Pre Season - Will the Swans be serious?

[Rod_]

Ok, given previous years, I would have implied that the Swans have taken a junior side into the preseason games and have a go. And it seems that this plan has not worked well in recent history, as we have not gone past the first round... It did work for the years game plan, however not very interesting for the pre season cup...

Now we are playing two fledgling sides. Seaby and Braddy in the side... Horse will probably want to win his first game.. Therefore, I believe that we may advance to the next round of the pre season cup this year..? What do you think?

I guess we will see on the 19th and how long the first players are on the ground..

Rod_

[swansrob]

we have not gone past the first round...

Did you miss last year?

[ugg]

Did you miss last year?

This leads us back to the great existential question that has plagued Swans fans since 2002 "If you didn't see the Swans win a NAB Cup match, did it happen at all?"

The way the format works (6 groups, top team in each group + the 2 best placed 2nd teams go through to the quarters) means we can lose one of the 2 games and still qualify for the next stage. I'll be surprised if we don't beat GWS given they are basically, at this stage of their existence, a junior team with a handful of mature age players. GC will be tougher but at this early stage reports suggest that Ablett, Harbrow and Krakouer won't play.

[laughingnome]

GC will be tougher but at this early stage reports suggest that Ablett, Harbrow and Krakouer won't play.

However, they will be coming in on fresh legs and we'll have already played one game. Could make a difference.

[ugg]

However, they will be coming in on fresh legs and we'll have already played one game. Could make a difference.

Which makes the decision to only allow the side playing the first and third games (GC) to make unlimited changes and the other sides (Swans and GWS) only 3 changes (i.e. only from the named emergencies) even more baffling.

[AnnieH]

This is a game I'd like to see them lose.
I don't care about the ansett cup.
We've got (potentially) too much to lose by winning.

[Matt79]

This is a game I'd like to see them lose.
I don't care about the ansett cup.
We've got (potentially) too much to lose by winning.

Hey there Annie,

Not sure I see the logic in your post as no matter whether we win or lose, our boys will still be playing and with that comes risk of injury. At least by winning the Swannies would at least play on better fields.

I always believe that winning form is good form.

[Primmy]

Look these guys are super competitive even in practice. I doubt very much they would ever NOT take it seriously, BUT they will play some of the kiddies, and some of the kiddies are only 18 yo, and about 65kg ringing wet (ok I exagerate but you get my drift) and I doubt you would get to see the Runners (Smiffy, Mumms, Jesse perhaps, Braddy, Seaby, Spangher, Bolton C, LRT) and some of the old guys such as Jude, Peb, Tadgh, etc. Adam is playing this Sat night in the All Stars, we don't know if Jetts is involved as well - after a big game, maybe they would be rested.

Its probably going to be stinking hot, but they are and have been training in tough conditions at present so....dunno

Twill be interesting.

[ugg]

Gold Coast are equal favourites (along with WC) to take out the wooden spoon.

[AnnieH]

Gold Coast are equal favourites (along with WC) to take out the wooden spoon.

Gotta go and put a grand on the budgies!!

[AnnieH]

Hey there Annie,

Not sure I see the logic in your post as no matter whether we win or lose, our boys will still be playing and with that comes risk of injury. At least by winning the Swannies would at least play on better fields.

I always believe that winning form is good form.

I know, it helps getting them "real" game ready and all that, and we have no choice but to play the ansett cup.
I'd rather watch them warm up for the season as we do every year ... under the radar!!
(The beauty of living in an NRL state!!)

[Big Al]

This is a game I'd like to see them lose.
I don't care about the ansett cup.
We've got (potentially) too much to lose by winning.

I think we should lose the intraclub trial on the 11th too.