Rd 2 vs Geelong Cats @ SCG - Match Thread

[Mel]

What a fun game. These new young kids have breathed so much life into the team, I love their relentless attack at the ball and opposition.

I called Heeney kicking five before the game - very glad to be right, but I also predicted Buddy would kick one and was even more happy to be wrong about that.

Heeney, Mills and The Chad were the standouts for me. Joey was far better this week, looks like he might be just having his usual slow start to the season. Paddy Mac had a brilliant first quarter. Campbell had another good game, he's bringing more to his game as he grows in confidence. Really liked McLean's game and liked the Lizards game even if he wasn't quite as good as last week.

We stayed in our seats and watched the madness unfold. We were right behind the goals at the right end and it was amazing to see. I was there as a teen for Lockett's 1000 and a few years later for the 1300 and this one was much, much bigger. I thought security had an interesting tactic, which seemed to work. They were down near the rowdy sections of the crowd, talking to them, laughing and joking. I think that rapport might have kept the mood celebratory as they had zero chance of getting to Buddy first to protect him. Got home at 1:30am and had gastro the next day so you can all thank me for not going on to the ground to spread my germs around!

[giant]

I want to reiterate the value of McLean.

He is a contrast in role/strengths to mobile Franklin (and McDonald), the medium and small forwards; but at the game he was in multiple contests around the ground. I suspect his heat map would show that if anyone can reveal that.

He is credited with only 12 possessions, but again I suspect he influenced many more contests than that.

Finally his ruck craft seems to be on the rise - 7 HO and 2 frees for and 1 free against.

If I had one gripe about what was an otherwise magical night, it was the umpiring around the ruck contest. I swear that, as someone who has watched the game for almost 5 decades, it boggles my mind that I appear to have no idea around what's legal and illegal when it comes to rucking. Wasn't made any easier by a near perfect record of piss-poor centre bounces from the umps.

But yes, certainly agree about McLean's utility. His position to lose at the moment.

[Aaron]

An excellent game with lots of excitement.

Unfortunately, Mills has been charged with a second offence of making Careless Contact with an Umpire and he can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea. Blakey has been charged with Striking Jeremy Cameron and he can accept a $2000 sanction with an early plea.

Anyway, not many will be interested (who cares after the 1000) Don't think they will appeal. With another 6 days break before fighting the Dogs, we need to focus again!

[Ludwig]

Most ruckman that have come to the Swans in recent times have come ready to play and contribute, but not Ladhams. Ball, Jolly, Mumford, Everette, Pyke, Sinclair and Hickey came to the club and competed hard to get rucking time and contribute. Seaby made an early impact but injuries stopped him.

If not sure what it is with Ladhams?

How can my best friend (who doesn’t work in the industry) say that he’s off the pace in training and then in the reserves he doesn’t make an impact.

All I can say about it is “well done Port”.

You left out Tom Derickx from your list of nealy greats.

Ladhams had a very good game in the VFL match. There's even a video of his highlights up on the Swans website.

[Bangalore Swans]

Wouldnt write him off yet , got decent ability and theres a spot for him when Hickey goes . Agree that if he looked off at training thats a good indication his form will be off . Body language is everything

In AFL football if your out of form you can run harder, you can run more, you can tackle, put pressure and work your butt off.

Is Ladhams doing that? Is he turning up to training to hit hard and claim a starting spot? Is he putting in monster efforts and then glaring at Dean Cox with a look saying “you want some more of that”?

If he’s doing that I’ll have some faith.

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In AFL football if your out of form you can run harder, you can run more, you can tackle, put pressure and work your butt off.

Is Ladhams doing that? Is he turning up to training to hit hard and claim a starting spot? Is he putting in monster efforts and then glaring at Dean Cox with a look saying “you want some more of that”?

If he’s doing that I’ll have some faith.

This is clearly what McLean brings all the time since he’s been a Swans player.