View Full Version : lions v swans
Hi guys,
I'm not going to start a flame war or anything like that, as I have a lot of respect for the Lions, and there is some kinship from the fact that we are both outposts. And success in either market is good for both.
I havent really been following the lions closely this year, so was wondering what your ruck division is up to. I dont think I remember Keating or McDonald last game? Are they injured, or will they play this week.
I say this, as Sydney's form has been we have no shot against any team with a half decent ruck division. Especially at the small SCG.
Also, whats Lynch's status ? Will he be playing?
How do you think a Bolton v Bradshaw matchup would go?
cjwalkley
5 May 2003, 14:15
McDonald should be back for this one, however I actually think that Dylan McLaren is an ideal match up for Goodes, so selection will be interesting. Lynch is more than likely to be back and I don't think the Swans have a backman who can match him or Brown for strength. Bolton and Bradshaw will be an interesting match up, although with good delivery Bradshaw is maybe a bit too strong in the air. I could see Saddington run with Brown as they both have good endurance, and Schauble try and match Lynch. The dangers for the Swans could well be Notting, White or Brennan as the attention and double teaming hits the taller three.
I could see Mal Michael getting Hall and Leppitsch the resting ruckman. White or Brennan would seem to be the ideal options for O'Loughlin, and McGrath for Schneider. The rest will be shared among Johnson, the Scotts and Ashcroft.
Kirk will get the job on Voss, Creswell and Black will more than likely match up, Brad Scott will get Maxfield on a wing, and if any of the Swans onballers get a bit of football, Hart will be the run with option.
The Lions have played well at the SCG, however they will need to lift a cog to beat this Swans team.
The team I would select:
B: McGrath Michael Johnson
HB: Brennan Leppitsch C.Scott
C: B.Scott Black Akermanis
HF: Power Brown Lappin
F: McRae Lynch Bradshaw
FOLL: McDonald Voss Hart
INT: White Charman Ashcroft Notting
EMG: Pike McLaren Selwood
I'd be supprised if Schauble gets Lynch. Lynch crucified him in the pre-season. Unless there are some doubts on Lynch's fitness, I think the Swans may try someone like Meklejohn/Ball on him first off. Tall, bulky, etc. Big ask though.
I'd expect Schuable to to take Brown, and Saddington to take the other tall forward (White). Leo Barry to take on Brenan. Bolton on Bradshaw.
Hall will play in a CHF role, but just inside 50. I dont know if Michael would be able to keep up with him. I see O'loughlan and Davis out of the FF square. IMO a very dificult forward line to mark up on.
Centre, as always at the SCG, is where it will be won. If McDonald plays, then its all over red rover. Kirk will go Voss for sure. Crouch may try and tag Aker. Would you try and tag Williams ?
From memory the Lions had a big come-from behind win last time at the SCG, last year. That was another world away as Eade was still coach, and Plugger was sitting on the pine.
Will be a good game. Roos said out list was 15% behind Brisbane at the moment, so we'll see if that ratio is reflected in the scoreline.
cjwalkley
5 May 2003, 16:34
I don't think Schauble has the endurance to go with Brown, which is why Saddington will probably get him. If Schauble is beaten by Lynch, then he won't have a match up on anyone as Bradshaw, White and Brennan would all be too quick.
If Hall plays that far out then Leppitsch will be his man, and O'Loughlin in the square would get White or more likely Chris Scott. I don't rate Davis and he will probably get Johnson, which could be very damaging for the Swans as Johnson is Brisbane's defensive playmaker and will exploit Davis' defensive deficiencies.
Goodes will be the Lions biggest problem, not in the centre but around the ground. Williams won't get a tag staright off, but if he becomes damaging Hart may get him or Brad Scott. Crouch would be ideal for Akermanis, as he can play midfield and back.
Sydney to win can't cough the ball up at all with silly skill errors as they did against Melbourne in the first three quarters. They need Goodes and Ball to provide an extra target up forward to take pressure off Hall and O'Loughlin. They also need the lesser names like Matthews, Kennelly and Bolton to play well.
Originally posted by cjwalkley
I don't think Schauble has the endurance to go with Brown, which is why Saddington will probably get him. If Schauble is beaten by Lynch, then he won't have a match up on anyone as Bradshaw, White and Brennan would all be too quick.
If Hall plays that far out then Leppitsch will be his man, and O'Loughlin in the square would get White or more likely Chris Scott. I don't rate Davis and he will probably get Johnson, which could be very damaging for the Swans as Johnson is Brisbane's defensive playmaker and will exploit Davis' defensive deficiencies.
Goodes will be the Lions biggest problem, not in the centre but around the ground. Williams won't get a tag staright off, but if he becomes damaging Hart may get him or Brad Scott. Crouch would be ideal for Akermanis, as he can play midfield and back.
Sydney to win can't cough the ball up at all with silly skill errors as they did against Melbourne in the first three quarters. They need Goodes and Ball to provide an extra target up forward to take pressure off Hall and O'Loughlin. They also need the lesser names like Matthews, Kennelly and Bolton to play well.
JOhnson would be good for Davis. Might teach Davis to be a bit accountable. I think Davis might come good now that that Collingwood game is behind him, and should control the air if johnson is his opponent.
Roos has a tendency to not worry about our defence too much. He knows its undermaned, but any defence can work if supply is restricted. Hence he tries to expose other sides defence with a potent forward line, and a very accountable, if underachieving, midfield to clog supply.
So Lynch's opponent may be shauble or meklejohn, and Roos could take 4/5 goals by Lynch as a fair penalty, and hope we can outscore you.
But if McDonald plays, then you will have a big headstart with that quality midfield underneath him. I hope he takes one more week. ;)
Ball/Goodes against lesser experienced ruckmen would make it interesting.
grimlock
5 May 2003, 17:02
Schauble will definately start on Lynch, whether he finishes on him is yet to be seen. There is no way Roos will chuck an inexperienced ruckman to play on one of the best FF running around.
I'd like to see Brennan play with Goodes, might be something to watch. I'd still expect the Lions to win easily as they have a vastly superior midfield, and won't play into our hands like the Pies did by holding the ball up and letting us flood back.
With a shortened list, there was a time when people were asking; Why do we have 4 Ruckmen? Thank God we do at the moment. Charman and Mclaren have been holding their own and I thought Mclarens efforts in the 2nd qrt against Geelong were wonderful.
On paper we should smash you (Sydney) all over the park, but so should of the Pies, and Hawthorn had you done in. On paper the ****roaches (Blues, stupid censer) should smash the Cane Toads every year, and we know that don't happen.
Sides seem to lift against Brisbane for obvious reasons. The Swans should be no different but I wonder whether you may have already done a lot of lifting in the past two weeks. At the very least they will have confidence. We don't want for that, but I can't help but feel there are a few niggling injuries floating around, and yet another road trip, albeit a short one, will see Brisbane below it's dazzling best yet again. Make too many mistakes and give up the ball and it will be good night Swans regardless.
Personally I think it will be a tough game and poses as our biggest challenge this year. Hall is a big threat. He maybe too fit and fast for both Leppitch or Michael. The narrowness of the SCG usually means quick delivery into the forward line and if he can get front position he may prove dangerous if inspired.
I wouldn't be surprised if 'The Guvna' missed a game in the up-coming weeks, if not this week.
He's as tough as nails, but he looked to be really showing it after a few heavy knocks on the weekend. I reckon pulling up sore will take its toll after a while, if he is carrying an injury.
roostersgal4eva
5 May 2003, 17:36
should be a good game (i wont be able to see it though)
at this stage of the year you only have to do enough to win - thats one of the traits of being a great side: Wining even though you are not playing so well! Its rounds 20,21,22 etc. when i want to see the lions play their best footy!
i agree with all of your sediments - their defence is no match for our fowards IMHO & fingers crossed that lynchy plays :)
Originally posted by ian68
With a shortened list, there was a time when people were asking; Why do we have 4 Ruckmen? Thank God we do at the moment. Charman and Mclaren have been holding their own and I thought Mclarens efforts in the 2nd qrt against Geelong were wonderful.
On paper we should smash you (Sydney) all over the park, but so should of the Pies, and Hawthorn had you done in. On paper the ****roaches (Blues, stupid censer) should smash the Cane Toads every year, and we know that don't happen.
On paper? Obviously a melbourne paper like the hun. Sydney have had a very ordinary run with injuries in 2001, 2002. Hence a lot of players like Ball, O'loughlan get forgotten about by the melbourne media.
On (neutral) paper we are 15% less than you, about even with the pies, and Hawthorn. (If you hadnt noticed, I dont really rate the pies. They remind me of Geelong in the 80's: Potential yes, all firing at once: never)
But we have almost a full list. Only Doyle and Fixter could sneak in to the current team off the injury list.
You guys on the other hand have coped a few injuries, and especially if Brown and Leppitch dont play, I'd say that 15% is approaching zero for this match, which by the way, is at our home ground.
Some dill in the Telegraph reackons there will be 35,000 there on Sunday. Mothers day will work against us, and there arent many Lions fans in Sydney, so anything above 20,000 would be ok I reackon. I might venture out for my first live game this year even.
I can't wait for the Collingwood fans to come out with something like "The Battle Of The AFL Salary Cap Lovechilds".
whoops thats only encouraging them...
Originally posted by adey115
I can't wait for the Collingwood fans to come out with something like "The Battle Of The AFL Salary Cap Lovechilds".
whoops thats only encouraging them...
Woods fans are keeping a very low profile for the last few weeks. We probably wont see them for another fortnight.
Originally posted by adey115
I can't wait for the Collingwood fans to come out with something like "The Battle Of The AFL Salary Cap Lovechilds".
whoops thats only encouraging them...
Actually if either club were ever inclined to make a statement on those issues on the banners.....ala Eddie Rnd 4....then this would have been the game to do it........strength in numbers and all that.