Preview Round 6: Swans vs Port Adelaide

[caesar88]

Not gonna lie, I... don't really get the fuss over this week's selections. At all.

We were seriously lacking in contested marks before Amartey was injured. Without him it is dire straits, so yeah, McCartin absolutely needs to play forward. He's one of the few players who has provided any semblance of structure ahead of the ball this year, even if he kicks like a drunken sailor.

That means Francis needs to play in defence. He's the next defender in. Why are we pretending like our defence hasn't looked the goods with Francis in it before, even if Francis himself is only ever average?

McLean vs Ladhams is a pretty straight-forward one. I liked what Ladhams was doing, but I think we're overstating his impact in terms of freeing up Grundy. He was averaging 27% ruck time as second ruck, McLean was averaging 19% ruck time in the same role last year. So McLean only needs to increase his load a little to provide the same sort of support to Grundy that Ladhams was (it's not like Ladhams was Simon Madden when in this role anyway.) And as far as the rest... McLean is averaging the most goals per game of any Swan this year, more than twice as many as Ladhams. So no-brainer.

Re the Sheldrick of it all, he actually probably benefits from being dropped. A full game in the VFL is preferable to a fourth consecutive week on limited minutes as sub. And that's likely what he would've been, because there just isn't a spot for him. He's not in our best midfield, and he's not in our best forward line.

If there is a worry it's that one of Hanily or Cleary is going to be made sub. I think our pressure game is bad enough as it is without shedding good pressure players on the way.

So overall selections are fine. I still think the game will be determined by how well our best half a dozen or so players perform.

 

[RubbaDuck]

Well this is it for Jmac. No more excuses. He better start tackling and making them stick, chasing hard and winning his own footy.

He should ask Wicks for advice.

I’m not convinced and will be watching him very closely. Sheldrick a bit stiff here.

Ladhams very unlucky - feel sorry for him whilst the turtle on Valium in Maclean gets another shot . And with respect to Francis, words fail me. If Francis is ever the answer then what on earth is the question ?

I hate Pies fans.

I can give you several questions which cross a fairly broad audience

Q1. For the average Aussie

What fairly common first name is often abbreviated as Frank?

Q2. For lapsed Catholics, Catholic curious and those who take a bit of an interest in world affairs and current events

When Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina became the first Jesuit and first non-European pope since Gregory III of Syria died in 741 (around the time Bedford was born), what papal name did he choose?

Q3. For wannabe altar-boys, theology students, devout Catholics, Catholic priests, the Archbishop of Sydney and the Pope

Q. Though his father preferred to call him Francesco, his mother gave him the name Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone when he was born in 1181 in the Italian town of Assisi. As a young adult he gave up all material wealth and privilege to live a life of begging and poverty (no, he didn't take out a mortgage). He gives his name to both a current pope and a Catholic order. He is the patron saint of animals and ecology. He is also found in protestant teachings and orders. By what name has be been known (followed by of Assisi) since his canonisation by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228.

For those devil-worshipping Pies fans struggling to guess the answers to any of these questions, I refer you to the bold clue in the original post and the subtle message to move along pal

 

[RubbaDuck]

Well done, Canard

Mssr Le Canard

Back in form M'sieur Duck.

Mais bien sûr

 

[RubbaDuck]

Well done, Canard

Monsieur Canard en caoutchouc

 

[Kiama Chris]

Mclean and grundy were the best 2nd ruck and main ruck combo for the majority of last year

Short memories

I rather mclean go 2nd ruck and hes really not that bad when we lock it in and he plays behind the ball

Betrer than as a permanent forward

Absolutely. Playing the role as if he was the ruck he does so much better than Grundy who can then play as a giant midfielder.

 

[dosser]

When you reach the depths of Francis level players there is not much left other than giving Buller a debut

You could be forgiven for thinking Buller hadn't debuted.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I am fine with all chances except the Francis thing but whatever

We have been too tall all year more than ok with McLean the second ruck.

What I don’t want is Hanily/Cleary as the sub

 

[Wheresbuddy]

I am fine with all chances except the Francis thing but whatever

We have been too tall all year more than ok with McLean the second ruck.

What I don’t want is Hanily/Cleary as the sub

I think Francis will play the third tall, intercept role with McCartin to stay forward. Normally Francis comes in to play a more lock down role which is not really his natural game so you never know, might have a cracked tomorrow

 

[Del198236]

I think Francis will play the third tall, intercept role with McCartin to stay forward. Normally Francis comes in to play a more lock down role which is not really his natural game so you never know, might have a cracked tomorrow

Would've preferred to see Edwards or Snell get a game than Francis. Logan should be back next week so it would only be one game game.
Thought Edwards played well in the last VFL game.. Snell has had his injury problems this year so might not be fit enough

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Not gonna lie, I... don't really get the fuss over this week's selections. At all.

We were seriously lacking in contested marks before Amartey was injured. Without him it is dire straits, so yeah, McCartin absolutely needs to play forward. He's one of the few players who has provided any semblance of structure ahead of the ball this year, even if he kicks like a drunken sailor.

That means Francis needs to play in defence. He's the next defender in. Why are we pretending like our defence hasn't looked the goods with Francis in it before, even if Francis himself is only ever average?

McLean vs Ladhams is a pretty straight-forward one. I liked what Ladhams was doing, but I think we're overstating his impact in terms of freeing up Grundy. He was averaging 27% ruck time as second ruck, McLean was averaging 19% ruck time in the same role last year. So McLean only needs to increase his load a little to provide the same sort of support to Grundy that Ladhams was (it's not like Ladhams was Simon Madden when in this role anyway.) And as far as the rest... McLean is averaging the most goals per game of any Swan this year, more than twice as many as Ladhams. So no-brainer.

Re the Sheldrick of it all, he actually probably benefits from being dropped. A full game in the VFL is preferable to a fourth consecutive week on limited minutes as sub. And that's likely what he would've been, because there just isn't a spot for him. He's not in our best midfield, and he's not in our best forward line.

If there is a worry it's that one of Hanily or Cleary is going to be made sub. I think our pressure game is bad enough as it is without shedding good pressure players on the way.

So overall selections are fine. I still think the game will be determined by how well our best half a dozen or so players perform.

Yep pretty much all that needs to be said the game will be decided by the same 10-12 players as it is every week.

That being said discussion around selections is less to do with the impact of the game but more who we think should be given a opportunity and who should be dropped.

Like Mclean vs Ladlams is splitting hairs as is who is a better "forward" between Francis or McCartin

 

[Kbroome]

Would've preferred to see Edwards or Snell get a game than Francis. Logan should be back next week so it would only be one game game.
Thought Edwards played well in the last VFL game.. Snell has had his injury problems this year so might not be fit enough

Agreed but they probably thought Snell has only gotten through what 1 or 2 games in the VFL this year so shouldn't be bringing in an underdone guy for his debut. Will be ready imo in another week or two if one of the talls goes down

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I think Francis will play the third tall, intercept role with McCartin to stay forward. Normally Francis comes in to play a more lock down role which is not really his natural game so you never know, might have a cracked tomorrow

I’d rather play Buller thanks

We know what Francis brings and it’s not great

 

[Jewelsbon]

I will admit, I've never been a fan of Francis.

However, his last games against North in VFL was very good. He was up to his usual VFL self, taking plenty of intercept marks but what was even more impressive was how clean his disposals were. Certainly a surprise as I've seen plenty of sloppy games of his. Hopefully we brings this version of himself on Sunday.

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

I think Francis will play the third tall, intercept role with McCartin to stay forward. Normally Francis comes in to play a more lock down role which is not really his natural game so you never know, might have a cracked tomorrow

When we first got Francis I thought he could be a future Rampe replacement. Well, now Rampe is nearing the end and now is Francis’ chance.

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

We shouldn’t play players based on potential. That is why the reserves are for.

If Francis is deemed next best in, then Snell and Edwards need to develop further / recover further from their injuries.

When they’ve earned it, they will value it more. Sydney doesn’t gift games.

 

[caesar88]

I’d rather play Buller thanks

Maybe if you have the time you should have a gander at the VFL...

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Maybe if you have the time you should have a gander at the VFL...

Meh honestly we know what Francis brings it’s trash.

Look I’d play neither and go small but you won’t like it

 

[davidyoung]

Yep thats the game or JHF, Rozee and Boak will tear us up.

Boak couldn’t tear up a tissue. He is near on a walking frame. Rozee has been ordinary at best this year. JHF is the one if given a long leash. Our pressure in the PF last year kept him under the pump but he was losing Jordan all night and could have done serious damage.

 

[Wheresbuddy]

We shouldn’t play players based on potential. That is why the reserves are for.

If Francis is deemed next best in, then Snell and Edwards need to develop further / recover further from their injuries.

When they’ve earned it, they will value it more. Sydney doesn’t gift games.

Perhaps sadly for our club, Francis is a long way ahead of Snell and Edwards.

 

[Kbroome]

Perhaps sadly for our club, Francis is a long way ahead of Snell and Edwards.

Nope Edwards and Snell were just injured for most of PS if my memory is correct and only have about 500 minutes of football between them this season including todays VFL game

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Nope Edwards and Snell were just injured for most of PS if my memory is correct and only have about 500 minutes of football between them this season including todays VFL game

Yep, both are still building back after little to no preseason training; Snell did block 1 pre-Xmas, then injured his hamstring

 

[RampeRobe]

Corey Warner sub makes the most sense for me. Hanily consistently effective as a small forward

 

[Kbroome]

Yep, both are still building back after little to no preseason training; Snell did block 1 pre-Xmas, then injured his hamstring

And both looked good to my eye today, definitely building into the season nothing special today but good signs

 

[Ticky009]

Yep, both are still building back after little to no preseason training; Snell did block 1 pre-Xmas, then injured his hamstring

They need more match fitness, and the VFL schedule has helped us not at all in regards to this.

 

[Neverwas]

Agree. Hanily provides excellent forward pressure and kicks goals. He has been a good pick up.