At a ground with limited elevation, no screen and lots of players I don't recognise, it can be hard to tell who is doing what at times. I didn't pay much attention to most of the Lions players, even though I recognised the names. For example, I know McCluggage played but I don't recall noticing him at all. It is easier to pay attention to those who physically stand out from the crowd, as Smith does. Of the Swans, I probably noticed Rose more than most because his hair sets him apart (so long as he's not playing on the same team as Heeney!)

Notwithstanding that it is easy to spot him, Smith was good, both at centre bounces and around the ground.

One thing I didn't mention in my earlier email was the umpiring. Maybe I was especially attuned to it after sitting through Friday night but it irritated me even more than it did on Friday. I stress that the Lions were clearly the better side and deserved their win, but they kicked several of their goals from highly questionable free kicks. We probably got one or two from similar instances, but on the whole I think the Swans got the raw end of things. HTB decisions stood out particularly. There were a few instances where as soon as a Swan picked up the ball, he was tackled and pinged. The whole concept of prior opportunity was ignored, at least at one end of the ground. On the other hand, there were many occasions where a Swan tackled a Lion, the ball spilled free (without correct disposal) and "play on" was called. Much the same story as Friday night.

It's not an interpretation I like because it discourages players from trying to win the ball, or even just pick it up off the ground. It just rewards the player second to the contest.

In answer to another question, none of the top-up players stood out. They were all much the same size (small to average midfields) and speed (average) and skilled (mediocre for this level).