoppages and missed calls by the umpires, rarely punctuated with brief glimpses of exciting, skill full footy. I’m liking the work of young McLean though.

I miss old-style exciting footy. I was reminiscing earlier today of when I got a few of my American friends interested in AFL. I think it’d be hard to convert people on today’s game. I’m probably looking at the past with rose-coloured glasses though

[Mark26]

I see a lot of positives here. Most of our inclusions are having a crack. This is the youngest team we have played in years and they are showing plenty of spirit. We are missing some very good players atm. It's all good for me.

[Mel_C]

Well that was a crap quarter. Nothing went right.

In the first half I thought Freo's talls helped us but that quarter they were the difference and we couldn't stop them up forward.

[Faunac8]

If by chance we could convert a couple of inside 50’s we may still win this

[Faunac8]

If by chance we could convert a couple of inside 50’s we may still win this
Like that from Reid

[KellysHeroes]

What's with the ground? So many players falling over....and seems to be more the Swans players?

[Meg]

Third goal for Saxon!

[Danzar]

Come on Sydney!

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[Faunac8]

Like that from Reid
And that from Nick

[Agent 86]

Like that from Reid

Yes. Yelling at screen - don’t play on! Go back and kick it!

[Meg]

What's with the ground? So many players falling over....and seems to be more the Swans players?

Optus gets very affected by dew, so very slippery. Last week the curator sprayed with some anti-dew substance - and made it worse!

[Agent 86]

Jesus, Sam. How’s he meant to mark that?

[Agent 86]

Paps says slow it down - and then, that kick? Murdering it.

[Markwebbos]

Swans in danger of winning this

[Agent 86]

Winning - but losing. Confusing.

[Faunac8]

That might be a very costly miss

That WAS a very costly miss

[Markwebbos]

If we had 22 Rampes!

[Wardy]

Lloyd’s little kicks which never come off do my head in

[Agent 86]

Cmon Lukey.

[Daisi]

You know I think a draw would be a fair result here...nooooo...don't let them win with a free kick....

[Legs Akimbo]

Lloyd’s little kicks which never come off do my head in

He has been putrid today.

[Markwebbos]

Is that the perfect score for us?

[Legs Akimbo]

Is that the perfect score for us?

No I wanted us to win it

[Bexl]

Is that the perfect score for us?
@@@@ off No

- - - Updated - - -


Is that the perfect score for us?
@@@@ off No

- - - Updated - - -


Is that the perfect score for us?
@@@@ off No

[jono2707]

Good effort but to only score 51 points is not good enough.

[troyjones2525]

That was a bad loss... we shouldn't have lost that one, we were the far better team for a lot longer. We are struggling to know how to win games now which is a bit of a worry.

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[Mel]

Urgh.

I really need somebody to explain these new rules to me. What happened to holding the ball? What about that (not called) deliberate at the end there?

That surface is awful. Nobody could keep their feet. A miserable game

[Bexl]

Is that the perfect score for us?
I repeat @@@@ off no.
ALWAYS WANT TO WIN AND EVERY SUPPORTER SHOULD WANT THAT!

[mcs]

Gosh we were unlucky in that last couple of passages of play..... maggots swallowed their whistles late.

Frustrating game yet again. If we had of used our opportunities early in the match, could have been a very comfortable win.

[Blood Fever]

Urgh.

I really need somebody to explain these new rules to me. What happened to holding the ball? What about that (not called) deliberate at the end there?

That surface is awful. Nobody could keep their feet. A miserable game

Umpires too gutless to pay 2 obvious holding the ball against Freo. Infuriating!

[mcs]

Urgh.

I really need somebody to explain these new rules to me. What happened to holding the ball? What about that (not called) deliberate at the end there?

That surface is awful. Nobody could keep their feet. A miserable game

That one about 60 metres out from goal with a couple to go was as blatant as you would ever see for holding the ball. Its a joke of a rule now.

[Swannette]

Someone said we took a huge step forward in the way we were playing - are these people for real? Have they picked some random off the street to commentate? Baffling how poor the performance of everyone to do with this comp has been this year. Again, 'fans shoukd be pleased' what garbage.


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[Faunac8]

After a four week stretch where we looked like we may have turned the corner the last month has been a bit disappointing. Time to tank and give some peripheral players a chance to see what they can do. I also don’t want to see Lance play again this year. We have 2 or at best 3 years for him to be part of a realistic premiership challenge let’s put him on ice for 2019

[707]

That was a bad loss... we shouldn't have lost that one, we were the far better team for a lot longer. We are struggling to know how to win games now which is a bit of a worry.
Youngest Swans team since 1997, nuff sed

McLean looks very promising, maybe not ruck next season but KP, knows how to play

Stoddart might just be a very good NEAFL player and no more?

[Legs Akimbo]

Some positives in that game but a lot if negatives too. Stoddart just got reminded of the step up. MacLean hopefully had a great game. Hopefully first of many. Overall too many brain fades and poor kicking for goal (seems like a problem every week). We should have won that game but they just seem way down on confidence. Can't get run ons but get run over.

[Auntie.Gerald]

I thought we played courageously with the 22 we had out there

Great effort in super slippery conditions

[mcs]

I thought we played courageously with the 22 we had out there

Great effort

Effort fantastic - composure at times down, and skill errors average at critical times. Plenty to take out of it, but still so ffrustrating to lose a game we really could have won comfortably.

Gee I like the look of Rowbottom as a player - still raw but every game he has 2 or 3 moments that you make you go 'this kid will be a star'. Genuinely good kick of the footy too.

[Swannette]

Gerard Healy is becoming an enabler of umpiring underperformance and I cannot stand it. This old boys club fondness for dismissing blatant missed frees as some kind of badge of honour for the beneficiary is very 1980s and freaking wrong.


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[Agent 86]

We should have won that game but they just seem way down on confidence. Can't get run ons but get run over.

Actually, for once, we didn’t get run over as I’d feared. Created lots of opportunities - just fluffed them.

[Ralph Dawg]

We actually did ok. Just let ourselves down with the last kick in forward 50 and crap kicking for goal (as usual). We were pretty hard at the contest and generating decent run out of defence. Also discovered a potential KP / ruck in McLean who was amazing considering it was his first game and he was giving away alot of height and weight. Hayward did a few nice things and Ollie looked a bit better tonight. Hate losing but that wasn't as bad as the insipid performance against the Blues last week.

[Faunac8]

No discernible difference in most of the key stats apart from one that really stood out Freo 62 1%ers Sydney 42. Swans were probably lucky to be within 1 point based on that

[Blood Fever]

I thought we played courageously with the 22 we had out there

Great effort in super slippery conditions

We were the better team. Wasted a lot of.chances. Umpires weakened late in the last quarter.

[goswannies]

No Buddy. A debutant ruckman (and all our other genuine talks inhabiting the rehab room) against 3 experienced Freo ruckmen-sized monsters. A transitioning backline - not hugely experienced (nearly all our mainstay defenders that have been lauded for the last half decade are either injured or retired) nor tall (given the size of the opposition forwards). A bunch of kids who have 1-3 years experience. One of our best recent ball users (Dawson) was in the naughty corner for the week. Scrappy yes. High pressure for 4 quarters yes! From both sides - the home side playing for a faint sniff at finals. I’m not unhappy tonight. I can’t fault my teams endeavour, effort or intensity. The execution? Sure, room for improvement, but we are young and we’re building for 2020 not salvaging 2019.

[rojo]

I agree with Meg. Urgh! So many opportunities up forward just wasted. Some amazing efforts finished off with abysmal kicks in, almost never to advantage. And Lloyd's point! Urgh!

[Daisi]

No Buddy. A debutant ruckman (and all our other genuine talks inhabiting the rehab room) against 3 experienced Freo ruckmen-sized monsters. A transitioning backline - not hugely experienced nor tall (given the size of the opposition forwards). A bunch of kids who have 1-3 years experience. Scrappy yes. High pressure for 4 quarters yes! From both sides - the home side playing for a faint sniff at finals. I’m not unhappy tonight. I can’t fault my teams endeavour, effort or intensity. The execution? Sure, from for improvement, but we are young and we’re building for 2020 not salvaging 2019.


My sentiments exactly- well said.

[Mel]

Gerard Healy is becoming an enabler of umpiring underperformance and I cannot stand it. This old boys club fondness for dismissing blatant missed frees as some kind of badge of honour for the beneficiary is very 1980s and freaking wrong.


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We commented on this tonight too “xxx taken high there...” *free kick not paid* “...almost”. “Almost a throw there”, “almost ducked there” etc. I had to mute the Tele for the majority of the game.

[Markwebbos]

I actually took a fair few positives out of that. Particularly Rowbottom, McLean, Reid kicking straight was a bonus. Thought Hayward had a better game too.

We got smashed in the clearances as the game wore on, which is a worry, and we have a pretty dysfunctional forward line, which isn't a total surprise when you consider how young it is.

The side was the youngest in 22 years, so I don't think people should be too despondent.

[Agent 86]

Umpires too gutless to pay 2 obvious holding the ball against Freo. Infuriating!

Yeah, they shat themselves after the 50. Let a few HTBs go - but we escaped a few too (eg high tackles). I thought umps were pretty good considering the hostile crowd.

[Mel_C]

How disappointing was that?? We couldn't even get a point at the end 😞. We certainly had our chances.

We should have been paid holding the ball in that last run forward. They rarely paid it tonight when they should've. It's so frustrating.

Walters sure likes to play for frees. He is better than that.

Reid had another good game. He is our only forward that is likely to kick a goal.

Papley stuffed up his passes inside 50 and they went straight to Freo.

Next game is Geelong...oh dear!

[707]

Pick 5 now almost a certainty :-)

[Agent 86]

Next game is Geelong...oh dear!

Get to the SCG. I’ve got a good feeling an upset is coming!

[Bloods05]

How disappointing was that?? We couldn't even get a point at the end 😞. We certainly had our chances.

We should have been paid holding the ball in that last run forward. They rarely paid it tonight when they should've. It's so frustrating.

Walters sure likes to play for frees. He is better than that.

Reid had another good game. He is our only forward that is likely to kick a goal.

Papley stuffed up his passes inside 50 and they went straight to Freo.

Next game is Geelong...oh dear!

Would not be at all surprised if we beat Geelong.

[0918330512]

Enough whinging about the umpiring already. Both sides had a right to feel aggrieved about some decisions tonight. 15:13 frees. Close enough. You lose by a point and all it really means is either team could have won it. A lucky (or un-lucky) kick or passage of play is all that decides the game, not the perceived umpiring injustices.

- - - Updated - - -


Get to the SCG. I’ve got a good feeling an upset is coming!
If you mean “upset” about our home ground record there over the last 2 years, I sure am

[troyjones2525]

Youngest Swans team since 1997, nuff sed

McLean looks very promising, maybe not ruck next season but KP, knows how to play

Stoddart might just be a very good NEAFL player and no more?I still think Stoddart can play. We need to show faith and not drop him after one quiet game. Look how much Rowbottom has improved since his first couple of senior games. Jordan Dawson started out slowly as well but after given a good run has gotten used to the AFL game and has become one of our most important players. We need to give him games right to the end of the season, hopefully he'll show something more towards the end.

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[Bloods05]

Fox was good.

[Mel]

Enough whinging about the umpiring already. Both sides had a right to feel aggrieved about some decisions tonight. 15:13 frees. Close enough. You lose by a point and all it really means is either team could have won it. A lucky (or un-lucky) kick or passage of play is all that decides the game, not the perceived umpiring injustices.



Didn’t decide the game, I didn’t say nor believe it, we were our worst enemies tonight. But it’s so hard to enjoy watching a game where the rules change week to week, it’s too subjective.

[Mel_C]

Get to the SCG. I’ve got a good feeling an upset is coming!
I wish I could...I'm in Melbourne. I'll be cheering loudly from home with my Geelong supporting brother 😊.

[Mel]

I still think Stoddart can play. We need to show faith and not drop him after one quiet game. Look how much Rowbottom has improved since his first couple of senior games. Jordan Dawson started out slowly as well but after given a good run has gotten used to the AFL game and has become one of our most important players. We need to give him games right to the end of the season, hopefully he'll show something more towards the end.

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You reminded me - I thought a few times tonight 5hat we missed Dawson and that beautiful kick. He might have been able to make our forward look a little better with his delivery

[Blood Fever]

Someone said we took a huge step forward in the way we were playing - are these people for real? Have they picked some random off the street to commentate? Baffling how poor the performance of everyone to do with this comp has been this year. Again, 'fans shoukd be pleased' what garbage.

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You obviously don't appreciate heart and effort. Strange.

[Agent 86]

I wish I could...I'm in Melbourne. I'll be cheering loudly from home with my Geelong supporting brother [emoji4].

We’ll still hear you!

[0918330512]

Didn’t decide the game, I didn’t say nor believe it, we were our worst enemies tonight. But it’s so hard to enjoy watching a game where the rules change week to week, it’s too subjective.
I wasn’t singling you - or anyone else - out. The weekly umpire whinge is tedious being my only gripe. I agree that it can be frustrating to watch.

[Blood Fever]

Gerard Healy is becoming an enabler of umpiring underperformance and I cannot stand it. This old boys club fondness for dismissing blatant missed frees as some kind of badge of honour for the beneficiary is very 1980s and freaking wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree. It's all about the brand. Umps now protected species.

[Scottee]

Florent played his worst ever game for us tonight with McCartin a close second. They both look like they badly need a break.Florent exemplified the problems half the team seemed to have kicking to advantage with only 40% effective disposals. Bizarrely, Clarke had an 80% disposal efficiency. Strange days indeed.

Inexperience was the main reason we lost tonight but it was a good experience for a young team to fight out a close one and it appears that we have picked up a player in McLean.Can't complain really, we are clearly in a development phase and making progress.

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[mcs]

I wasn’t singling you - or anyone else - out. The weekly umpire whinge is tedious being my only gripe. I agree that it can be frustrating to watch.

Sadly its a weekly whine because weekly we see the same old crap over and over. Inconsistency of it all is what frustrates me the most. Not arguing they won or lost the game either way tonight - but its annoying to see calls waved on that were blatant (like that holding the ball towards the end) because its a close game.

[grarmy]

Hayward did a few nice things....

Nothing like the impact he had last year. He miss kicks targets. Should be doing better IMHO.

[Mel_C]

I was wondering what changes we would make next week and then remembered Dawson. He will be a welcome inclusion. As someone mentioned above his kicking would have been handy tonight.

[Nico]

For the third week in a row our finishing cost us the game. Did someone say Hayward did some nice things. For mine he was our worst player and that is saying something when you have Melican in the side. Hayward gave us nothing and he doesn't like the hurley burley of the game. Florent was poor and his disposal was even worse. For most of the team you couldn't question the effort, inexperience is one thing but downright poor disposal cannot be forgiven. Papley centred the ball from the pocket 3 times directly to Freo players. No point centreing the ball if there is no one there.

Jake Lloyd had 42 possessions and no tackles. He refuses to move the ball on and rarely kicks more than 20 metres. Some of his piddling kicks were based on poor decisons and lack of accuracy. Mind you a lot of stats are from kick outs. And don't mention his sloppy kick for goal.

We outplayed Freo most of the game but it didn't show on the scoreboard. Our backline apart from Melican has been superb but delivery forward from the midfield is rubbish.

I thought Kennedy was very good and again Rampe shone in the backline.

If we get the finishing right, even 20% we will be an infinitely better team, given in all but 2 games we have been in the game at 3Q time. There was te time in the last quarter when Reid tried to pass to Papley with a much taller player on his tail and of course the ball was knocked away.

[0918330512]

Jake Lloyd had 42 possessions and no tackles. He refuses to move the ball on and rarely kicks more than 20 metres. Some of his piddling kicks were based on poor decisons and lack of accuracy. Mind you a lot of stats are from kick outs. And don't mention his sloppy kick for goal.

Well, while you’re graciously not mentioning that, also don’t mention he is a defender and they aren’t notorious for their goal kicking prowess :rolleyes:
Papley 1.3
McCartin 0.2
They are paid to be accurate in front of goals. And I don’t blame them either. Inaccuracy can happen
#scapegoatLloyd

[waswan]

Id take 5 Rampe possessions over 30 lloyd possessions the least damaging playing in the comp for the amount of ball he gets

Poor skills and silly errors, before everyone talks about how uoung kids and higj pressure id say the game was fast as opposed to high pressure, it was end to end.

Should be able to hit a target

[crackedactor]

Florent played his worst ever game for us tonight with McCartin a close second. They both look like they badly need a break.Florent exemplified the problems half the team seemed to have kicking to advantage with only 40% effective disposals. Bizarrely, Clarke had an 80% disposal efficiency. Strange days indeed.

Inexperience was the main reason we lost tonight but it was a good experience for a young team to fight out a close one and it appears that we have picked up a player in McLean.Can't complain really, we are clearly in a development phase and making progress.

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I think our delivery up forward was shocking was the main reason we lost. Can't understand why you cannot kick to advantage of your forward if you cannot find a target. Fox was handy tonight but looked exhausted in the last quarter. Not sure if he is injured but Florent looks disinterested, would not be surprise if he seeks a trade. McCartin had no pre season so he will be inconsistent. At least contested ball was better this week.


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[troyjones2525]

For the third week in a row our finishing cost us the game. Did someone say Hayward did some nice things. For mine he was our worst player and that is saying something when you have Melican in the side. Hayward gave us nothing and he doesn't like the hurley burley of the game. Florent was poor and his disposal was even worse. For most of the team you couldn't question the effort, inexperience is one thing but downright poor disposal cannot be forgiven. Papley centred the ball from the pocket 3 times directly to Freo players. No point centreing the ball if there is no one there.

Jake Lloyd had 42 possessions and no tackles. He refuses to move the ball on and rarely kicks more than 20 metres. Some of his piddling kicks were based on poor decisons and lack of accuracy. Mind you a lot of stats are from kick outs. And don't mention his sloppy kick for goal.

We outplayed Freo most of the game but it didn't show on the scoreboard. Our backline apart from Melican has been superb but delivery forward from the midfield is rubbish.

I thought Kennedy was very good and again Rampe shone in the backline.

If we get the finishing right, even 20% we will be an infinitely better team, given in all but 2 games we have been in the game at 3Q time. There was te time in the last quarter when Reid tried to pass to Papley with a much taller player on his tail and of course the ball was knocked away.You are spot on RE: Lloyd! His kicking is average at best and so is his decision making. He looks great in my Supercoach side but as far as his impact for the Swans, well there's a reason that opposition sides don't bother to tag him... which is usually a rarity for players who gather a lot of possessions, he just isn't damaging.

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[barry]

Get to the SCG. I’ve got a good feeling an upset is coming!
I admire your optimism , but backing up from a Perth trip against the top team on a hard, slippery cricket wicket will be tough.

[Auntie.Gerald]

MCLean looked very composed for a debutant against an avalanche of ruckman opposition

Imagine if he was 202-205cm ?

Oh well

I was proud of the endeavour and effort

The lack of targets back in the centre when Papley ripped 4 or 5 round the corner kicks was seriously frustrating

Your trigger as a forward is always to lead to the centre of the arc when see ur fellow player with the ball jammed against the sideline and can only send it back in

For me that was disappointing that we didn’t work harder on our attacking opportunistic runs like the top teams do

For every movement in attack by your team mate u need to make an appropriate lead and I felt those kicks Papley pulled back into the centre were serious opportunities to create a contest at the very least - could have been another two goals at least just via pure effort not relying on skill

[Agent 86]

I admire your optimism , but backing up from a Perth trip against the top team on a hard, slippery cricket wicket will be tough.

Hence the “upset” bit. ;)

We’ll have a extra day to recover. Hawks still have a tilt at finals - so today’s game is gonna be a bruising one (hopefully).

They haven’t been convincing the last month - after looking like shoo-ins earlier this year.

Forget tanking - our guys were devastated last night. They will be up for it.

[dejavoodoo44]

According to the match report on the AFL site, Rampe wasn't among our best six players last night. I'm not sure what game I watched then?

[MattW]

We lost clearances 46-22. We only had 2 centre clearances all night. Their rucks, Sandilands and Darcy, had 12 clearances between them. Mundy had 11. Our best was Parker 6, Jones 4 and then a bunch on 2. This is a product of not playing a genuine ruckman and isn't a knock on McLean, who tried hard. But it's hard to win a game with those numbers.

Yet our effort was really good - we tackled well, intercepted in defence, and I suspect won hard ball gets. Again, we butchered gettable scoring chances.

I thought Parker, Aliir, Rampe, Hewett and Reid were our best. O'Riordan and Clarke played well. Rowbottom's kicking and tackling were excellent. Fox played one of his best AFL games.

Florent's decision making under pressure needs to improve, but he kept running. We should give Stoddart another chance. Not a great game by McCartin.

[Blood Fever]

For the third week in a row our finishing cost us the game. Did someone say Hayward did some nice things. For mine he was our worst player and that is saying something when you have Melican in the side. Hayward gave us nothing and he doesn't like the hurley burley of the game. Florent was poor and his disposal was even worse. For most of the team you couldn't question the effort, inexperience is one thing but downright poor disposal cannot be forgiven. Papley centred the ball from the pocket 3 times directly to Freo players. No point centreing the ball if there is no one there.

Jake Lloyd had 42 possessions and no tackles. He refuses to move the ball on and rarely kicks more than 20 metres. Some of his piddling kicks were based on poor decisons and lack of accuracy. Mind you a lot of stats are from kick outs. And don't mention his sloppy kick for goal.

We outplayed Freo most of the game but it didn't show on the scoreboard. Our backline apart from Melican has been superb but delivery forward from the midfield is rubbish.

I thought Kennedy was very good and again Rampe shone in the backline.

If we get the finishing right, even 20% we will be an infinitely better team, given in all but 2 games we have been in the game at 3Q time. There was te time in the last quarter when Reid tried to pass to Papley with a much taller player on his tail and of course the ball was knocked away.

Don't get the animosity towards Melican..Solid player and is a good user of the ball. Key part of our future. Florent not the worst either.

[lwjoyner]

agree with everything said on LLoyd. Gets most of his kick when alone and still does not do anything with them. I will say it again how did he win the B&F last year, has to be the worst B&F winner of all time. Need someone else to take kick out as well Lloyd to slow to get it moving.

[MattW]

Don't get the animosity towards Melican..Solid player and is a good user of the ball. Key part of our future. Florent not the worst either.

Yes, Melican had one bad dinky kick, but otherwise disposed of the ball well under pressure, I thought.

[Cosmic Wizard]

Yes, Melican had one bad dinky kick, but otherwise disposed of the ball well under pressure, I thought.

He is not quick off the mark, has no leap and needs more upper body strength.

He has good footy nous, and gets into the right positions.

I am not sure a defender is the best spot for him.

He has only played 34 games, but he can't beat the best forwards in the games.

Another player who may turn out to be rather ordinary.

[Blood Fever]

He is not quick off the mark, has no leap and needs more upper body strength.

He has good footy nous, and gets into the right positions.

I am not sure a defender is the best spot for him.

He has only played 34 games, but he can't beat the best forwards in the games.

Another player who may turn out to be rather ordinary.

Freo kicked 52 points. Our clearances are the problem , not Melican and co.

[Blood Fever]

agree with everything said on LLoyd. Gets most of his kick when alone and still does not do anything with them. I will say it again how did he win the B&F last year, has to be the worst B&F winner of all time. Need someone else to take kick out as well Lloyd to slow to get it moving.

Thought Lloyd got a lot more penetration kicking in last night. We moved it quicker than normal, something Pavlich mentioned on the telecast. Like him as a commentator.

[Swanny40519]

agree with everything said on LLoyd. Gets most of his kick when alone and still does not do anything with them. I will say it again how did he win the B&F last year, has to be the worst B&F winner of all time. Need someone else to take kick out as well Lloyd to slow to get it moving.

Spot on. Lloyd is so overrated - cannot play on with any urgency, hangs on to the ball all the time and then his disposal is usually terrible. Should be moved onto the wing and learn how to fight for his disposals.

[MattW]

He is not quick off the mark, has no leap and needs more upper body strength.

He has good footy nous, and gets into the right positions.

I am not sure a defender is the best spot for him.

He has only played 34 games, but he can't beat the best forwards in the games.

Another player who may turn out to be rather ordinary.

Where else would he play?

Melican hasn't played as well as his debut year, 2017, where he did seem a bit quicker, in particular. I think it helped that he was on the third tall then too, whereas now he's often on the tallest player.

I think it's too soon to write him off. I'm not sure too many tall defenders are beating the best forwards in the game after 34 games. Hopefully he'll go a bit better next year after an injury-free year and a full preseason.

[Agent 86]

Don't get the animosity towards Melican..Solid player and is a good user of the ball. Key part of our future. Florent not the worst either.

I’m not sure. He just seems a bit dopey at times - and then he’ll stick out an arm to make it look an attempt to mark/collect the ball/tackle - and then he’ll seemingly lack some urgency when disposing.

Then again, sometimes he looks composed when all around him there is panic.

So, I’m a bit each way at the moment.

[dimelb]

MCLean looked very composed for a debutant against an avalanche of ruckman opposition

Imagine if he was 202-205cm ?

Oh well

I was proud of the endeavour and effort

The lack of targets back in the centre when Papley ripped 4 or 5 round the corner kicks was seriously frustrating

Your trigger as a forward is always to lead to the centre of the arc when see ur fellow player with the ball jammed against the sideline and can only send it back in

For me that was disappointing that we didn’t work harder on our attacking opportunistic runs like the top teams do

For every movement in attack by your team mate u need to make an appropriate lead and I felt those kicks Papley pulled back into the centre were serious opportunities to create a contest at the very least - could have been another two goals at least just via pure effort not relying on skill

Agree on your Papley comments AG. He knew what he should do and did it - but nobody was home. Why on earth not?

And while I agree that we could have won, I think the main reason why we didn't has been pointed out several times here: games are won and lost in the centre. As well, I think the Freos were just that bit tidier than we could manage, enough for them to sneak in.

[0918330512]

agree with everything said on LLoyd. Gets most of his kick when alone and still does not do anything with them. I will say it again how did he win the B&F last year, has to be the worst B&F winner of all time. Need someone else to take kick out as well Lloyd to slow to get it moving.

Yup, whoever awards votes for our B&F have no idea :hmmm ... oh, and neither to the umpires (as he was equal fifth among our Brownlow vote pollers) or the All Australian selectors since he was among the nominees for AA status last season too :rolleyes:

Clearly had a crappy 2018 season

[Markwebbos]

Melican is OK but the very last passage of play sums him up. I think he’s actually down on confidence a bit.

They defended well. Hamelin in particular. Whenever Paps centred the ball there were three of them and only one Swan.

Having said that if McCartin or Lloyd had kicked straight we would have won.

Our young side must be buggered by now, but still hope we’ll be in with a sniff against the Cats.

[royboy42]

I admire your optimism , but backing up from a Perth trip against the top team on a hard, slippery cricket wicket will be tough.

You're always good for a laugh, Baz...or , at least, a wry smile.

The sneaky , almost unnoticed blade between the ribs.

"hard, slippery cricket wicket'?

AS distinct from the Elysian field that is ANZ?

You're wonderful.

[royboy42]

I’m not sure. He just seems a bit dopey at times - and then he’ll stick out an arm to make it look an attempt to mark/collect the ball/tackle - and then he’ll seemingly lack some urgency when disposing.

Then again, sometimes he looks composed when all around him there is panic.

So, I’m a bit each way at the moment.

Remember a 'Deer caught in the headlights' type of defender we used to have?

Won us a Grandy with a calculated, brilliant mark at the G in '05?

[Agent 86]

You're always good for a laugh, Baz...or , at least, a wry smile.

The sneaky , almost unnoticed blade between the ribs.

"hard, slippery cricket wicket'?

AS distinct from the Elysian field that is ANZ?

You're wonderful.

Ouch. Didn’t feel that blade at all. Perhaps I’m a bit too literal.

[Jeynez]

Is Lloyd RWO’s new whipping boy or something?

[goswannies]

Is Lloyd RWO’s new whipping boy or something?

Not for me! His name alone will always make him a favourite for me!

[Agent 86]

Yup, whoever awards votes for our B&F have no idea :hmmm ... oh, and neither to the umpires (as he was equal fifth among our Brownlow vote pollers) or the All Australian selectors since he was among the nominees for AA status last season too :rolleyes:

Clearly had a crappy 2018 season

Fair point.

[Ralph Dawg]

For the third week in a row our finishing cost us the game. Did someone say Hayward did some nice things. For mine he was our worst player and that is saying something when you have Melican in the side. Hayward gave us nothing and he doesn't like the hurley burley of the game. Florent was poor and his disposal was even worse. For most of the team you couldn't question the effort, inexperience is one thing but downright poor disposal cannot be forgiven. Papley centred the ball from the pocket 3 times directly to Freo players. No point centreing the ball if there is no one there.

Jake Lloyd had 42 possessions and no tackles. He refuses to move the ball on and rarely kicks more than 20 metres. Some of his piddling kicks were based on poor decisons and lack of accuracy. Mind you a lot of stats are from kick outs. And don't mention his sloppy kick for goal.

We outplayed Freo most of the game but it didn't show on the scoreboard. Our backline apart from Melican has been superb but delivery forward from the midfield is rubbish.

I thought Kennedy was very good and again Rampe shone in the backline.

If we get the finishing right, even 20% we will be an infinitely better team, given in all but 2 games we have been in the game at 3Q time. There was te time in the last quarter when Reid tried to pass to Papley with a much taller player on his tail and of course the ball was knocked away.
Looking for positives Nico. Hayward is certainly not back to his best but there was definitely improved effort and intensity. For long periods, Freo couldn't clear out of defensive 50 and he was a big part of that. In fact, could say the same for the whole team but until we score more than 50 odd points, we will be struggling to win too much (suspect in part it's a product of a very young forward line).

I think you're also about harsh on Melican. Another when hearted performer who realistically should be playing on a third talk but due to our depleted KP defenders, is playing on a monster, giving away cms and kgs every week. His disposal is actually really good, much better than others who at times almost seem they don't want to take responsibility and fob it off to a team mate.

[Agent 86]

Remember a 'Deer caught in the headlights' type of defender we used to have?

Won us a Grandy with a calculated, brilliant mark at the G in '05?

What a star!

For me he was like when your 2 year old grabs hold of the Ming vase: this could go 1 of 2 ways…

[0918330512]

Fair point.
It’s the same with many (not all) of our players - they approach coming out of contract and we desperately want them re-signed, abhor approaches from other clubs offering big $$, value them highly if we think they might depart. Once they are securely under contract again we can go back to exaggerating their perceived flaws if we need a scapegoat after a loss

[Go Swannies]

I'm glad we lost - and the way we lost. Lots of effort and much unrewarded. They will learn more from that than getting a slim win against another also-ran. We won't be playing finals this year but I think we have an exciting young team that will be amazing when it gels. And does the coach get any credit for those heart-in-mouth links down the middle of the ground? This year we may get a Top 6 pick in the draft and that could count for much more, long term, than fighting our way up to 10th.

I hope they show the same effort against the Cats - and that would be a great one to win. Kicking to someone in the forward 50 who isn't either the opposition or someone who subsequently misses (I'm looking at you Tom Papley for all those kicks to Freo talls) would be nice, too. And what's with the Lloyd hate - I'm guessing he doesn't get much goal kicking practice with our forwards coach - and he only really needs it when playing a Ross Lyons coached team?

Finally, I presume Zac Jones is playing to instructions. He does some great things then decides to do some more until he gets caught. He must be told to do that, perhaps because Swans Membership still has a cache of Leo Barry heart relaxers to dispense?

[Agent 86]

I'm glad we lost
I'm not. Tanking is not our style. (not that i think you're suggesting that… i hear what you're saying, but a win would've been a reward for the effort)


I hope they show the same effort against the Cats - and that would be a great one to win.
Absolutely. Hopefully at decent odds for my rare punting exploits.


I'm looking at you Tom Papley for all those kicks to Freo…
I agree, he was wasteful last night. Dropped marks & awful kicking.


And what's with the Lloyd hate
I don't get it. His efforts kept Freo stuck in their defensive 50 - but we couldn't convert. A few poor kicks, but he wasn't alone. The criticism is unwarranted IMHO.


Finally, I presume Zac Jones is playing to instructions
Coach killer at times.

[Kafka's Ghost]

Freo kicked 52 points. Our clearances are the problem , not Melican and co.

Totally agree with this. It was frustrating not to win, but no one could be disappointed with the effort from a team of up-and-comers. Again a couple of blown chances in front of goal cost us, but may be not in the long term.

[707]

Repeat, youngest team we've fielded since 1997.

[Go Swannies]

Repeat, youngest team we've fielded since 1997.

Serious question as I didn't start following the Swans or indeed AFL until about five years after that: was there a big clean out or retirement run after the 1996 GF loss? I know young Micky O stayed - who were the other kids? And were they as talented as this lot?

[111431]

You are spot on RE: Lloyd! His kicking is average at best and so is his decision making. He looks great in my Supercoach side but as far as his impact for the Swans, well there's a reason that opposition sides don't bother to tag him... which is usually a rarity for players who gather a lot of possessions, he just isn't damaging.

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Finally we are awaking to his poor play. Contrast him with Lewis Jetta - far fewer disposals but creative and highly effective

[Bloods05]

Remember a 'Deer caught in the headlights' type of defender we used to have?

Won us a Grandy with a calculated, brilliant mark at the G in '05?

Reg was the same for his first few years in defence, and look what he became.

[Molly dooker]

No Buddy. A debutant ruckman (and all our other genuine talks inhabiting the rehab room) against 3 experienced Freo ruckmen-sized monsters. A transitioning backline - not hugely experienced (nearly all our mainstay defenders that have been lauded for the last half decade are either injured or retired) nor tall (given the size of the opposition forwards). A bunch of kids who have 1-3 years experience. One of our best recent ball users (Dawson) was in the naughty corner for the week. Scrappy yes. High pressure for 4 quarters yes! From both sides - the home side playing for a faint sniff at finals. I’m not unhappy tonight. I can’t fault my teams endeavour, effort or intensity. The execution? Sure, room for improvement, but we are young and we’re building for 2020 not salvaging 2019.

Could not have said it better myself.

One thing I will add is Ryan C had his best game for us yet. Only concern is he will not kick for goal. No confidence maybe?

Fantastic and exciting times ahead folks. Forget Grundy, KPD or midfield bull for my 2c.
🎯🍭

[Jeynez]

Finally we are awaking to his poor play. Contrast him with Lewis Jetta - far fewer disposals but creative and highly effective

So he makes a couple poor disposals out his 42 touches, and suddenly he has had a poor game?

And what’s the point of comparing Lloyd to Jetta? They’re a completely different style of player

[Ralph Dawg]

No Buddy. A debutant ruckman (and all our other genuine talks inhabiting the rehab room) against 3 experienced Freo ruckmen-sized monsters. A transitioning backline - not hugely experienced (nearly all our mainstay defenders that have been lauded for the last half decade are either injured or retired) nor tall (given the size of the opposition forwards). A bunch of kids who have 1-3 years experience. One of our best recent ball users (Dawson) was in the naughty corner for the week. Scrappy yes. High pressure for 4 quarters yes! From both sides - the home side playing for a faint sniff at finals. I’m not unhappy tonight. I can’t fault my teams endeavour, effort or intensity. The execution? Sure, room for improvement, but we are young and we’re building for 2020 not salvaging 2019.
Agree 100%.

[rickmat]

I marvel at the performance from first gamer McLean. His effort against Sandilands and Freo's band of big men was outstanding. He competed with great effort against the odds, really with the Blood's spirit. He obviously showed something to get drafted and hopefully he will add to our big man strength. He is only 20 and will hopefully continue to improve his skills and fitness. It may mean we could lose Cameron at the end of the year.

[Markwebbos]

I think you're also about harsh on Melican. Another when hearted performer who realistically should be playing on a third talk but due to our depleted KP defenders, is playing on a monster, giving away cms and kgs every week. His disposal is actually really good, much better than others who at times almost seem they don't want to take responsibility and fob it off to a team mate.

I'm not sure which KPD you are referring to? Or do you mean that we need to trade for one? We are short in the KP department at both ends of the ground and in the ruck. The ruck one is due to injuries. Other than Buddy, no one missing up forward or down back.

[Legs Akimbo]

So he makes a couple poor disposals out his 42 touches, and suddenly he has had a poor game?

And what’s the point of comparing Lloyd to Jetta? They’re a completely different style of player

My frustration with Lloyd is his ball use. Lloyd kicks back and sideways a lot and his kicking lacks penetration. Sometimes his decision making seems poor. If you are going to accumulate 30 + touches a game as an outside link player from the back half, it is imperative that you create play. He doesn't seem to be clearing it effectively.

[Jeynez]

My frustration with Lloyd is his ball use. Lloyd kicks back and sideways a lot and his kicking lacks penetration. Sometimes his decision making seems poor. If you are going to accumulate 30 + touches a game as an outside link player from the back half, it is imperative that you create play. He doesn't seem to be clearing it effectively.

I feel like that partly has to do with how the game is played in general now. Teams play very cautiously now after the rule changes, and just try and maintain possession. This has heavily padded Lloyd’s stats compared to last year, without actually being more effective. With that said he has still been one of our best players this year.

[Blood Fever]

Serious question as I didn't start following the Swans or indeed AFL until about five years after that: was there a big clean out or retirement run after the 1996 GF loss? I know young Micky O stayed - who were the other kids? And were they as talented as this lot?

Young players in that team included Heuskes who left for Port.Adelside, Seymour who was often injured, Garlivk.who left to Bulldogs and Grant who went to North in a swap for Schwass. We started to develop young players in the late 90s. Bolton, Fosdike, Matthews, Okeefe, Goodes, Barry, etc. We hung on to them. Crouch was another. Happy if our young lot today turn out as good.

- - - Updated - - -


Young players in that team included Heuskes who left for Port.Adelside, Seymour who was often injured, Garlivk.who left to Bulldogs and Grant who went to North in a swap for Schwass. We started to develop young players in the late 90s. Bolton, Fosdike, Matthews, Okeefe, Goodes, Barry, etc. We hung on to them. Crouch was another. Happy if our young lot today turn out as good.

Ryan Fitzgerald was another but.was anothrr always chronically injured. Huge talent.

[Blood Relative]

Interestingly Mc Inerny equal leading tackler for us. He and Kennedy laid 8 each.

[Blood Fever]

Interestingly Mc Inerny equal leading tackler for us. He and Kennedy laid 8 each.

McInerney? Rowbottom?

[Hotpotato]

Young players in that team included Heuskes who left for Port.Adelside, Seymour who was often injured, Garlivk.who left to Bulldogs and Grant who went to North in a swap for Schwass. We started to develop young players in the late 90s. Bolton, Fosdike, Matthews, Okeefe, Goodes, Barry, etc. We hung on to them. Crouch was another. Happy if our young lot today turn out as good.

- - - Updated - - -



Ryan Fitzgerald was another but.was anothrr always chronically injured. Huge talent.

Good memory , hope you don’t forget yr MinLaws Birthday !

[Blood Fever]

Good memory , hope you don’t forget yr MinLaws Birthday !

LOL Spud

[gazza]

I felt mclean was manful,tried hard. keep all the youngans in the team,2020 looks promising. BUT we lost scoring chances with short loopy high kicks, they can get your teammate injured. somebody teach them how to kick lower passes

[waswan]

Repeat, youngest team we've fielded since 1997.
Semantics
If any one of Mcveigh/Jack/Buddy played the ave age would have been nowhere near youngest.

We get hung up in that stat, Horse must go out of his way to look at it every week

Who cares replace an 18yr old with a 30 yr old and we are 6 minths older

[Meg]

Semantics
If any one of Mcveigh/Jack/Buddy played the ave age would have been nowhere near youngest.

We get hung up in that stat, Horse must go out of his way to look at it every week

Who cares replace an 18yr old with a 30 yr old and we are 6 minths older

And if we had Buddy and McVeigh playing on Saturday we would have comfortably won the match. The stat regarding average age is a proxy for AFL experience. And experience = on-the-job learning.

Only a very few, exceptional players are at peak performance in their first two to three years of AFL.

[goswannies]

Young players in that team included Heuskes who left for Port.Adelside, Seymour who was often injured, Garlivk.who left to Bulldogs and Grant who went to North in a swap for Schwass. We started to develop young players in the late 90s. Bolton, Fosdike, Matthews, Okeefe, Goodes, Barry, etc. We hung on to them. Crouch was another. Happy if our young lot today turn out as good.
Don’t forget one of our emergencies who went out during the warm-up ... he turned out to be fairly at stinking Collingwood!

[Ludwig]

I watched the replay, keeping in mind to pay attention to Jake Lloyd. I thought he had a great game and was one of our best. Then I checked the stats. He had 42 disposals, not only most in the game, but most for Round 18. He also gained 706 metres, not only the most in the game, but also most for the round. So the bad stuff he did must have just been awful. :hmmmm2:

Lloyd works so hard getting himself in the best position to get the ball moving out of defence. He's involved in so much of our play. Obviously, if you're getting the ball as often as Jake, then you're likely to have a higher number of chances when something can go wrong. Next game, note how often Lloyd is in a critical position where a mistake will likely lead to a goal, but he makes the right play, and we get out of danger. Of course, it doesn't come off every time, but I suspect he's as good, or better than anyone in our side at making good decisions in tough situations, except perhaps Rampe.

I would prefer to move Lloyd to the midfield (wing) because I don't think he's a good enough defender, and would prefer someone. like Stoddart, with more pace and penetration on the kick. But he does that sweeper role well and it won't be easy to get Horse to take him out of defence, but that's something for next year.

I thought everyone played well, except McCartin. Stoddart didn't get much of the ball, but he showed a few times that he's going to be fine at AFL level. I really liked the play when he made a perfect kick to Fox on the lead, who kicked the goal. I also liked Fox's game. He did something special in a lot of areas. Made a couple of perfect tackles, took a great mark and split the posts when he had to kick a goal. I wonder if he were given a specific role every week, how well he would do.

I thought we played well and should have won, but missed easy chances. Lose by a point, win by a point, it really doesn't matter, except that if Jake Lloyd had kicked that goal and we won, everyone would be raving about just what a star he is.

[MattW]

I watched the replay, keeping in mind to pay attention to Jake Lloyd. I thought he had a great game and was one of our best. Then I checked the stats. He had 42 disposals, not only most in the game, but most for Round 18. He also gained 706 metres, not only the most in the game, but also most for the round. So the bad stuff he did must have just been awful. :hmmmm2:

Lloyd works so hard getting himself in the best position to get the ball moving out of defence. He's involved in so much of our play. Obviously, if you're getting the ball as often as Jake, then you're likely to have a higher number of chances when something can go wrong. Next game, note how often Lloyd is in a critical position where a mistake will likely lead to a goal, but he makes the right play, and we get out of danger. Of course, it doesn't come off every time, but I suspect he's as good, or better than anyone in our side at making good decisions in tough situations, except perhaps Rampe.

I would prefer to move Lloyd to the midfield (wing) because I don't think he's a good enough defender, and would prefer someone. like Stoddart, with more pace and penetration on the kick. But he does that sweeper role well and it won't be easy to get Horse to take him out of defence, but that's something for next year.

I thought everyone played well, except McCartin. Stoddart didn't get much of the ball, but he showed a few times that he's going to be fine at AFL level. I really liked the play when he made a perfect kick to Fox on the lead, who kicked the goal. I also liked Fox's game. He did something special in a lot of areas. Made a couple of perfect tackles, took a great mark and split the posts when he had to kick a goal. I wonder if he were given a specific role every week, how well he would do.

I thought we played well and should have won, but missed easy chances. Lose by a point, win by a point, it really doesn't matter, except that if Jake Lloyd had kicked that goal and we won, everyone would be raving about just what a star he is.

Good one, I agree with all of that except the last bit: if he kicked that goal he'd still have detractors. But generally, I don't get the criticism. As you say, he is one of our hardest workers and provides really important run.

[Agent 86]

Finally we are awaking to his poor play. Contrast him with Lewis Jetta - far fewer disposals but creative and highly effective

I disagree. He works hard & is a major reason why most of our forward thrusts originate from our defensive area. The problem with this is things break down due to the time it takes to move the ball from end to end - defence has time to structure - so end up kicking to a contest, (or we’ve been flooding & there is no one home = same result).

Jetta played in a totally different team (& is a totally different player) - a more penetrating kick, mind, but not a meaningful comparison.

We have problems, but Lloyd isn’t one of them. When we get a quick clearance, we usually score - but few & far between.

[Agent 86]

I watched the replay, keeping in mind to pay attention to Jake Lloyd. I thought he had a great game and was one of our best. Then I checked the stats. He had 42 disposals, not only most in the game, but most for Round 18. He also gained 706 metres, not only the most in the game, but also most for the round. So the bad stuff he did must have just been awful. :hmmmm2:

Lloyd works so hard getting himself in the best position to get the ball moving out of defence. He's involved in so much of our play. Obviously, if you're getting the ball as often as Jake, then you're likely to have a higher number of chances when something can go wrong. Next game, note how often Lloyd is in a critical position where a mistake will likely lead to a goal, but he makes the right play, and we get out of danger. Of course, it doesn't come off every time, but I suspect he's as good, or better than anyone in our side at making good decisions in tough situations, except perhaps Rampe.

I would prefer to move Lloyd to the midfield (wing) because I don't think he's a good enough defender, and would prefer someone. like Stoddart, with more pace and penetration on the kick. But he does that sweeper role well and it won't be easy to get Horse to take him out of defence, but that's something for next year.

I thought everyone played well, except McCartin. Stoddart didn't get much of the ball, but he showed a few times that he's going to be fine at AFL level. I really liked the play when he made a perfect kick to Fox on the lead, who kicked the goal. I also liked Fox's game. He did something special in a lot of areas. Made a couple of perfect tackles, took a great mark and split the posts when he had to kick a goal. I wonder if he were given a specific role every week, how well he would do.

I thought we played well and should have won, but missed easy chances. Lose by a point, win by a point, it really doesn't matter, except that if Jake Lloyd had kicked that goal and we won, everyone would be raving about just what a star he is.

Yes! I would encourage everyone here to check the replay with JL in mind. A few dodgy kicks in dewy conditions does not a dud make.

[Legs Akimbo]

Yes! I would encourage everyone here to check the replay with JL in mind. A few dodgy kicks in dewy conditions does not a dud make.

Actually, dodgy kick ins wasn't what I was referring to and wasn't suggesting he's a dud.

[707]

For some strange reason posters want a whipping boy and for many it's Lloyd. I often watch the replay concentrating on Lloyd after he's copped a pasting on here and cannot see the "errors" in his game that others are hounding him about. Works hard and within his capabilities every week, would be a lock at every other team as well.

Clarke's poor disposal is another myth to me, watch the replay and he does very well most times, his poor disposal is grossly overstated.

Fake news, mob following and bandwagon jumping, watch replays closely folks and you won't fire bullets at undeserving targets.

[Legs Akimbo]

For some strange reason posters want a whipping boy and for many it's Lloyd. I often watch the replay concentrating on Lloyd after he's copped a pasting on here and cannot see the "errors" in his game that others are hounding him about. Works hard and within his capabilities every week, would be a lock at every other team as well.

Clarke's poor disposal is another myth to me, watch the replay and he does very well most times, his poor disposal is grossly overstated.

Fake news, mob following and bandwagon jumping, watch replays closely folks and you won't fire bullets at undeserving targets.

Here is a thought experiment for you. Would you prefer Jake Lloyd in the team get 42 possessions or Nick Melceski with 20. Why?

I don't dislike Lloyd. I think is disposal is ok (not great). I think he needs to be more decisive and creative with his run from defense. As someone else said, there is a reason opposition teams don't tag him.

[Markwebbos]

Here is a thought experiment for you. Would you prefer Jake Lloyd in the team get 42 possessions or Nick Melceski with 20. Why?

I don't dislike Lloyd. I think is disposal is ok (not great). I think he needs to be more decisive and creative with his run from defense. As someone else said, there is a reason opposition teams don't tag him.

Opposition teams do tag him

[Mr Magoo]

Agree with watching replays. Its amazing if you watch a replay how much your opinion of who did what changes.

With the emotion taken out its often a very different view of the world. I suspect if you did this for things like Brownlow voting, the voting would quite measurably change.

[AnnieH]

Oh my. One point hurts... just ask any Essenscum supporter.
Maybe next week.
Oh. Wait.

[Ralph Dawg]

I'm not sure which KPD you are referring to? Or do you mean that we need to trade for one? We are short in the KP department at both ends of the ground and in the ruck. The ruck one is due to injuries. Other than Buddy, no one missing up forward or down back.
Reg and Maibaum both would've been part of our campaign this year - how effective I'm not sure but Reg traditionally took one of the bigger forwards.

- - - Updated - - -

And yes, definitely need to trade for one

[barry]

Clarke's poor disposal is another myth to me, watch the replay and he does very well most times, his poor disposal is grossly overstated.


I havent watched the replay, but "poor" disposal is a relative term. Handing the ball back to the opposition due to a wayward kick can be very costly in todays game. Excellent disposal is now almost a pre-requisite for most players.

[111431]

My issue with Lloyd is he often slows down play from defence (maybe he doesn't have a better option to move the ball forward to) by going sideways or the short dinky kick which is often a clanger in a critical part of the ground. The indirectness allows the opposition to block space and make for slow and indirect ball movement. Rampe as a contrast, moves it quickly, long and generally to advantage creating far greater speed out of the backline and allowing us 1-1 opportunities in the forward line.

[AnnieH]

I havent watched the replay, but "poor" disposal is a relative term. Handing the ball back to the opposition due to a wayward kick can be very costly in todays game. Excellent disposal is now almost a pre-requisite for most players.

The other name for it is basic skills. We're lacking in that department.

[Blood Fever]

My issue with Lloyd is he often slows down play from defence (maybe he doesn't have a better option to move the ball forward to) by going sideways or the short dinky kick which is often a clanger in a critical part of the ground. The indirectness allows the opposition to block space and make for slow and indirect ball movement. Rampe as a contrast, moves it quickly, long and generally to advantage creating far greater speed out of the backline and allowing us 1-1 opportunities in the forward line.

Got 8 votes from the coaches in the Coaches Player of the year. These blokes must be clueless!

[111431]

Got 8 votes from the coaches in the Coaches Player of the year. These blokes must be clueless!

In 55 years of watching the game i clearly have no clue

[stevoswan]

Got 8 votes from the coaches in the Coaches Player of the year. These blokes must be clueless!

.....and made the AFL 'Team of the Week'......"and Jake Lloyd did what he always does, racking up the football in Sydney's narrow loss to Fremantle."

Team of the Week, R18: Who makes the cut? - AFL.com.au (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-23/team-of-the-week-r18-who-makes-the-cut)

Herein lies the problem......Lloyd doing "what he always does" is not actually helping our team much.

[stevoswan]

Got 8 votes from the coaches in the Coaches Player of the year. These blokes must be clueless!

.....and made the AFL "Team of the Week", with the explanation being "and Jake Lloyd did what he always does, racking up the football in Sydney's narrow loss to Fremantle."

Herein lies the problem.....Jake doing "what he always does" isn't necessarily helping our team.

Team of the Week, R18: Who makes the cut? - AFL.com.au (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-23/team-of-the-week-r18-who-makes-the-cut)

[Blood Fever]

.....and made the AFL "Team of the Week", with the explanation being "and Jake Lloyd did what he always does, racking up the football in Sydney's narrow loss to Fremantle."

Herein lies the problem.....Jake doing "what he always does" isn't necessarily helping our team.

Team of the Week, R18: Who makes the cut? - AFL.com.au (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-23/team-of-the-week-r18-who-makes-the-cut)

So we win by a point and he stll does not help? Coaches MVP votes surely very significant along with Players MVP?. Recall Clarkson commenting on Lloyds importance a season or two ago.

[stevoswan]

So we win by a point and he stll does not help? Coaches MVP votes surely very significant along with Players MVP?. Recall Clarkson commenting on Lloyds importance a season or two ago.

Jake must have been actually hitting targets back then.....:tongue:

[Markwebbos]

Jake must have been actually hitting targets back then.....:tongue:

His disposal efficiency was 78.6% with 4 clangers. This actually made him only the 13th most effective player in the side behind Fox, COR, Melican (87.5%), Stoddart, McLean, Hayward, Jones (!) and Kennedy.

[Blood Fever]

His disposal efficiency was 78.6% with 4 clangers. This actually made him only the 13th most effective player in the side behind Fox, COR, Melican (87.5%), Stoddart, McLean, Hayward, Jones (!) and Kennedy.

He had way more possessions than a lot of these guys. Less effective than Hayward and Stoddart who would have had a third of his possessions? Longmire and Lyon had him BOG. Guess some on RWO know better. Lloyd being disrespected big time on here. Personally, I hope in time he will be restored to midfield where he was impressive early on.

[liz]

His disposal efficiency was 78.6% with 4 clangers. This actually made him only the 13th most effective player in the side behind Fox, COR, Melican (87.5%), Stoddart, McLean, Hayward, Jones (!) and Kennedy.

Disposal efficiency (especially as a raw stat, ignoring type of disposal) isn't a measure of effectiveness. Or at least, it's only one (very minor) measure of effectiveness.

[Markwebbos]

Sorry I didn’t mean to muddy the waters. I was using effectiveness on a per disposal basis interchangeably with efficiency. As in the stat measures the number of effective disposals as a % of the total.

I think 78.6% is high and I was surprised and how many players %age was even higher. If anything I’m a Lloyd supporter.

[Mel_C]

It's interesting reading the negative feedback this year about Lloyd on here and on Big Footy.

I recall a couple of years ago when we lost those 2 close games against Hawthorn when Lloyd was injured. Most people were saying his absence was the reason why we lost both of those games.

Lloyd won the B&F last year for a reason. Hopefully he can find that form again.

[Blood Fever]

It's interesting reading the negative feedback this year about Lloyd on here and on Big Footy.

I recall a couple of years ago when we lost those 2 close games against Hawthorn when Lloyd was injured. Most people were saying his absence was the reason why we lost both of those games.

Lloyd won the B&F last year for a reason. Hopefully he can find that form again.

This is getting absurd. He got most votes from the two coaches. I know we are all a bit deluded on RWO but this is getting out of hand.

[Markwebbos]

Trouble with AFL coaches, they don't have the depth of understanding of the game that we have here on RWO

[Blood Fever]

Trouble with AFL coaches, they don't have the depth of understanding of the game that we have here on RWO

Not everyone will take this as tongue in cheek!

[Legs Akimbo]

This is getting absurd. He got most votes from the two coaches. I know we are all a bit deluded on RWO but this is getting out of hand.

What I find absurd is people shutting down reasoned discussion on a discussion board.

My opinion is Lloyd doesn't break lines, his disposal is average and he racks up cheap numbers. I disagree with the coaches. Feel pretty ok about that. Not sure why it is absurd.

Here's another one. I reckon Barry sometimes says crazy stuff but I'm also interested in his opinion because he seems smart and I like to hear his point of view. Makes me think.

Poor Annie with Mchack. I knew she was joking. She probably plays golf with him on Sundays.

I even miss Matt40 sometimes even if he was a broken record in some things.

Everyone has a legit point of view.

[Ludwig]

Trouble with AFL coaches, they don't have the depth of understanding of the game that we have here on RWOWe're being gaslighted.

[Ralph Dawg]

What I find absurd is people shutting down reasoned discussion on a discussion board.

My opinion is Lloyd doesn't break lines, his disposal is average and he racks up cheap numbers. I disagree with the coaches. Feel pretty ok about that. Not sure why it is absurd.

Here's another one. I reckon Barry sometimes says crazy stuff but I'm also interested in his opinion because he seems smart and I like to hear his point of view. Makes me think.

Poor Annie with Mchack. I knew she was joking. She probably plays golf with him on Sundays.

I even miss Matt40 sometimes even if he was a broken record in some things.

Everyone has a legit point of view.
It would be boring if we all agreed. For what it's worth, I have a foot in both camps. Lloyd is a good player, definitely best 22 for us but could be better on his disposal at times. Plus he's a family favourite as my son is Jake too, generally plays well in defence, but can be prone to the odd clanger when getting rid of the pill!

[Blood Fever]

What I find absurd is people shutting down reasoned discussion on a discussion board.

My opinion is Lloyd doesn't break lines, his disposal is average and he racks up cheap numbers. I disagree with the coaches. Feel pretty ok about that. Not sure why it is absurd.

Here's another one. I reckon Barry sometimes says crazy stuff but I'm also interested in his opinion because he seems smart and I like to hear his point of view. Makes me think.

Poor Annie with Mchack. I knew she was joking. She probably plays golf with him on Sundays.

I even miss Matt40 sometimes even if he was a broken record in some things.

Everyone has a legit point of view.

Only my opinion. Not trying to shut anyone down. Sorry if you feel that way. As a matter of interest, why do you think Longmire and Lyon voted him BOG?

[Legs Akimbo]

As a matter of interest, why do you think Longmire and Lyon voted him BOG?

Everyone else was worse? It was a terrible game.

[AnnieH]

Poor Annie with Mchack. I knew she was joking. She probably plays golf with him on Sundays.

Only if there's no game on!!
McHack is a very old nickname I gave to him in his very early days at the club. I've called it to his face once or twice!! :) His calm and experienced approach is what is lacking at the moment... we have to get used to not having him there to help the kids out. He's a great bloke, will always give you some time out of his day.
I hope he stays at the club in some capacity as his understanding (sometimes not his execution) of the game is experience we can't afford to lose.
Maybe get rid of Stevie J?

[Go Swannies]

Everyone else was worse? It was a terrible game.

The skill levels were atrocious - particularly in the first quarter. But then I started simply enjoying the young Swans taking the game on, mistakes and all. Good to see as 2019 is a rehearsal for 2020.

[Legs Akimbo]

The skill levels were atrocious - particularly in the first quarter. But then I started simply enjoying the young Swans taking the game on, mistakes and all. Good to see as 2019 is a rehearsal for 2020.

Agreed. I tried to become dispassionate in my observation by failed...

One needs a different mindset for this situation.