The time is 5 past 12 and we all know it

[its game on]

The time has come that we acknowledge that 2005 and 2006 are glorious history, and that the premiership clock has ticked past 12 o'clock for this present team.

Some of our iconic players are now sadly on the wane.



5 past 12

As brave as Leo Barry is, he is outsized, awkward and/or clumbsy at the contest. He concedes 2 to 3 goals most weeks. Leo has a frustrating habit of handballing to a teamate under pressure and causing turnovers, is increasing. His style with present umpiring instructions is conceding more penalties than ever. We don't need a run and carry type of FB.

We need a FB the style of Dunks, Scarlett, Fletcher, Glass or a Mal Michael.

4 past 12

Ben Matthews and Jared Crouch( battered body)


3 past 12

A player I love Captain Kirk, (mainly because of his age).

2 past 12

Jude Bolton, MOL

Your thoughts!!

[Tuco]

My thoughts are that this thread wasn't worth posting twice.

I think some people might gbe a little surprised by the end of the year. Our run is coming soon. I can feel it in me bones.

[Bombers_Forever]

You guys peak at the right time of the year - Adelaide do the opposite.

If anyone writes off the Swans at this time of year, they are kidding.

[TheVideoMan]

You guys peak at the right time of the year - Adelaide do the opposite.

If anyone writes off the Swans at this time of year, they are kidding.

the difference is that those players who needed to perform at 110% in 05 and 06 due to being average players have peaked and now are starting to slide. We are constantly being out paced every week. Our top players would be lucky to be getting a run in some sides this year.

Players who we thought would go to the next level this year (McVeigh is a prime example) have gone backwards. Jude Bolton is way past his prime and sadly we are too much of a defensive midfield - too many stoppers not enough creative free running players. Prime example in hitout when we win a hit out we either bottle it up again or we just kick it blindly, wheres when the opposition wins it they always break away leaving our players for dead.

As for Leo i think his time at FB is over but sadly who else do we have that can perform the duties? We are missing LRT big time. Leo would be suited to a half back flank using his love of a dash to set up attacks. We can't rely on Malceski to do this through the game.

We won;t be a top 4 this year more 5-8th and if we play the crows in September we won't go far.

[SMFC]

the difference is that those players who needed to perform at 110% in 05 and 06 due to being average players have peaked and now are starting to slide. We are constantly being out paced every week. Our top players would be lucky to be getting a run in some sides this year.

Players who we thought would go to the next level this year (McVeigh is a prime example) have gone backwards. Jude Bolton is way past his prime and sadly we are too much of a defensive midfield - too many stoppers not enough creative free running players. Prime example in hitout when we win a hit out we either bottle it up again or we just kick it blindly, wheres when the opposition wins it they always break away leaving our players for dead.

As for Leo i think his time at FB is over but sadly who else do we have that can perform the duties? We are missing LRT big time. Leo would be suited to a half back flank using his love of a dash to set up attacks. We can't rely on Malceski to do this through the game.

We won;t be a top 4 this year more 5-8th and if we play the crows in September we won't go far.

We'll be a much better team once Goodes hits a bit of form. And oh, if we play Adelaide in Adelaide, we only have to kick straight to win. It's a formality. :)

[Footylover1]

the difference is that those players who needed to perform at 110% in 05 and 06 due to being average players have peaked and now are starting to slide. We are constantly being out paced every week. Our top players would be lucky to be getting a run in some sides this year.

Players who we thought would go to the next level this year (McVeigh is a prime example) have gone backwards. Jude Bolton is way past his prime and sadly we are too much of a defensive midfield - too many stoppers not enough creative free running players. Prime example in hitout when we win a hit out we either bottle it up again or we just kick it blindly, wheres when the opposition wins it they always break away leaving our players for dead.

As for Leo i think his time at FB is over but sadly who else do we have that can perform the duties? We are missing LRT big time. Leo would be suited to a half back flank using his love of a dash to set up attacks. We can't rely on Malceski to do this through the game.

We won;t be a top 4 this year more 5-8th and if we play the crows in September we won't go far.

I don't think Jude Bolton is past his prime, he is played in the wrong position. He isn't a half forward. When he was played in the middle against Melbourne he starred, he should be starting in the midfield each week. Unless he has an injury (which is quite on the cards with Bolton) he should be playing in the midfield. If he is injured, give him a rest for a week or two and try someone like Jarrad Moore in the midfield.

[bloodsbigot]

The time has come that we acknowledge that 2005 and 2006 are glorious history, and that the premiership clock has ticked past 12 o'clock for this present team.

Some of our iconic players are now sadly on the wane.



5 past 12

As brave as Leo Barry is, he is outsized, awkward and/or clumbsy at the contest. He concedes 2 to 3 goals most weeks. Leo has a frustrating habit of handballing to a teamate under pressure and causing turnovers, is increasing. His style with present umpiring instructions is conceding more penalties than ever. We don't need a run and carry type of FB.

We need a FB the style of Dunks, Scarlett, Fletcher, Glass or a Mal Michael.

4 past 12

Ben Matthews and Jared Crouch( battered body)


3 past 12

A player I love Captain Kirk, (mainly because of his age).

2 past 12

Jude Bolton, MOL

Your thoughts!!

Damn man.. it's a bit early to be making those kind of predictions isn't it?

[bradmanstandguy]

Totally agree. Unless there is a massive turnround in form,from our senior players
in the next 3 weeks we can kiss Sept goodbye! If this happens Roosey must consider dropping underperforming players who are picked every week because
of seniorority in the side.We have at least 6 or 7 players in our reserves who
could get games in another team,despite the fact that they are playing in
the Act league. This was the biggest mistake we ever made,having our reserves
playing in this league. We have recruited well,but all the other teams play in
the big boys reserve league,and the Act league just doesnt cut it!!

[Tuco]

I think all focus must now be on getting results against the Power and the Doggies. If we go 3-6 it'll be a long road back.

[DMJR]

I think the problems which are now confronting us have been touched upon, one way or another, by many posters on this board. Perhaps there is just the need to bring it together, which I’ll attempt to do in my own convoluted way. I believe we have problems with our system, which then goes to our skills and then finally to our structure.

By system I mean the Reserves set-up and the discrepancy between the seniors and the current standard of the AFL Canberra. Our fringe players are simply not being tested under match conditions to a sufficient standard. The sheer pressure of playing in competitive conditions does not exist (huge winning margins), nor does playing against harden opponents (yes they are mature bodies, but the superior fitness of the Swans reserves means they don’t impact as they otherwise would). Additionally, (I could be mistaken here) too often the emergencies for the seniors actually don’t get any match practise at all (or only half a match). This means younger player’s development takes longer; and also when they are called up into the seniors it is that much more difficult and takes that much longer to pick up the tempo of the seniors in the actual matches. I would think this also applies to regular seniors who are coming back from injury. Either they have been rushed back because they won’t pick up form adequately in the reserves; or when they have come back through the reserves that quantum leap still exists and they initially play poor senior games.

This brings down the skills of individual players coming into the side and I saw a lot of that on Saturday night against the Saints. With one, two or more of these players down, the whole side suffers and can lose confidence. We know from our own coaching staff’s admissions that we are not a team which can afford passengers and need everyone ‘on song’ to win. This doesn’t mean they aren’t trying but if you have to find touch in the seniors it is probably too late.

When our skills are down our structure is exposed. I mentioned on an earlier post that a media commentator thought the game may have changed this year to sides attacking quicker and longer in response to the Swans, Eagles and Crows ‘strangulation’. He also believed that this year the Swans were having problems turning from defence to offence quickly enough. I thought this was particularly the case at the game I saw against the Saints. When attacking we were held up, appeared unsure and then seemed to become ‘Hall happy’ when all other options were covered.

I believe we need to change our structure to present more power/pace for counter-attacking and options for kicking goals up forward (a third tall). I am hesitant to rant about bring him in, drop him etc; as we don’t really know the dynamics of the inner workings. So the below suggestions are merely the ravings of a would be if I could be

Defence: Needs more height, power, pace. Craig Bolton/Richards full back, Leo Barry to half-back flank, Goodes to CHB (he’s a great player but now needs to become a legend by holding down a KPP).

Extended mid-field: Needs a bit of renewal and some regular seniors need to find touch in the reserves. Bring in [COLOR=black]Schmidt, Laidlaw and possibly Phillips/Dempster. Rest McVeigh, Matthews/Crouch, Buchanan

Forwards: Needs more height and presence: Bring in Vogels, or play Jolly as a permanent forward and bring in a fit(?) Doyle.

[RUNVS]

Its amazing to see how many people have given up on the Swans after 7 rounds.

[magic19]

Its amazing to see how many people have given up on the Swans after 7 rounds.
Swans fans underating Paul Roos yet again.

[CAS79]

I don’t want to sack a whole heap of players.

Its fair to say perhaps that Mickys time is dawning as his injuries are taking their toll as he gets, but hes not in the nursing home just yet. But as for the rest

Jude Bolton is having a bad spell and while it is frustrating me no end I think we have to stick with him.

Kirk is still getting the ball and I would not want to see anything done hear as he is still amongst our better leaders.

Crouch was never the out and out champion some considered him but he is a good player and the more he runs the more I think it will come.

Leo Barry was never in Dunks class as a full back but their is not to much you can do when our midfield is getting run all over, he tried man on man on Gehrig, a bad match up for Leo and Gehrig probably got the better by the end he was doing the right things but the ball was coming in to Gehrig too often with no pressure.

I’ll get blasted for my comments about Mathews, last two weeks before this were ok but I don’t rate him with a lot of our top list (let the howls of indignation begin)


There my thoughts

[SMFC]

Leo Barry was never in Dunks class as a full back but their is not to much you can do when our midfield is getting run all over, he tried man on man on Gehrig, a bad match up for Leo and Gehrig probably got the better by the end he was doing the right things but the ball was coming in to Gehrig too often with no pressure.

He has done an admirable job in defense since moving there a few years back, but i feel our game plan hides his inadequacies somewhat, not the best in a one on one situtaion against some of the better full forwards like Gehrig, Lloyd etc... Definately an area we need to look at now rather than later before we really struggle in that area after he retires.

[rancidpants13]

I don’t want to sack a whole heap of players.

Its fair to say perhaps that Mickys time is dawning as his injuries are taking their toll as he gets, but hes not in the nursing home just yet. But as for the rest

Jude Bolton is having a bad spell and while it is frustrating me no end I think we have to stick with him.

Kirk is still getting the ball and I would not want to see anything done hear as he is still amongst our better leaders.

Crouch was never the out and out champion some considered him but he is a good player and the more he runs the more I think it will come.

Leo Barry was never in Dunks class as a full back but their is not to much you can do when our midfield is getting run all over, he tried man on man on Gehrig, a bad match up for Leo and Gehrig probably got the better by the end he was doing the right things but the ball was coming in to Gehrig too often with no pressure.

I’ll get blasted for my comments about Mathews, last two weeks before this were ok but I don’t rate him with a lot of our top list (let the howls of indignation begin)


There my thoughts

pretty close to the money....apart from not mentioning mcveigh, who surely now has to spend time in the twos, and buchanan, who seems to be making mistakes now that he never made....we can't afford a whole buncha players like j bolton, matthews, rouch, buchanan and mcveigh if most or all are out of form....a few shining lights: ablett continues to improve, schneider is now close to a regular midfield rotation role, as possibly is davis, it might make him earn his ball AND get him fitter, he was good last night....leo's past two games have been more consistent than for a long time but it must be close to time for him to go to a back flank and be freed up to run more, but to do it we need LRT AND another tall reliable key defender....the midfield is lacking pace, kennelly's return will help, and malceski (captain in waiting) will benefit from kennelly's return
....
but overall, it's the lack of hunger and intensity in the past two weeks that has me worried....the past two years, even early, our problem was rust, we made mistakes and blew games but we still showed that desperation and hunger, but this season, apart from flashes, it's been missing.....i'd love to see grundy back, give laidlaw a go, get doyle in if he's fit, and maybe get that jesse white in, he looked a real goer in the preseason, what's happened since? i think there's maybe 6-8 players getting a start on reputation....what's happened to ted richards?

[Skystyler]

I remember feeling this way last year and the year before that, and looked what happened.

Yes, we were disappointing against the saints, but that is hardly unusual for this team. If history has taught us anything about this team it is dont underestimate them when their backs are against the wall.

I'll be at the Port game this Sunday and I fully expect them to come out as hard as nails and put the game beyond doubt by half time.

[SouthSwans]

I hardly think Mathews should be a scapegoat for a terrible start by McVeigh, Goodes and Bolton.

[beejw1]

I hardly think Mathews should be a scapegoat for a terrible start by McVeigh, Goodes and Bolton.

I'm not a Mathews fan but I thought he did an admirable job on Del Santo the other night. McVeigh has to be dropped. I watched him closely the last two weeks, amateur grade disposals and he was lost on the ground, didn't know where he was supposed to be.

Our run into the forward line is too slow, opposition has time to flood. Players are getting the ball on the wing and half forward and then chipping inwards or backwards. When it does come in quick, Hall is usually outmanned two or three to one, more options needed. Where are our men when their opponents are manning Hally.

I'm not writing us off yet but as far as I can see some changes need to happen or its going to be an uphill battle to challenge later in the year.

[magic19]

I remember feeling this way last year and the year before that, and looked what happened.

Yes, we were disappointing against the saints, but that is hardly unusual for this team. If history has taught us anything about this team it is dont underestimate them when their backs are against the wall.

I'll be at the Port game this Sunday and I fully expect them to come out as hard as nails and put the game beyond doubt by half time.
Agreed, this time last year we were only one game behind and we were the same (3-4) in 2005. Still very early in the season to be making irrational calls.

[Bloods boy from the Bush]

I agree that we shouldn't write the Swans off for '07 but that still doesn't mean that right at the moment we are struggling. Our once great forward line appears to only have 1 option instead of 4 or 5 MOL, ROK, and Daivs gotta get more goals from them Midfield has got to win more clearances and down back we need a Mal Michael style defender to free up leaping leo.

[thesouthernend]

This week will be interesting for both of our clubs, we think we are on the upward path, this thread suggests you are on the down slope. I believe that this should give us an indication of where we are both at. I do not think you are far way from being a good team again.

[rancidpants13]

I agree that we shouldn't write the Swans off for '07 but that still doesn't mean that right at the moment we are struggling. Our once great forward line appears to only have 1 option instead of 4 or 5 MOL, ROK, and Daivs gotta get more goals from them Midfield has got to win more clearances and down back we need a Mal Michael style defender to free up leaping leo.

o'keefe is a gem, his workrate is surely up with the best in the league, and going back as far as the 2005 finals he seems to have been playing a more midfield role, running and/or delivering the ball into the forwards, rather than being on the receiving end, and he's triffic at it....i still believe davis could be used in a similar way, although his accuracy and kicking length make him too important inside 50.....schneider and malceski must be used in running roles, but we need kennelly back to free up malch, and we need LRT or some other big key defender to free up leo, who seems best suited to a running halfback...he and craig bolton are now too vulnerable to being exploited by bigger, stronger forwards under the new rule

we DEFINITELY need to run more, and kick more goals...stupidly obvious, i know, but we look so stifled and dull right now

[J-swan]

but overall, it's the lack of hunger and intensity in the past two weeks that has me worried....the past two years, even early, our problem was rust, we made mistakes and blew games but we still showed that desperation and hunger, but this season, apart from flashes, it's been missing.....

I share this feeling, it appears to me that the hunger just isn't there this year and I think thats our biggest problem. We need everyone to perform at 100% but without hunger, thats not going to happen.

[Cheer Red Blood]

And Bevan's inclusion certainly reeked of trying something different from what we've seen so far this year.

Bevan (I.e Ben Mathews V2) is hardly something different to what we already have. He has a defensive mindset and poor skills, just like many already in the seniors.

IMO it reeked of favouritism and same old, same old not "something different".

There definetly does need to be some freshening up of the team.

- Schmidt has to be brought back and given time in the middle.

- McVeigh needs to be dropped. Get some confidence in the reserves boy. Or at least it'll stop him stuffing up in the seniors.

- It won't happen as he's only just been promoted from the reserves, but Bevan should not be in the seniors.

- Philips kicked seven for the reserves. Give him a game, and give it to him as a FP. Not hanging around the outside of the packs.

- Stuff J. Bolton as a Half Forward. If he's carrying an injury that stops him playing on ball, then he shouldn't be in the team. If he's playing there to be a defensive forward, screw that, Schneider/Philips can provide defensive pressure while putting some hurt on the scoreboard. Look at X. Clarke last weekend for the Saints. J. Bolton can't kick for goal, don't play him there.

- When Dempster is back Ben Mathews shouldn't be played in the Seniors any longer.

- When LRT is back, if Richards is still in the (poor) form he is now, drop him.

- Play Grundy or Vogels as an alternative marking target. Hall is being triple teamed, play someone with some size up there. They are trying with Everitt but it isn't working out - He doesn't seem fit enough.

- White is a first year KP player. Grundy and Vogels should be, and are before him in the queue. Stop talking about him, he isn't even starring at reserves level, which Grundy and Vogels have had to do for years to get half a game of seniors.

- Laidlaw and Moore should be given games too. Moore can play that HF role that Bolton is playing now. He has a tough body, more pace than half the side, and more than adequate skills to go with a smart football brain.

And don't talk about this, DO IT.

[mr_hawk74]

what ever position sydney reaches in 2007, it would have acheived a higher spot if Everiit wasnt around. That guy breeds failure (as good as he is). He is Bacteria, and his germ will spread.

[Tuco]

Bevan (I.e Ben Mathews V2) is hardly something different to what we already have. He has a defensive mindset and poor skills, just like many already in the seniors.

IMO it reeked of favouritism and same old, same old not "something different".

There definetly does need to be some freshening up of the team.

- Schmidt has to be brought back and given time in the middle.

- McVeigh needs to be dropped. Get some confidence in the reserves boy. Or at least it'll stop him stuffing up in the seniors.

- It won't happen as he's only just been promoted from the reserves, but Bevan should not be in the seniors.

- Philips kicked seven for the reserves. Give him a game, and give it to him as a FP. Not hanging around the outside of the packs.

- Stuff J. Bolton as a Half Forward. If he's carrying an injury that stops him playing on ball, then he shouldn't be in the team. If he's playing there to be a defensive forward, screw that, Schneider/Philips can provide defensive pressure while putting some hurt on the scoreboard. Look at X. Clarke last weekend for the Saints. J. Bolton can't kick for goal, don't play him there.

- When Dempster is back Ben Mathews shouldn't be played in the Seniors any longer.

- When LRT is back, if Richards is still in the (poor) form he is now, drop him.

- Play Grundy or Vogels as an alternative marking target. Hall is being triple teamed, play someone with some size up there. They are trying with Everitt but it isn't working out - He doesn't seem fit enough.

- White is a first year KP player. Grundy and Vogels should be, and are before him in the queue. Stop talking about him, he isn't even starring at reserves level, which Grundy and Vogels have had to do for years to get half a game of seniors.

- Laidlaw and Moore should be given games too. Moore can play that HF role that Bolton is playing now. He has a tough body, more pace than half the side, and more than adequate skills to go with a smart football brain.

And don't talk about this, DO IT.

I understood the reasons for selecting Bevan, based on who was available at the time. I've posted my reasons elsewhere. But I don't see him as a start up player when Dempster and Tiger are anywhere near fit enough to play.

Phillips could well return at some point. But Schneider has been excellent since returning. And with Amon back, we're running out of spots for him. He won't come in for McVeigh - for example - unless he demonstrates that he can play a runwith role. And we already have a high running forward in Davis that can rotate throught the middle and provide a 3rd option target up front.

I think we're simply playing too much Tempo footy along the boundary line, and not using the corridor often enough over the last few weeks. But I get the feeling this has as much to do with protecting our weakened backline, and from the way opposition sides are setting up to comabat our gameplan as much as anything.

But all these calls for Jude, McVeigh, Mathews, Teddy and in recent weeks even Goodes by some people to be dropped smacks of hitting the panic button a little too hard a little too early.

Mathews has actually had a very good year IMHO. But he carries a lot of baggage with a lot of supporters. McVeigh now appears to be in much the same boat. Both play an important role for us. But Macca's disposals when he finds space (and where most fans see him at work) needs to improve for sure.

The good news is we remain competitive despite our rash of injuries. I'm comfortable with our depth. Look at Melbourne. They had a few injuries and couldn't manufacture a single win all year.

I understand your frustrations. But we have a lot of players that must be persisted with. And wholesale changes are not the solution.

[SouthSwans]

But all these calls for Jude, McVeigh, Mathews, Teddy and in recent weeks even Goodes by some people to be dropped smacks of hitting the panic button a little too hard a little too early.

Mathews has actually had a very good year IMHO. But he carries a lot of baggage with a lot of supporters.Agree, I dont see why Ben should be a scapegoat for the other four's bad form.

[PowerForGood]

Wouldn't worry TOO much, you guys are gonna come right back into reckoning for the flag this year...
(Hopefully, starting round 9....:thumbsu: )
However, you need to make top 4 to be a realistic chance, and that needs 14 wins. If you split the next two, then you go 4-5 and would need to win 10 of 13 to get top 4, starting to get difficult.

[Cheer Red Blood]

Phillips could well return at some point. But Schneider has been excellent since returning. And with Amon back, we're running out of spots for him. He won't come in for McVeigh - for example - unless he demonstrates that he can play a runwith role. And we already have a high running forward in Davis that can rotate throught the middle and provide a 3rd option target up front.

Why can't he come in for McVeigh?
Why does we need so many 'runwith' players?
We have the following onballers/flankers

Jack - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
Crouch - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
Malkeski
Buchanen
O'Keefe
Kirk - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
Goodes
Fosdike
J. Bolton
Davis
Schneider
Ablett - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
Mathews - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
Bevan - Tagger/Defensive midfielder
McVeigh - Tagger/Defensive midfielder

We don't need ALL of them doing that job. Realistically, if you're tagging more than two/three opposition players you haven't got enough balance between attack and defense. Currently we are very low on offense.

McVeigh is not required as a tagger. Drop him. We still have a plethora of others in the team that can do his job.

Bring in Schmidt/Moore/Philips/Laidlaw

Mathews has actually had a very good year IMHO. But he carries a lot of baggage with a lot of supporters.

That's cause he sucks.
Yes he has done some relatively good defensive jobs.
But he offers nothing in offense.
Short term he offers us little.
Long term he offers us nothing.
Give some of the younger players a chance instead of him and by the end of the year they'll be playing better than he has the ability to.

I agree wholesale changes are hardly called for and we would gain nothing from dropping, say, Goodes as has been mooted.

But dropping McVeigh and Mathews is hardly over the top.

I did suggest dropping Richards. He is in the same poor form he was in early last year. He was dropped then and played the game of his life in the grand final after being recalled.

Of those three, McVeigh and Richards IMO can offer a lot in the seniors, if they can return to form in the reserves and then be brought back when they begin to show some. Which would simultaneously give some game time to younger players who have been languishing at Canberra.

[SouthSwans]

Ben has had a very good year so far. Get off his back, he's been one of our few shining lights if you actually watch our games. Last year I wouldnt care but he has been more than good this year.

[Tuco]

Cheer red Blood

One of the main problems we had when Phillips was in the side was defensive pressure in the forward 50. He threw himself around and did his best, but he did't really inpose himself on the game, you'd have to agree.

Maybe he could play on the ball and come in for McVeigh. But as everyone who's seen a fair bit of him keeps saying that's not his forte. So it'd be a big punt.

We've seriously lacked some pace around the ground - espeically in the midfield. That's one thing that keeps McVeigh's head above water big time. It's the reason Bevan comes in to help now that Tiger is out. And it's also the reason why we shouldn't be so surprised that Kieran Jack is getting some games.

You're right to point out that we are a little too defensive. But that's the way we play. We're just not structured to have a kid yo-yoing around in the forward line waiting for loose balls like Leon Davis used to do when he first started at the Pies. You have to go get your possessions to play in our side. Whether that is something that needs to change is another matter of course.

[Cheer Red Blood]

I think Philips can come in for McVeigh without having to play on-ball. We have enough on-ballers already in the team to replace McVeigh.

We've always lacked pace around the ground. Bevan doesn't provide any though. Moore is faster than him. As are (Reportedly) Thornton, Brabazon and Laidlaw, who all feature in the reserves best regularly, something Bevan didn't do and was recalled anyway.

Pure foot pace isn't the be all and end all of speed though. A fifty metre kick on to a team mates chest is more effective than a fifty metre run. However Bevan doesn't have the depth in his kicking, nor any real accuracy.

Jack is being given a game, and I'm happy with that. He seems to be going fine.

The issue I have is none of the previously mentioned reserves players, despite good form there are not being given a go while the same old players continually display poor form in the seniors - McVeigh and Richards chief among them.

Your last paragraph is quite mystifying. Philips has played seniors before, and there is no reason he shouldn't again provided he shows enough form at reserve level.

[Corpuscles]

FFS!

Bevan was included because they lacked LRT & Dempster height and Kennelly (experience & quality) in the backline BUT faced a Gorilla FF and a class mobile tall Reiwoldt. Always needed a tough dour expendable defensive player to play lose extra and stand in holes. Bevo even got a few good kicks.. but was never gunna star!

Did it do Schmidt good to go back win a BOG with more intensity and build more confidence & determination? OR Did you want to ask him to stand in the hole infront of Gehrig and Reiwoldt and scrag and potentially lose confidence & development of his game style?

Yes McVeigh and IMO Fosdike are borderline and neither have stepped up to adequately replace Willo. But Goodesy hasn't been much better... wanna see him playing Ainslie next week?

Whilst the backline is undermaned it is not time to experiment OR PANIC about stupid Malthouse Clock theories!!!! Whilst the season is still there for the taking, Swans were 3-4 in 2005 and 4-3 in 2006 and turned it around by slogging it out. This year WCE & Crows & Port will be there but the make up of the rest is likely to give Swans a chance even if they get to 5-8.

Once senior players are dropped what are they going to get out of playing against the country bumkins in Canberra?....just a massive dose of depression!!

It is good that young ones are pressing for selection... in time I bet they all will get their chance... when circumstances and match ups permit.

[Tuco]

I think Philips can come in for McVeigh without having to play on-ball. We have enough on-ballers already in the team to replace McVeigh.

We've always lacked pace around the ground. Bevan doesn't provide any though. Moore is faster than him. As are (Reportedly) Thornton, Brabazon and Laidlaw, who all feature in the reserves best regularly, something Bevan didn't do and was recalled anyway.

Pure foot pace isn't the be all and end all of speed though. A fifty metre kick on to a team mates chest is more effective than a fifty metre run. However Bevan doesn't have the depth in his kicking, nor any real accuracy.

Jack is being given a game, and I'm happy with that. He seems to be going fine.

The issue I have is none of the previously mentioned reserves players, despite good form there are not being given a go while the same old players continually display poor form in the seniors - McVeigh and Richards chief among them.

Your last paragraph is quite mystifying. Philips has played seniors before, and there is no reason he shouldn't again provided he shows enough form at reserve level.

It's true that Phillips has played in the seniors before. But only when Schneider and Davis have been out. And he has clearly shown that he needs to work on a few things each time he has had a game. Schmidt was given his chance also because of injuries. As for McVeigh, I was merely pointing out that his speed, and his tagging work is probably what's keeping him in the side. I don't think you could argue with that.

How many changes are you wanting to see this week? I'd rather our list settle down and we get some cohesion going. And talk of dropping the likes of Teddy while we're struggling for quality defenders just leaves me scratching my head.

[Cheer Red Blood]

How many changes are you wanting to see this week? I'd rather our list settle down and we get some cohesion going. And talk of dropping the likes of Teddy while we're struggling for quality defenders just leaves me scratching my head.

I would like to see McVeigh dropped for Schmidt at least.
Richards is not a quality defender, but I agree dropping him now would not be for the best.
I have said all thread that if he doesn't improve by the time LRT is back then he should be dropped, as he was last year.

Bevan was included because they lacked LRT & Dempster height and Kennelly (experience & quality) in the backline BUT faced a Gorilla FF and a class mobile tall Reiwoldt. Always needed a tough dour expendable defensive player to play lose extra and stand in holes. Bevo even got a few good kicks.. but was never gunna star!

We've lacked LRT and Dempster's height since round one.
We needed to kick goals - a 'tough dour expendable defensive player' will not help with that, and Bevan didn't.
(BTW you do know expendable means not worth keeping? Then why was he played?)

Did it do Schmidt good to go back win a BOG with more intensity and build more confidence & determination? OR Did you want to ask him to stand in the hole infront of Gehrig and Reiwoldt and scrag and potentially lose confidence & development of his game style?

Did it do Schmidt any good? Probably not. He's been dominating Canberra for four years. That place is no good even for a holiday, imagine going there every week and winning a football game by 50 goals. Pretty boring.

As you yourself said "what are they going to get out of playing against the country bumkins in Canberra?....just a massive dose of depression!!". Why would Schmidt be immune to that? He's just about the same age as Bevan and McVeigh, but for him going to Canberra it will build "confidence & determination" but Bevan and McVeigh would get "depression".

Maybe it would actually teach them to dominate as Bev at least, in your words, "was never gunna star!"

Yes McVeigh and IMO Fosdike are borderline and neither have stepped up to adequately replace Willo. But Goodesy hasn't been much better... wanna see him playing Ainslie next week?

No I don't that's why I didn't suggest it.

[Corpuscles]

I would like to see McVeigh dropped for Schmidt at least.
Richards is not a quality defender, but I agree dropping him now would not be for the best.
I have said all thread that if he doesn't improve by the time LRT is back then he should be dropped, as he was last year.

All of the those are in the bottom 6 and vulnerable. Too hard on Ted, no star, but has done reasonably well in a backline under the pump.



We've lacked LRT and Dempster's height since round one.
We needed to kick goals - a 'tough dour expendable defensive player' will not help with that, and Bevan didn't.
(BTW you do know expendable means not worth keeping? Then why was he played?)

You don't get it so I won't labour it. MOL had a shocker there is plenty of fire power if they perform. Help in the backline was req'd for that game.
Had Neitz and Robbo been in for Demons the same thing!

Did it do Schmidt any good? Probably not. He's been dominating Canberra for four years. That place is no good even for a holiday, imagine going there every week and winning a football game by 50 goals. Pretty boring.

As you yourself said "what are they going to get out of playing against the country bumkins in Canberra?....just a massive dose of depression!!". Why would Schmidt be immune to that? He's just about the same age as Bevan and McVeigh, but for him going to Canberra it will build "confidence & determination" but Bevan and McVeigh would get "depression".

Maybe it would actually teach them to dominate as Bev at least, in your words, "was never gunna star!"



OK Chill dude:) you don't see my point....fair enough, I am sometimes wrong. Schmidt is a work in progress and needs to be handled with extra care as do all newbies... a lot easier for creative players to come into a red hot team as did the ESKI... saftey and starting point for Swans gameplan is defense.... (btw Jack is only there for rookie chance and other 'political' purposes)

Yes they all would be sick to death of playing 2's but dropping McVeigh which might happen, might/will put him on the scrap heap, whereas one more week for Schmidt is just that! Schmidt in any game did not have the pressure or magnitude of task that McVeigh had!

[Marto121]

The time has come that we acknowledge that 2005 and 2006 are glorious history, and that the premiership clock has ticked past 12 o'clock for this present team.

Some of our iconic players are now sadly on the wane.



5 past 12

As brave as Leo Barry is, he is outsized, awkward and/or clumbsy at the contest. He concedes 2 to 3 goals most weeks. Leo has a frustrating habit of handballing to a teamate under pressure and causing turnovers, is increasing. His style with present umpiring instructions is conceding more penalties than ever. We don't need a run and carry type of FB.

We need a FB the style of Dunks, Scarlett, Fletcher, Glass or a Mal Michael.

4 past 12

Ben Matthews and Jared Crouch( battered body)


3 past 12

A player I love Captain Kirk, (mainly because of his age).

2 past 12

Jude Bolton, MOL

Your thoughts!!

Old man you havo no idea. If you were a true swans fan you would know not to write them off as they have been in this position before and succeded. Stop baggin, you suck

[Big Snorky]

Old man you havo no idea. If you were a true swans fan you would know not to write them off as they have been in this position before and succeded. Stop baggin, you suck
I agree with you Farto123, this idiot has NFI.:D :D

[is2SWaNz]

Old man you havo no idea. If you were a true swans fan you would know not to write them off as they have been in this position before and succeded. Stop baggin, you suck

Thats not nice.

To some extent, he has been making calls too early, but they are fair and reasonable.

Even though Swans have been known as the nortirious slow starters, it doesn't mean Swans can turn it around by 2 rounds. Yes, Swans have been starting poorly every season, under Paul Roos, but we tend to turn that around later. How can you say the Swans can do it again? Football is unpredictable, even though the chances of Swans turning it around this year is likely.

Besides, this is a forum, remember. You can give your opinions, but those type of manners is unacceptable. Have you read the rules?

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Yeah we're definitely past it. Just knocked over the top team this year, who are also one of the youngest and fastest teams in the comp.

[SWANNIES RULE]

Yeah, we're well and truly past it.


:rolleyes:

[Big Snorky]

It's Game on.......The clock is ticking and it's five past seven......way past your bed-time........good night!!!!!

[1Mitch1]

big snorky, ive been reading all your posts to this date and as from what i have read all you think of bigfooty is one big joke.. get serious mate. nobody has time for your immature childish jokes.

[Marto121]

The time has come that we acknowledge that 2005 and 2006 are glorious history, and that the premiership clock has ticked past 12 o'clock for this present team.

Some of our iconic players are now sadly on the wane.



5 past 12

As brave as Leo Barry is, he is outsized, awkward and/or clumbsy at the contest. He concedes 2 to 3 goals most weeks. Leo has a frustrating habit of handballing to a teamate under pressure and causing turnovers, is increasing. His style with present umpiring instructions is conceding more penalties than ever. We don't need a run and carry type of FB.

We need a FB the style of Dunks, Scarlett, Fletcher, Glass or a Mal Michael.

4 past 12

Ben Matthews and Jared Crouch( battered body)


3 past 12

A player I love Captain Kirk, (mainly because of his age).

2 past 12

Jude Bolton, MOL

Your thoughts!!

So you were saying what about the swans?

[Big Snorky]

So you were saying what about the swans?The silence is deafening!!!

[Big Snorky]

The silence is deafening!!!STILL deafening!!!!!:)

[its game on]

The time has come that we acknowledge that 2005 and 2006 are glorious history, and that the premiership clock has ticked past 12 o'clock for this present team.

Some of our iconic players are now sadly on the wane.



5 past 12

As brave as Leo Barry is, he is outsized, awkward and/or clumbsy at the contest. He concedes 2 to 3 goals most weeks. Leo has a frustrating habit of handballing to a teamate under pressure and causing turnovers, is increasing. His style with present umpiring instructions is conceding more penalties than ever. We don't need a run and carry type of FB.

We need a FB the style of Dunks, Scarlett, Fletcher, Glass or a Mal Michael.

4 past 12

Ben Matthews and Jared Crouch( battered body)


3 past 12

A player I love Captain Kirk, (mainly because of his age).

2 past 12

Jude Bolton, MOL

Your thoughts!!

I posted this a few months ago.

Sorry but after tonight, Leo Barry, Jared Crouch, Jude Bolton and Ben Matthews have very little to offer the swans looking forward.

Kirky and MOL still have something to offer, only with changes can a new game plan be implemented.

[landers]

in next 2 years we will probally lose alot of players
Backs - L-Barry
Mathews
Middle- Kirk - biggest loss when it happens
Everitt
Crouch
Foward- Hall
O'Loughlin

But where got some good players to come in

backs- Barlow
White ?
Laidlaw
Jack
middle- Schmidt
Currie
Moore
D-O'Keefe
Thornton
forward- Grundy
Phillips


probaly players i forgotten about. i can see the player above being able to play afl. If they will be as good as players leaving is yet to be seen.But getting Bird who looks a like a very good pick this year in draft may help off set the lose of kirk and the irish kid Brendan Murphy who also joining the list next year is half as good as irish press make him out to be at 194cm tall could be a very good option to repace Hall.