wobblyboot
Team Captain
- Feb 23, 2014
- 483
- 126
- AFL Club
- Sydney
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SYDNEY
FB: Sam Reid ~ Ted Richards ~ Nick Smith
HB: Gary Rohan ~ Heath Grundy ~ Dane Rampe
C: Lewis Jetta ~ Josh Kennedy ~ Dan Hanneberry
HF: Kieran Jack ~ Lance Franklin ~ Tom Mitchell
FF: Adam Goodes ~ Kurt Tippett ~ Ben McGlynn
FOLL: Myke Pyke ~ Jarrad McVeigh ~ Luke Parker
INT: Rhyce Shaw ~ Harry Cunningham ~ Craig Bird
SUB: Jake Lloyd
In the mix: Jeremy Laidler ~ Xavier Richards ~ Alex Johnson (if fit) ~ Zak Jones ~ Tom Derickx ~ Issac Heeney ~ Dean Towers ~ Brandon Jack
BACKS
OUT: Nick Malceski ~ IN: Sam Reid.
That’s the sole change from the GF back line. My opinion is that they will miss Malceski a lot. A player of his quality defensive attributes and kicking skill doesn't come around often, especially not in new draftees, and going into the Grand Final he was one of the most important players in that team as a rebounding defender who used the ball so well. But with his loss the chance comes for the Swans to try something new.
That’s where Reid enters in. They’ve gone with Rampe as a third tall defender while Alex Johnson has been out of the team with injury but amongst other things what the GF showed is that a true third tall defender is needed. The undersized Rampe was forced to stand Gunston and you can argue was shown up on him. The plain facts are Ted Richards and Heath Grundy need that tall back up, whether it’s Reid, Jeremy Laidler, Xavier Richards or a fit Alex Johnson they need that assistance and Reid although he has played as a forward for the majority of his career offers that height and versatility down back. I haven’t been to an open Swans session but I hope he has been working with the back half and working against his old forward buddy’s Franklin and Tippett.
Nick Smith’s a beauty and one of the best for his craft in the game. As a small forward if you come out of the game with a points win over Nick Smith you've had a really good game. Great leader of the back line. Selfless player, plays for the team.
Gary Rohan’s a beneficiary of the changing of the guard in the Swans back line. That HBF has been owned by Rhyce Shaw in the past but with him getting closer to retirement Rohan needs to become the go to man more regularly. Came to the club as a speedy opportunist forward who missed a big chunk of footy due to a broken leg. Hasn’t lost his pace and his run off HB without Malceski becomes super important. Clever ball use is part of his game as well but still needs work on the defensive side of his game as an opportunist forward can make him pay.
Dane Rampe’s been a great story as a mature age rookie from the 2012 draft and the biggest beneficiary in a hard time away from the game for Alex Johnson. Becomes an even more important member off the Swans defence now, in a different role as a key ball user now that Malceski has left the club for the Gold Coast Suns. I think he’ll find the role suits his play well but will get more attention from opposing teams.
The bookends Ted Richards and Heath Grundy continue to get the big jobs down back every week. There’s some great stories in the Swans back line and Richards is another great story. Unwanted forward at Essendon who has become a 3 x GF player and premiership defender in 2012 at Sydney. Underrated player on the outside of the team but within the Swans four walls I’m sure his efforts are appreciated.
Grundy is another former forward who couldn’t get a gig in the front half but made a name for himself as a KPD. Generally gets the power forward and completes the job with minimum fuss. Another valuable player to the Swans set up.
Rhyce Shaw as an experienced head in a back line that has lost Malceski should get some games early but ideally will be phased out during 2015 by the development of Zak Jones as a defender. Injuries during 2013 affected his season but in 20 games in 2014 didn’t miss a beat averaging 20 touches a game. Into his 34th year and has been a great servant for the Swans and will leave Sydney as a premiership player and key part of the 2012 premiership success, something he couldn’t do at Collingwood. His experience and mentoring of the up and comers will be invaluable.
Zak Jones got some senior exposure in 2014 and wasn’t overawed by the step up. Is the perfect replacement down back for Shaw when he is phased out which could be early on in 2015 depending on the success of Rohan off HB. Plays with the similar courage and hardness traits of brother Nathan and a player that long term the Swans need to hold onto IMO.
Laidler and Xavier Richards are tall defensive options and Richards in particular is filling out really well in his body to possible continue the line of Richards tall defenders at Sydney post older brother Ted. Laidler’s a good role player but is arguably a little undersized to play that third tall role. The other option is Alex Johnson who in his last senior game (2012 GF) was terrific but since then has been struck down by ACL injuries and complications. Just getting some games and match fitness into him at NEAFL level will be the first box to tick because he hasn’t played many competitive games for the best part of two seasons.
MIDFIELDERS
The best midfield from 2014 won’t change much and they still go so deep through the midfield. All 3 smaller forwards are capable to play through the midfield as are Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Craig Bird.
There are midfielders with points to prove after there GF games but. Looking at you firstly Lewis Jetta. Granted his head maybe wasn’t straight in the second half after a concussion but he was largely ineffective in the whole game. Has the ability to light up a wing like Bradley Hill from the Hawks but went missing on the biggest stage of all. Had a fairly consistent season and possession wise had his best season so far averaging 3 tackles a game as well. Massive point to prove from the GF but his output in the PF was also quiet after a standout game in the QF against Freo.
Dan Hanneberry was a real pace setter for the Swans in the 2012 GF and was unlucky not to be named the Norm Smith medalist. Set the tone for hardness early in that GF which made him a target for Hawthorn early in the 2014 GF. Copped a number of hard hits but showed great resilience to get back up again. Only played 19 games due to injury but like Jetta he had a career best season in term of disposal averages and tackling pressure. Certainly wasn’t his best game in the GF but wasn’t overwhelmed like other midfielders and you’d have to think those early hits affected him even if only minor.
Josh Kennedy’s a beauty and a real prototype midfielder of the modern game. Not ashamed at all on GF day he played his typical hard working game and was clearly the Swans best midfielder. Had a great season playing 23 of a possible 25 games and didn’t see a game under 20 touches with a season high 41 against Carlton. A real leader of the inside contested play but can make space on the outside as well.
Jarrad McVeigh along with Lewis Jetta will want to remove the GF from his mind and not just because he was captain. Had a poor game on the big stage shown not only in his possession output but his tackling pressure. 1 tackle for the game is very unlike McVeigh, he’ll bounce back but. Generally is a strong leader of the team looks to have carried that “bloods culture” around the club post Brett Kirk.
Luke Parker’s 2014 was a breakout year highlighted by the Skilton Medal. Became a really key on baller for the Swans playing every game in the coalface averaging close to 26 touches, 6 tackles and a goal a game. His been a player that I’ve taken a keen interest in since he was drafted and with Josh Kennedy are the key inside midfielders at Sydney. Likely to play his 100th game for Sydney in 2015 and IMO is a future leader of the team.
Harry Cunningham came of age as a midfielder in 2014 generally getting the run with role on a dangerous outside running opposition midfielder. Pushed the experienced Ryan O’Keefe out of the best side which wouldn’t have been easy to do. Definite long term player for the Swans who plays a good team game.
Craig Bird has been a consistent midfielder for the Swans for years now. Had an indifferent 2014, a few times being called upon as a sub. Will likely bring up game 150 in 2015 and brings solid defensive play to the team, a very capable run with midfielder who has shown he can win his own ball as well.
Jake Lloyd found himself a role in the Swans midfield during 2014 playing every game from Round 5 onwards and was rewarded with a GF appearance. Ended up getting the red vest in the 4th quarter but the experience of 20 + games and 3 crunch finals during the season for him will be worthwhile.
It’s a tough midfield to break into but what Issac Heeney and Dean Towers offer is versatility in there game and in their role. Heeney is going to be a ripper player and depending on NAB Cup form is well in the mix for a senior spot early in the Malceski vacated HB line. If Rohan is struggling with injury or form Heeney is a ready-made replacement who has been in the Swans system for a few years now through the Academy. I’ve got no doubt he’ll get a debut in 2015 just unsure as to when right now. Absolute ready-made AFL player. Don’t think I can stress that enough.
Towers is a handy depth option. Drafted as a mature age player in the 2012 draft he debuted during 2014 and ended up playing 6 games. Tall midfielder/ utility option who will definitely be in the mix at selection given his a mature age and mature body selection.
RUCKS
A lot of the ruck work falls onto the big Canadian Myke Pyke again after his past partner in crime Mumford moved to GWS. 2014 was a real big year for his development. Had a frustrating year in terms of form early and missing a quarter of the season through injury but for a guy who came into the AFL from scratch his career has been one of continual improvement and persistence in development. Knows his limitations and plays to his strengths accordingly. He is an incredibly strong mark particularly in a contest which makes him dangerous when resting inside 50.
Kurt Tippett is Pyke’s main support act and possibly Sam Reid as a more flexible third ruck. Tippett had a season high 16 hit outs against the Tigers late in the season when Pyke was out and Naismith debuted but there has been issues with his knees which makes it harder for him to become a centre square ruckman and more of a ruckman who is used better around the ground with his height, strong body and agility.
Tom Derickx is clearly the next ruckman in line at selection and played 12 games in 2014 as a ruckman and deep forward during Pyke and Tippett’s time of injury, before succumbing to injury himself and being placed on the LTI list for Sam Naismith. Back into full training and will likely provide back-up ruckwork for Pyke from the NEAFL again.
Unfortunately for the Swans Sam Naismith and Toby Nankervis aren’t fully ready for week in, week out AFL football yet but as tall and physically mature ruckman the chance to continue develop their own games and develop as a ruck duo/ trio with Derickx for another season at NEAFL level is handy.
FORWARDS
If they can work well together the "Bondi Boys" Buddy and Tippett will be a lethal combination with Buddy’s agility for a 6’6, 100 kg + forward and Tippett’s height and body size hard to manoeuvre around. Combined for 3 goals a game during 2014 in 36 combined matches but the daunting thing is they can easily improve that to 40 + games and combined 4 to 5 goals a game. By all reports they’ve been working well together over the pre-season and when given the chance to play more regularly together the scoreboard will be hurt more.
In 14 games Tippett kicked 34 goals but needed to do more on the scoreboard on GF day. Too much was left to Franklin. If he can have a relatively injury free and get those figures up to 20 games and 50 goals with more hit outs as a regular second ruck than that goes a long way to seeing the Swans finish in the deep part of the finals again.
Franklin’s 1 year down on the big contract and if 2014 is anything to go on he will help bring the Swans a flag in 2015 or not long after. After a slow start to the year he ended up with another Coleman Medal, another All Australian selection and top 5 finish in the Sydney B & F. Ended up with 9.14 from 3 appearances against the Hawks but saved his strongest performance against them for the biggest day when he was clearly the Swans best forward in a team that was hammered. Was targeted by his former team mates both physically and mentally but as a player he was nowhere near disgraced on the day.
2014 was a different year for Goodes. Sat out the first 5 week but didn’t miss a beat from R6 playing every game sometimes being used in a green/ red vest to monitor his output but spent more time inside 50 during 2014 averaging 1.5 goals a game over 20 games. Not the damaging ball winner he once was anymore not once getting above 20 touches during 2014 but his effectiveness is seen in shorter bursts. Going into his 17th season of AFL (didn’t debut until 1999) and already turned 35 you’d argue it’s his last year and a succession plan may be put in place more regularly during 2015. Would love the Swans and the game as one of the great players.
Tom Mitchell, Kieran Jack and Ben McGlynn are ultimate small forward/ midfield options. Dangerous scoreboard options inside 50 but also applying forward pressure to lock it inside 50 and winning the ball through the midfield. Ben McGlynn is probably the most suited to the small forward role hence his naming in the FP averaging a goal a game over 2014.
Kieran Jack’s GF was below his usual but he wasn’t alone their and wasn’t disgraced on the big day. Becomes a real key to my second string Swans midfield being a leader, the most experienced midfielder and a capable ball winner who is able to play defensively with strong tackling pressure as well. Inside 50 he’s generally a good finisher and can be relied upon to kick multiple goals a game. Player who takes pride in his game and will want to rebound and become a premiership captain.
Tom Mitchell is the numerical player who benefits from Nick Malceski departing. Not a like for like replacement but a more than suitable replacement for Malceski as a ball winner. Mitchell only played 6 games in 2014 including the first 4 and last 2 regular season games not showing any signs that he couldn’t make the step up from NEAFL permanently. As he showed in 2013 he is an effective midfield ball winner and applier of defensive pressure. A player who along with K. Jack are the key ball winning midfielders in the second string midfield. Not a noted goal kicking HF yet but kicked 11 goals in 14 games during 2013
From all reports Brandon Jack is having a strong pre-season and is keen to nail down that small forward role in the senior side. He’s got strong competition for the positon in Ben McGlynn and the forward rotating midfielders. Defensive pressure, chasing and tackling are key components to his game and playing as a specialist forward these are important traits to have. Well placed to replace Ben McGlynn if form or injury permits it. Could even have a Ryan O’Keefe from season 2014 type situation where Jack surpasses McGlynn or Lewis Jetta as a small forward during 2015.
DRAFTEE WATCH (2014) ISSAC HEENEY
Arguably the steal of the draft joining the Swans as an academy selection when Melbourne’s selection 3 was offered for this class young talent. Has been involved in the Swans system for years as an Academy player but during the past year played NEAFL level football with the Swans reserves, testing himself as a boy against men. Great preparation for what is to come.
There’s a vacancy from the GF team across HB and a job that Heeney can fill as a defensive and or rebounding option off HB. Best used as a HB/ outside mid early in his career IMO rather than throwing him into the fire of the contest early but he is easily the most ready Swans draftee and depending on NAB Cup form will get an early look in.
Jack Hiscox and Abaina Davis were the other Academy selections but will develop in the NEAFL initially. Hiscox has showed already what his strengths are being a superb athlete and ranking highly in the Swans endurance time trials. Speed off the mark is another asset to his game. Is still raw in terms of size bit his athletic attributes lead to real potential as a run with midfielder.
Davis is a player who has the time to develop his body well at NEAFL level due to Sydney’s best KPP side being so strong. Tall and versatile enough to play at either end he may be seen and trained up as a Ted Richards/ Grundy replacement down back.
James Rose is a player I can see developing his game more at NEAFL level. Considering his role as a small to medium forward/ midfielder the Swans have strong depth in that role. Could be an Adam Goodes replacement inside 50 offering something a little different to the Swans forward structure.
Of the rookie's Nic Newman is a mature aged rookie with good experience and quality play at VFL level for Frankston in 2014. When upgraded he has the potential to be part of a Rhyce Shaw defensive succession plan as a ball winner with high kicking efficiency
2013 – Zak Jones
I’ve mentioned Jones already but he is primed to replace Rhyce Shaw in the best 22. A real competitive and hard edge to his game. Can play midfield or down back but his best use post Shaw looks to be off a HBF/ BP negating an opposition forward.
Another 2013 draftee Toby Nankervis is a definite ruck prospect. Bypassed in the 2012 National and Rookie drafts he will be 21 already in August and has that strong physically maturity that comes added with a season of NEAFL behind him. Came to the club as a project ruckman post the departure of Shane Mumford and with Sam Naismith is the real future in the ruck for Sydney. Aggressive style of ruckman with a good reach and is a strong pack mark inside 50.
SYDNEY
FB: Sam Reid ~ Ted Richards ~ Nick Smith
HB: Gary Rohan ~ Heath Grundy ~ Dane Rampe
C: Lewis Jetta ~ Josh Kennedy ~ Dan Hanneberry
HF: Kieran Jack ~ Lance Franklin ~ Tom Mitchell
FF: Adam Goodes ~ Kurt Tippett ~ Ben McGlynn
FOLL: Myke Pyke ~ Jarrad McVeigh ~ Luke Parker
INT: Rhyce Shaw ~ Harry Cunningham ~ Craig Bird
SUB: Jake Lloyd
In the mix: Jeremy Laidler ~ Xavier Richards ~ Alex Johnson (if fit) ~ Zak Jones ~ Tom Derickx ~ Issac Heeney ~ Dean Towers ~ Brandon Jack
BACKS
OUT: Nick Malceski ~ IN: Sam Reid.
That’s the sole change from the GF back line. My opinion is that they will miss Malceski a lot. A player of his quality defensive attributes and kicking skill doesn't come around often, especially not in new draftees, and going into the Grand Final he was one of the most important players in that team as a rebounding defender who used the ball so well. But with his loss the chance comes for the Swans to try something new.
That’s where Reid enters in. They’ve gone with Rampe as a third tall defender while Alex Johnson has been out of the team with injury but amongst other things what the GF showed is that a true third tall defender is needed. The undersized Rampe was forced to stand Gunston and you can argue was shown up on him. The plain facts are Ted Richards and Heath Grundy need that tall back up, whether it’s Reid, Jeremy Laidler, Xavier Richards or a fit Alex Johnson they need that assistance and Reid although he has played as a forward for the majority of his career offers that height and versatility down back. I haven’t been to an open Swans session but I hope he has been working with the back half and working against his old forward buddy’s Franklin and Tippett.
Nick Smith’s a beauty and one of the best for his craft in the game. As a small forward if you come out of the game with a points win over Nick Smith you've had a really good game. Great leader of the back line. Selfless player, plays for the team.
Gary Rohan’s a beneficiary of the changing of the guard in the Swans back line. That HBF has been owned by Rhyce Shaw in the past but with him getting closer to retirement Rohan needs to become the go to man more regularly. Came to the club as a speedy opportunist forward who missed a big chunk of footy due to a broken leg. Hasn’t lost his pace and his run off HB without Malceski becomes super important. Clever ball use is part of his game as well but still needs work on the defensive side of his game as an opportunist forward can make him pay.
Dane Rampe’s been a great story as a mature age rookie from the 2012 draft and the biggest beneficiary in a hard time away from the game for Alex Johnson. Becomes an even more important member off the Swans defence now, in a different role as a key ball user now that Malceski has left the club for the Gold Coast Suns. I think he’ll find the role suits his play well but will get more attention from opposing teams.
The bookends Ted Richards and Heath Grundy continue to get the big jobs down back every week. There’s some great stories in the Swans back line and Richards is another great story. Unwanted forward at Essendon who has become a 3 x GF player and premiership defender in 2012 at Sydney. Underrated player on the outside of the team but within the Swans four walls I’m sure his efforts are appreciated.
Grundy is another former forward who couldn’t get a gig in the front half but made a name for himself as a KPD. Generally gets the power forward and completes the job with minimum fuss. Another valuable player to the Swans set up.
Rhyce Shaw as an experienced head in a back line that has lost Malceski should get some games early but ideally will be phased out during 2015 by the development of Zak Jones as a defender. Injuries during 2013 affected his season but in 20 games in 2014 didn’t miss a beat averaging 20 touches a game. Into his 34th year and has been a great servant for the Swans and will leave Sydney as a premiership player and key part of the 2012 premiership success, something he couldn’t do at Collingwood. His experience and mentoring of the up and comers will be invaluable.
Zak Jones got some senior exposure in 2014 and wasn’t overawed by the step up. Is the perfect replacement down back for Shaw when he is phased out which could be early on in 2015 depending on the success of Rohan off HB. Plays with the similar courage and hardness traits of brother Nathan and a player that long term the Swans need to hold onto IMO.
Laidler and Xavier Richards are tall defensive options and Richards in particular is filling out really well in his body to possible continue the line of Richards tall defenders at Sydney post older brother Ted. Laidler’s a good role player but is arguably a little undersized to play that third tall role. The other option is Alex Johnson who in his last senior game (2012 GF) was terrific but since then has been struck down by ACL injuries and complications. Just getting some games and match fitness into him at NEAFL level will be the first box to tick because he hasn’t played many competitive games for the best part of two seasons.
MIDFIELDERS
The best midfield from 2014 won’t change much and they still go so deep through the midfield. All 3 smaller forwards are capable to play through the midfield as are Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Craig Bird.
There are midfielders with points to prove after there GF games but. Looking at you firstly Lewis Jetta. Granted his head maybe wasn’t straight in the second half after a concussion but he was largely ineffective in the whole game. Has the ability to light up a wing like Bradley Hill from the Hawks but went missing on the biggest stage of all. Had a fairly consistent season and possession wise had his best season so far averaging 3 tackles a game as well. Massive point to prove from the GF but his output in the PF was also quiet after a standout game in the QF against Freo.
Dan Hanneberry was a real pace setter for the Swans in the 2012 GF and was unlucky not to be named the Norm Smith medalist. Set the tone for hardness early in that GF which made him a target for Hawthorn early in the 2014 GF. Copped a number of hard hits but showed great resilience to get back up again. Only played 19 games due to injury but like Jetta he had a career best season in term of disposal averages and tackling pressure. Certainly wasn’t his best game in the GF but wasn’t overwhelmed like other midfielders and you’d have to think those early hits affected him even if only minor.
Josh Kennedy’s a beauty and a real prototype midfielder of the modern game. Not ashamed at all on GF day he played his typical hard working game and was clearly the Swans best midfielder. Had a great season playing 23 of a possible 25 games and didn’t see a game under 20 touches with a season high 41 against Carlton. A real leader of the inside contested play but can make space on the outside as well.
Jarrad McVeigh along with Lewis Jetta will want to remove the GF from his mind and not just because he was captain. Had a poor game on the big stage shown not only in his possession output but his tackling pressure. 1 tackle for the game is very unlike McVeigh, he’ll bounce back but. Generally is a strong leader of the team looks to have carried that “bloods culture” around the club post Brett Kirk.
Luke Parker’s 2014 was a breakout year highlighted by the Skilton Medal. Became a really key on baller for the Swans playing every game in the coalface averaging close to 26 touches, 6 tackles and a goal a game. His been a player that I’ve taken a keen interest in since he was drafted and with Josh Kennedy are the key inside midfielders at Sydney. Likely to play his 100th game for Sydney in 2015 and IMO is a future leader of the team.
Harry Cunningham came of age as a midfielder in 2014 generally getting the run with role on a dangerous outside running opposition midfielder. Pushed the experienced Ryan O’Keefe out of the best side which wouldn’t have been easy to do. Definite long term player for the Swans who plays a good team game.
Craig Bird has been a consistent midfielder for the Swans for years now. Had an indifferent 2014, a few times being called upon as a sub. Will likely bring up game 150 in 2015 and brings solid defensive play to the team, a very capable run with midfielder who has shown he can win his own ball as well.
Jake Lloyd found himself a role in the Swans midfield during 2014 playing every game from Round 5 onwards and was rewarded with a GF appearance. Ended up getting the red vest in the 4th quarter but the experience of 20 + games and 3 crunch finals during the season for him will be worthwhile.
It’s a tough midfield to break into but what Issac Heeney and Dean Towers offer is versatility in there game and in their role. Heeney is going to be a ripper player and depending on NAB Cup form is well in the mix for a senior spot early in the Malceski vacated HB line. If Rohan is struggling with injury or form Heeney is a ready-made replacement who has been in the Swans system for a few years now through the Academy. I’ve got no doubt he’ll get a debut in 2015 just unsure as to when right now. Absolute ready-made AFL player. Don’t think I can stress that enough.
Towers is a handy depth option. Drafted as a mature age player in the 2012 draft he debuted during 2014 and ended up playing 6 games. Tall midfielder/ utility option who will definitely be in the mix at selection given his a mature age and mature body selection.
RUCKS
A lot of the ruck work falls onto the big Canadian Myke Pyke again after his past partner in crime Mumford moved to GWS. 2014 was a real big year for his development. Had a frustrating year in terms of form early and missing a quarter of the season through injury but for a guy who came into the AFL from scratch his career has been one of continual improvement and persistence in development. Knows his limitations and plays to his strengths accordingly. He is an incredibly strong mark particularly in a contest which makes him dangerous when resting inside 50.
Kurt Tippett is Pyke’s main support act and possibly Sam Reid as a more flexible third ruck. Tippett had a season high 16 hit outs against the Tigers late in the season when Pyke was out and Naismith debuted but there has been issues with his knees which makes it harder for him to become a centre square ruckman and more of a ruckman who is used better around the ground with his height, strong body and agility.
Tom Derickx is clearly the next ruckman in line at selection and played 12 games in 2014 as a ruckman and deep forward during Pyke and Tippett’s time of injury, before succumbing to injury himself and being placed on the LTI list for Sam Naismith. Back into full training and will likely provide back-up ruckwork for Pyke from the NEAFL again.
Unfortunately for the Swans Sam Naismith and Toby Nankervis aren’t fully ready for week in, week out AFL football yet but as tall and physically mature ruckman the chance to continue develop their own games and develop as a ruck duo/ trio with Derickx for another season at NEAFL level is handy.
FORWARDS
If they can work well together the "Bondi Boys" Buddy and Tippett will be a lethal combination with Buddy’s agility for a 6’6, 100 kg + forward and Tippett’s height and body size hard to manoeuvre around. Combined for 3 goals a game during 2014 in 36 combined matches but the daunting thing is they can easily improve that to 40 + games and combined 4 to 5 goals a game. By all reports they’ve been working well together over the pre-season and when given the chance to play more regularly together the scoreboard will be hurt more.
In 14 games Tippett kicked 34 goals but needed to do more on the scoreboard on GF day. Too much was left to Franklin. If he can have a relatively injury free and get those figures up to 20 games and 50 goals with more hit outs as a regular second ruck than that goes a long way to seeing the Swans finish in the deep part of the finals again.
Franklin’s 1 year down on the big contract and if 2014 is anything to go on he will help bring the Swans a flag in 2015 or not long after. After a slow start to the year he ended up with another Coleman Medal, another All Australian selection and top 5 finish in the Sydney B & F. Ended up with 9.14 from 3 appearances against the Hawks but saved his strongest performance against them for the biggest day when he was clearly the Swans best forward in a team that was hammered. Was targeted by his former team mates both physically and mentally but as a player he was nowhere near disgraced on the day.
2014 was a different year for Goodes. Sat out the first 5 week but didn’t miss a beat from R6 playing every game sometimes being used in a green/ red vest to monitor his output but spent more time inside 50 during 2014 averaging 1.5 goals a game over 20 games. Not the damaging ball winner he once was anymore not once getting above 20 touches during 2014 but his effectiveness is seen in shorter bursts. Going into his 17th season of AFL (didn’t debut until 1999) and already turned 35 you’d argue it’s his last year and a succession plan may be put in place more regularly during 2015. Would love the Swans and the game as one of the great players.
Tom Mitchell, Kieran Jack and Ben McGlynn are ultimate small forward/ midfield options. Dangerous scoreboard options inside 50 but also applying forward pressure to lock it inside 50 and winning the ball through the midfield. Ben McGlynn is probably the most suited to the small forward role hence his naming in the FP averaging a goal a game over 2014.
Kieran Jack’s GF was below his usual but he wasn’t alone their and wasn’t disgraced on the big day. Becomes a real key to my second string Swans midfield being a leader, the most experienced midfielder and a capable ball winner who is able to play defensively with strong tackling pressure as well. Inside 50 he’s generally a good finisher and can be relied upon to kick multiple goals a game. Player who takes pride in his game and will want to rebound and become a premiership captain.
Tom Mitchell is the numerical player who benefits from Nick Malceski departing. Not a like for like replacement but a more than suitable replacement for Malceski as a ball winner. Mitchell only played 6 games in 2014 including the first 4 and last 2 regular season games not showing any signs that he couldn’t make the step up from NEAFL permanently. As he showed in 2013 he is an effective midfield ball winner and applier of defensive pressure. A player who along with K. Jack are the key ball winning midfielders in the second string midfield. Not a noted goal kicking HF yet but kicked 11 goals in 14 games during 2013
From all reports Brandon Jack is having a strong pre-season and is keen to nail down that small forward role in the senior side. He’s got strong competition for the positon in Ben McGlynn and the forward rotating midfielders. Defensive pressure, chasing and tackling are key components to his game and playing as a specialist forward these are important traits to have. Well placed to replace Ben McGlynn if form or injury permits it. Could even have a Ryan O’Keefe from season 2014 type situation where Jack surpasses McGlynn or Lewis Jetta as a small forward during 2015.
DRAFTEE WATCH (2014) ISSAC HEENEY
Arguably the steal of the draft joining the Swans as an academy selection when Melbourne’s selection 3 was offered for this class young talent. Has been involved in the Swans system for years as an Academy player but during the past year played NEAFL level football with the Swans reserves, testing himself as a boy against men. Great preparation for what is to come.
There’s a vacancy from the GF team across HB and a job that Heeney can fill as a defensive and or rebounding option off HB. Best used as a HB/ outside mid early in his career IMO rather than throwing him into the fire of the contest early but he is easily the most ready Swans draftee and depending on NAB Cup form will get an early look in.
Jack Hiscox and Abaina Davis were the other Academy selections but will develop in the NEAFL initially. Hiscox has showed already what his strengths are being a superb athlete and ranking highly in the Swans endurance time trials. Speed off the mark is another asset to his game. Is still raw in terms of size bit his athletic attributes lead to real potential as a run with midfielder.
Davis is a player who has the time to develop his body well at NEAFL level due to Sydney’s best KPP side being so strong. Tall and versatile enough to play at either end he may be seen and trained up as a Ted Richards/ Grundy replacement down back.
James Rose is a player I can see developing his game more at NEAFL level. Considering his role as a small to medium forward/ midfielder the Swans have strong depth in that role. Could be an Adam Goodes replacement inside 50 offering something a little different to the Swans forward structure.
Of the rookie's Nic Newman is a mature aged rookie with good experience and quality play at VFL level for Frankston in 2014. When upgraded he has the potential to be part of a Rhyce Shaw defensive succession plan as a ball winner with high kicking efficiency
2013 – Zak Jones
I’ve mentioned Jones already but he is primed to replace Rhyce Shaw in the best 22. A real competitive and hard edge to his game. Can play midfield or down back but his best use post Shaw looks to be off a HBF/ BP negating an opposition forward.
Another 2013 draftee Toby Nankervis is a definite ruck prospect. Bypassed in the 2012 National and Rookie drafts he will be 21 already in August and has that strong physically maturity that comes added with a season of NEAFL behind him. Came to the club as a project ruckman post the departure of Shane Mumford and with Sam Naismith is the real future in the ruck for Sydney. Aggressive style of ruckman with a good reach and is a strong pack mark inside 50.
Coach: Allen Jeans
