Past #9: Andrew Swallow - 224 NM games - 3x Syds - captain '12-'16 - #43 '05 ND - thanks Spitta

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We talk a lot about players having 'credits in the bank' when they have an off day. Now, while I don't personally have a problem with what he said, I'd like to think Brad's unrelenting support, year upon year, for his players gives him 'credit in the bank' when it comes to an occasional 'potting'. He's the coach ffs. Yeah, it's probably best said privately and my money is on the fact that he had already said as much to Spitta so it wouldn't have been news.

Many of us want Brad to take a tougher stance, and when he does, we whinge? (I know I'm generalising about 'we' and 'tougher stance', but I think 'people' might be a bit precious about things given the Hodge incident.) We played very poorly in my view, and got sucked in, the same way McEnroe's opponents used to, back in the day. They took our players 'out of the zone' and we fell for it, hook, line and sinker and as the captain Swallow needs to show an example, or an example gets made of him. (Isn't this the right-wing way, by the way? ;))
I for one have wanted to Scott to be much tougher on his players in the "many of us" you mention.

Criticizing his Captain unfairly for daring to show some spirit is not an example of the toughness I'm expecting.

Rather dropping players out of form quickly not just after half a season, not selecting his pet players returning from injury without needing to show VFL form, making our players do the tough basics well like shepherding, blocking and tackling etc and if they don't, strict standards means you're back to the VFL, and so on is the toughness I'd be looking for.

I actually think Scott is really struggling this year, both on and off field.
 
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Well each to their own but the guy has busted his ass for this team for years....

players like THompson, Petrie, JZ these are the guys that should be "leading"
I just get fed up when we are under the pump to see Harvey (and others) not even bothering to mark up against his direct opponent.
 

see see

And don't forget the joker...
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Many of us want Brad to take a tougher stance, and when he does, we whinge? (I know I'm generalising about 'we' and 'tougher stance', but I think 'people' might be a bit precious about things given the Hodge incident.) We played very poorly in my view, and got sucked in, the same way McEnroe's opponents used to, back in the day. They took our players 'out of the zone' and we fell for it, hook, line and sinker and, as the captain, Swallow needs to show an example, or an example gets made of him. (Isn't this the right-wing way, by the way? ;))
Nice analogy. To carry it a step further, in future we need to get a bit of Ivan Lendl about us and try to take their heads off if they dare come near the net.
 

Kimbo

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Nice analogy. To carry it a step further, in future we need to get a bit of Ivan Lendl about us and try to take their heads off if they dare come near the net.
Only problem was Ivan never won the ultimate prize.
 
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I for one have wanted to Scott to be much tougher on his players in the manner you mention.

Criticizing his Captain unfairly for daring to show some spirit is not an example of the toughness I'm expecting.

Rather dropping players out of form quickly not just after half a season, not selecting his pet players returning from injury without needing to show VFL form, making our players do the tough basics well like shepherding, blocking and tackling etc and if they don't, strict standards means you're back to the VFL, and so on is the toughness I'd be looking for.

I actually think Scott is really struggling this year, both on and off field.
Excellent post.
 

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Marksup

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Two blokes at my club have broke their thumb this year and didn't have surgery, yet it was a 4-6 week recovery period.

I'm not sure whether surgery reduces that period or not, but I'm not confident. Worst case, could miss until after the bye I reckon.
 
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