The more I think about it, the more this approach makes more sense. In the past, there was an urgent imperative to get him back asap. After Saturday night's performance, not so much. I'm sure it would help his injury risk if he got some more km's in those old man legs.
I'm being selfish but given it's the first time in a long time that I will be going to a game at the SCG with a decent crowd, I want Buddy to play.
And while it's a small sample size, I got the feeling that our forward line coaching may better this year. There seemed to be more separation, less instances of forwards leading to the same spot, more occasions were the smalls arrived at the exact right time, and there were hardly any cases of bombing it long to a nest of opposition players. Of course, the quality of the midfield movement and delivery, might contribute to that perception.
Me too, notwithstanding my comments on McLean.
I trust the Swans' conditioning staff to know if he needs more kms in his legs to reduce the chance of further injury. If he's ready to go, I wanna see him play. It's been so long since we've seen him out there that maybe the memory of how masterful he is - when on song - has faded a little.
Lot of young players contributed to the win, but young players are very hit and miss week in week out. If Buddy is half fit, he must come in*. You get a guaranteed output from him even if it isnt his normal 100%.
I certainly wouldnt take Adelaide for granted. I think 2020 was not a true reflection of their real position.
Note * - Unless it keeps raining, then his skills are less useful.
BUDDYS RETURN CONFIRMED
Lance Franklin to make AFL return on Saturday
Awesome
Wow!
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With Buddy in the side I assume Maclean will need to be dropped, which is pretty unfortunate given the good game he played. According to supercoach our worse player was Joey Kennedy, but i don't think they will drop him.
The whole team was amazing last week. Tough to make any changes but I agree that the bud star has to play and horse has indicated that he will.
We can take courage from that win and know that our future without Buddy is in good hands so even if he does another injury at some point then we have the players to come in.
Two changes for me
OUT: McLean, Rowbottom ( let him get his knee right)
IN: Buddy, Stephens
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