Ressies v Queanbeyan.

[Old Royboy]

Ressies v Queanbeyan.

Pics by Jeffers1984
The team was significantly strengthened by the inclusion of Mocca White, apparently risen out of his sick bed, the demoted Barlow and Crouch back from injury. The first quarter was like old times, Currie back in the ruck and Nick Smith doing the dirty clearance work were enabling the Swans running midfielders to run amok. First quarter goals to Laidlaw, White, Smith and Brabazon, plus three more from top up players saw the team six goals up by quarter time. Particularly prominent early on were Crouch and Barlow.

The Queanbeyan boys woke up in the second quarter, started to win a bigger share of the contested ball and also started to use their bigger and stronger bodies to good effect. But the Swans replied with five goals and several near misses to Queanbeyan’s six in the second quarter to still be five goals up at half time. The Swans goals in this quarter included nice snap goals from Smith, Currie and Gilchrist, and another when a top up was fed a gilt edged pass from Cheese. Encouraging was that two of the goals resulted from the big guys, Currie and White fighting on and winning the ball on the ground after dropping marks.

The Tigers came out in the third quarter and delivered an avalanche of goals against the tiring Swans. One has to say that DOK did not cope well in defence, and allowed his man far too much room. By time on Queanbeyan had hit the lead, only to lose it in the dying seconds of the quarter when Currie took an impressive mark and goaled. The gym work is starting to pay off for young Crusher – this mark was taken because he was able to outmuscle his man one on one. Nevertheless, with only a couple of points in it things did not look too flash.

Early on in the last quarter the Swans got some breathing space when White swooped on a Tigers fumble to goal. Soon after DOK murdered a good chance but Swans pressure on the kick in caused a turnover and a running goal to Gilchrist. During this period Currie was doing well in the ruck and took some telling marks around the ground. Midway through the quarter Queenbeyan had fought back and retaken the lead. Young Gilchrist inspired the team when he got up groggily after some good old fashioned bush thuggery and booted the free kick through from 50. The Swans retook the lead after DOK (now out of defence) took an excellent mark and fed Matty O’Dwyer who finally managed to hit a target for White to goal. Laidlaw iced the game when he marked well outside 50 and launched a 60 metre bomb from the set shot.

The encouraging signs to come out of this game were that both Currie and Laidlaw appear to be regaining fitness and confidence. For the first game this year Crusher was able to do long stints in the ruck, and unlike Orreal or Pyke he is able to do considerable damage around the ground when on the ball. After a slow start Laidlaw got into the game in the last quarter and is starting to time his marks and use that speed of his. That 60 metre bomb will not do the confidence any harm either.

Crouch had a good game, his intensity at the ball set the example that all the kids should follow. No sign of carrying injury, though he did show signs of blowing up towards the end. Barlow showed us that endurance we hear about is no myth – covered more ground than Bourke and Wills, and also finally decided to get into the packs a few times. Nick Smith worked his guts out in the engine room. Gilchrist continues to impress – very fleet of foot, a good shot on goal and shows some ticker. He is still learning, was caught in two minds a couple of times when on the fly.

DOK is so frustrating, he showed terrific skill to mark and set up the go ahead goal, but he shows a distinct dislike for winning the hard ball and is looser than Grannies teeth in defence. Matty O is in the horrors, Brabazon is a horror and Jake Orreal is trying hard but appears to have the second year blues.

Of the top ups, the diminutive will o’ the wisp type #35 impressed. Very elusive and not frightened to back his ability. The top ups appear to be more involved in playmaking this year, and one suspects that they may have more exposure to team training than has occurred in the past.

SYDNEY SWANS 7.6 12.7 14.10 19.15-129
QUEANBEYAN 1.5 7.9 13.13 18.13-121

SYDNEY SWANS
Goal Kickers: M. Laidlaw 3, D. Currie 3, T. GILCRHIST 3, J. WHITE 2, N. Smith 2, R. BRABAZON, J. NESBITT
Best Players: N. Smith, D. Currie, E Barlow, J. Crouch, T. Gilchrist, M Laidlaw
QUEANBEYAN
Goal Kickers: J. KAVANAGH 5, M. ARMSTRONG 4, M. WESCOMBE 3, R. QUADE 3, S. BURNS 2, W. GRIGGS
Best Players: M. WESCOMBE, J. ELIAS, T. COOK, J. LONGMORE, R. QUADE, J. KAVANAGH

[dimelb]

Thanks ORB lots of detail and pics too. From what you've said I'm most encouraged by Currie and Laidlaw, with Barlow not far behind. I'm particularly sympathetic to Laidlaw, who's had a horror run with injury but really looks the goods when he's free to do what he can.

[ugg]

Welcome back ORB, we've missed your excellent reports.

[AnnieH]

Thanks Toy Boy Roy.

I spoke to Crouchy during the main game and asked him when he'll be back in the firsts. He's really, really, really itching to come back.

[jenky28]

Thanks Toy Boy Roy.

I spoke to Crouchy during the main game and asked him when he'll be back in the firsts. He's really, really, really itching to come back.

great to hear!