Other AFL Evolution 2: A new era in the Harbour City

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS PREPARE FOR NEW ERA

For only the second time in two decades, Sydney Swans missed out on reaching the AFL Finals Series. With a developing young list and plenty of potential built around a core of veteran stars of the game, Sydney will continue its exciting rebuild in 2020 under a new coach. John Longmire opted to step aside from the role citing family reasons, with little know development coach, Peter Williams set to step up into the main role aside a number of experienced coaches. Williams' journey through the pathway to the top might have been underrated, but he is now in charge of the Swans for 2020 and is excited about what the opportunity could offer.

"It's a big shock for me to be here," Williams said. "But I'm loving it and looking forward to getting stuck into it. "This list is bursting with potential and we know that we can really have sustained success if we can utilise all the potential on this list. "We have some genuine A-graders and future A-graders and really want to give your next group of young stars a go this season. "You'll see plenty of young players coming through and earning their chance in the side, though we will go off form as well."

When asked about how the Swans would treat preseason, Williams said it would be about experimenting. "We want to really test players out and see how is the most prepared for Round 1," he said. "Generally with the two preseason matches, the first will see a lot of young kids come in, and the second will be a blend of young and experienced and that is how we will judge a Round 1 spot. "Everyone deserves a fair chance."

2020 Sydney Swans List:

 

[haydo]

You're back

 

[Pie 4 Life]

DIRTY DAY FOR INEXPERIENCED SWANS

A SYDNEY Swans outfit without the likes of Lance Franklin, Sam Reid, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd has been totally overwhelmed by an impressive, full-strength GWS GIANTS outfit to the tune of 115 points. The Swans were incredibly effective with 12 scoring shots from 12 inside 50s, but the GIANTS were just too good with a massive 22.15 (147) to 4.8 (32) victory. An early injury to Lachie Whitfield did not impact the GIANTS as Toby Greene (29 disposals) and Harry Himmelberg (28) led the way, with nine players reaching more than 20 disposals in the match. Jeremy Cameron showed first-year player Will Gould a thing or two with six majors, while Green (three) and Jacob Hopper (three) were impressive as well. For the Swans, Will Hayward was the only multiple goalkicker with two, but was one of four players to pick up an injury, with Aliir Aliir, Harry Cunningham and James Rowbottom all getting injured. Some of the positives included Dylan Stephens' performance with 27 disposals, seven marks and a goal, while Ryan Clarke (25) and Oliver Florent (25) were also strong. Gould had 23 disposals and four marks despite the tough outing.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

"It was an incredibly disappointing performance and we don't stray away from that fact," Williams said. "We know we were vastly inexperienced against last year's grand finalists, but we were completely outplayed and we needed to do better around the ball and stop the heavy flow of inside 50s. "We have a lot to work on this week, and you should expect a much better performance next week against North Melbourne. "There were not many positives in today's game, but I thought Dylan Stephens was outstanding against such a quality opposition."

INJURIES

Aliir Aliir (strained elbow) 1-2 weeks
Harry Cunningham (ACL) season
Will Hayward (concussion) 0-1 weeks
James Rowbottom (leg fracture) 12-16 weeks

 

[Pie 4 Life]

You're back

Yeah it's been a bit of a tough period but this might help a bit

 

[Millky95]

Subbed

DIRTY DAY FOR INEXPERIENCED SWANS

A SYDNEY Swans outfit without the likes of Lance Franklin, Sam Reid, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd has been totally overwhelmed by an impressive, full-strength GWS GIANTS outfit to the tune of 115 points. The Swans were incredibly effective with 12 scoring shots from 12 inside 50s, but the GIANTS were just too good with a massive 22.15 (147) to 4.8 (32) victory. An early injury to Lachie Whitfield did not impact the GIANTS as Toby Greene (29 disposals) and Harry Himmelberg (28) led the way, with nine players reaching more than 20 disposals in the match. Jeremy Cameron showed first-year player Will Gould a thing or two with six majors, while Green (three) and Jacob Hopper (three) were impressive as well. For the Swans, Will Hayward was the only multiple goalkicker with two, but was one of four players to pick up an injury, with Aliir Aliir, Harry Cunningham and James Rowbottom all getting injured. Some of the positives included Dylan Stephens' performance with 27 disposals, seven marks and a goal, while Ryan Clarke (25) and Oliver Florent (25) were also strong. Gould had 23 disposals and four marks despite the tough outing.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

"It was an incredibly disappointing performance and we don't stray away from that fact," Williams said. "We know we were vastly inexperienced against last year's grand finalists, but we were completely outplayed and we needed to do better around the ball and stop the heavy flow of inside 50s. "We have a lot to work on this week, and you should expect a much better performance next week against North Melbourne. "There were not many positives in today's game, but I thought Dylan Stephens was outstanding against such a quality opposition."

INJURIES

Aliir Aliir (strained elbow) 1-2 weeks
Harry Cunningham (ACL) season
Will Hayward (concussion) 0-1 weeks
James Rowbottom (leg fracture) 12-16 weeks

Marsh Cup?

 

[haydo]

Yeah it's been a bit of a tough period but this might help a bit

I hope you're doing okay mate, my PM is open if you need!

Good to see you back, will keep an eye on this

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS BOUNCE BACK WITH 36-POINT WIN OVER ROOS

AFTER a performance labelled "incredibly disappointing" by new coach, Peter Williams the Sydney Swans responded in style with a 17.10 (112) to 11.10 (76) victory over North Melbourne in the final preseason match. With a host of stars returning to action, the Swans took control and had half the amount of clangers of the first match, whilst impressing the umpires with a 29-10 free kick count. Sydney was smashed in the hitouts 54-28, but won the tackle count by two in a much improved defensive effort. Tom McCartin had a day out roaming up the ground with a team-high 27 disposals, as Tom Papley starred close to goal with six snags. Will Hayward and Sam Reid both booted three majors each, while Ben Ronke (23 touches) and Isaac Heeney (22) were also busy. The game was not without more injuries though, as Hayward himself came off sore, as did Callum Sinclair - a key reason why Tom Campbell dominated the ruck for the Kangaroos. Lance Franklin picked up 13 touches and four marks but did not trouble the scorers. With the likes of Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker back in, Dylan Stephens had less midfield minutes, but hit the scoreboard with two majors to go with 11 touches and three marks. Of the other first year players, Will Gould and Elijah Taylor were quiet, but still had strong moments up opposite ends.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

"We asked the group for a much improved performance from last week," Williams said. "They delivered just that with this kind of win. "It gives us confidence to know when we play the game on our terms and can get it forward and five our talls and smalls chances, we can really put up a good score. "Unfortunately our depth will continue to be tested, as Callum Sinclair strained his groin, but Will Hayward coming off was more precautionary because of soreness. "He will be right to go next week, as will Aliir Aliir who the medical staff have assured me is right to go for Round 1."

INJURIES

Callum Sinclair (groin strain) 3 weeks
Will Hayward (soreness) available

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Subbed


Marsh Cup?

Yep, going to run it on All-Australian difficulty and see how it goes. It's what is generally fairly good for gameplay from my perspective. I'll simulate through the games as it will be able to get through more and takes away unbiased stuff too. I'll just be picking the team each week and making all the decisions off-field and reporting accordingly.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS TO BLOOD TWO DEBUTANTS

SYDNEY has announced it will blood two new players in its Round 1 clash against Adelaide in South Australia with a couple of former Croweaters ironically returning to the state that they represented the past two years at the AFL Under-18 National Championships. Dylan Stephens and Will Gould have been confirmed starters for the Swans in their Round 1 clash, with Stephens to spend time through the midfield and up forward, while Gould will hold down a role in the defensive 50. Alongside the two teenagers, former Brisbane forward, Lewis Taylor has also been named in the side.

TEAM SELECTION - ROUND 1 vs. ADELAIDE CROWS

B: Dane Rampe - Aliir Aliir - Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd - Will Gould - Callum Mills
C: Dylan Stephens - Luke Parker - Ollie Florent
HF: Will Hayward - Lance Franklin - Ben Ronke
F: Tom Papley - Sam Reid - Tom McCartin
R: Sam Naismith - Josh Kennedy - Isaac Heeney
INT: Ryan Clarke - Nick Blakey - Lewis Taylor - George Hewett

IN: Nil.
OUT: Nil.

NEW

Dylan Stephens (Norwood/SANFL)
Will Gould (Glenelg/SANFL)
Lewis Taylor (Brisbane/AFL)

INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS

Harry Cunningham (ACL)
Callum Sinclair (groin strain)
James Rowbottom (leg fracture)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

WILLIAMS OPENS COACHING CAREER WITH A WIN

AFTER a mixed preseason, Sydney Swans have opened their season with a win under new coach, Peter Williams. The Swans came from 15 points down at quarter time to kick eight of the next 12 goals to put themselves in prime position against a Crows outfit that was vastly more experienced and at home in front of a vocal crowd. Led by Will Hayward up forward who was best on ground with 27 disposals, three marks, four tackles and three goals, the Swans were very impressive in the victory. Callum Mills was superb off half-back with a game-high 28 disposals, as well as three marks and three tackles, while Jake Lloyd played the quarterback role superbly racking up a massive 11 marks to go with 23 disposals. On debut, Dylan Stephens was outstanding with 23 disposals and a goal, as Sam Reid and Tom Papley also booted three majors apiece, and the front six contributed 15 of the Swans' 19 majors.

Adelaide 14.8 (92) defeated by Sydney 19.8 (122)

GOALS: W. Hayward 3, T. Papley 3, S. Reid 3, L. Franklin 2, T. McCartin 2, B. Ronke 2, O. Florent, J. Kennedy, S. Naismith, D. Stephens.
DISPOSALS: Callum Mills 28, Will Hayward 27, Jake Lloyd 23, Dylan Stephens 23, Ben Ronke 22, George Hewett 21, Tom McCartin 21, Luke Parker 21, Dane Rampe 21
B&F VOTES: 5 - Will Hayward, 4 - Jake Lloyd, 3 - Sam Reid, 2 - Callum Mills, 1 - Dylan Stephens

POST MATCH COMMENTS

Q: "You've travelled in your first official game as coach and come away with the win, how does it feel?"

PW: "We started a little slow, but the last three quarters were exactly what we had hoped for. "I think it was a real team effort and some of the younger boys we want to see coming through as the next big stars of the competition are really having an impact. "It was great to see, and for someone like Dylan Stephens to come here in his first game and perform like he did - I know he is South Australian, but still they are all barracking against him - was a credit to him."

Q: "What was it about the performance that impressed you most of all?"

PW: "I mean we won both uncontested and contested possessions, and went plus 15 in marks, but I think it was the fluency going forward and the impact our front six had. Given we had 15 goals kicked from those front six, it was a real even effort up there and it shows unpredictability which is important. "I also thought we bounced back well in the ruck, with Sam Naismith giving us good service through there and winning the overall count. "It was also the first time we've had more time in possession, so that's a huge positive."

Q: "Where does the improvement come from and can you see any changes from this side?"

PW: "I think we could improve our defensive pressure a bit more. "We only laid the 36 tackles for the game and while it was a very open and fast game, I think we'd be wanting to be more in that 50-plus bracket even in these circumstances. "In terms of changes, it's a bit early to tell, we played pretty well and didn't pick up any fresh injuries which is great. "There's a few boys knocking on the door of selection, but it will be hard to make too many changes after this performance."

INJURIES

Nil.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

AFL ROUND 1 RESULTS

Richmond 153 defeated Carlton 70
Collingwood 124 defeated Western Bulldogs 104
Fremantle 126 defeated Essendon 104
Sydney 122 defeated Adelaide 92
Geelong 114 defeated GWS GIANTS 82
Port Adelaide 101 defeated Gold Coast Suns 98
St Kilda 113 defeated North Melbourne 73
Brisbane 106 defeated Hawthorn 104
West Coast 106 defeated Melbourne 69

The opening round of the season saw the reigning premiers dominate Carlton by 83 points in the season opener, while the 2019 grand finalists in GWS GIANTS suffered defeat at the hands of Geelong. There were a couple of thrillers across the weekend with Port Adelaide winning by just three points over Gold Coast Suns, while Brisbane survived a classic contested against Hawthorn to the tune of just two points.

NEXT ROUND OPPOSITION ANALYSIS - ESSENDON

Devon Smith was at his best, racking up 32 disposals (69 per cent efficiency), 10 marks, eight rebounds, three inside 50s and a goal. James Stewart (four goals) and Jake Stringer (three) were the two key goal scorers in the 22-point loss to Fremantle, while Tom Bellchambers dominated the hitouts with 40 in total, while Joe Daniher took seven marks from 27 disposals. From the medical department, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Orazio Fantasia, Aaron Francis and Shaun McKernan were all injured in a horror show for the red and black.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS MAKE ONE CHANGE TO ROUND 2 CLASH

SYDNEY will welcome back Callum Sinclair into the lineup to combat the strength of Essendon's two-tall ruck division in Tom Bellchambers and Andrew Phillips. Sinclair will team up with Sam Naismith through the ruck after returning from a groin strain injury leaving just Harry Cunningham and James Rowbottom on the injury list. George Hewett was the unlucky omission from the Swans side that downed Adelaide by 30 points in Round 1. Essendon will be without crucial players, Dylan Shiel, Cale Hooker and Orazio Fantasia for the match, with the Swans heading in as favourites playing at the SCG.

TEAM SELECTION - ROUND 2 vs. ESSENDON

B: Dane Rampe - Aliir Aliir - Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd - Will Gould - Callum Mills
C: Dylan Stephens - Luke Parker - Ollie Florent
HF: Will Hayward - Lance Franklin - Ben Ronke
F: Tom Papley - Sam Reid - Tom McCartin
R: Sam Naismith - Josh Kennedy - Isaac Heeney
INT: Ryan Clarke - Nick Blakey - Lewis Taylor - Callum Sinclair

IN: Callum Sinclair
OUT: George Hewett

NEW

Nil.

INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS

Harry Cunningham (ACL)
James Rowbottom (leg fracture)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS BUTCHER BALL AS BOMBERS WIN IN HARBOUR CITY

SYDNEY has been brought back to earth after a fantastic Round 1 win by suffering defeat at the hands of an understrength Essendon at the SCG. Despite the best efforts of Tom McCartin - who was helped off the ground late in the game - picking up 22 disposals, seven marks and three goals, the Swans were wasteful with their disposal, recording 60 clangers to Essendon's 38 in the match. Despite having almost 70 more disposals, 23 more marks and 24 more tackles, Sydney could not make the most of its ball use going inside 50, as the home team booted 12.17, just one less scoring shot than its opposition, but losing by 32 points. Ben Ronke had a huge game with 32 disposals, while Sam Reid booted 3.3, and Lance Franklin went on a tear with 30 disposals and two majors. The forward line was still busy, but not as effective as it had been in previous weeks. The loss gave the Swans coaching staff plenty to think about for the following round.

Sydney 12.17 (89) defeated by Essendon 18.13 (121)

GOALS: T. McCartin 3, S. Reid 3, L. Franklin 2, A. Aliir, W. Hayward, L. Melican, T. Papley.
DISPOSALS: B. Ronke 32, L. Franklin 30, D. Rampe 25, J. Kennedy 22, T. McCartin 22, W. Hayward 21, L. Melican 21, C. Mills 21, T. Papley 21
B&F VOTES: 5 - Tom McCartin, 4 - Lance Franklin, 3 - Ben Ronke, 2 - Sam Reid, 1 - Dane Rampe

POST MATCH COMMENTS

Q: "A lot can change in a week, what do you make of that game?"

PW: "Disappointing. "We had plenty of chances but did not make the most of it. "We led in a number of key statistics, but unfortunately they outplayed us when it came to efficiency. We had some impressive performers, but a number of passengers who just did not use the ball the way we would have liked. "We will have to really review the tape and improve on our fundamentals so we can bounce back next week against Gold Coast."

Q: "Tom McCartin came off late in the match, what's his diagnosis?"

PW: "Yeah unfortunately Tom looks to have strained his groin. "The early diagnosis is three weeks, though Callum Sinclair only missed a fortnight, so there's a chance he might be back a bit before that. "We aren't going to rush him back, and it gives opportunities to players like Nick Blakey who while the kid did not get on the scoreboard, he was terrific in the air and on the ground."

Q: "What is the immediate response to the players after the game? Do you look at the positives or the negatives?

PW: "Definitely a bit of both. "Statistically we stacked up, we just did not use the ball well enough and we will review that aspect of our game. "We could have been a lot better, but we've been a lot worse too, so there's two sides of the coin. "We'll get back to training and work on those areas we can easily improve on immediately."

INJURIES

Tom McCartin (groin strain) 3 weeks

 

[haydo]

WILLIAMS OPENS COACHING CAREER WITH A WIN

AFTER a mixed preseason, Sydney Swans have opened their season with a win under new coach, Peter Williams. The Swans came from 15 points down at quarter time to kick eight of the next 12 goals to put themselves in prime position against a Crows outfit that was vastly more experienced and at home in front of a vocal crowd. Led by Will Hayward up forward who was best on ground with 27 disposals, three marks, four tackles and three goals, the Swans were very impressive in the victory. Callum Mills was superb off half-back with a game-high 28 disposals, as well as three marks and three tackles, while Jake Lloyd played the quarterback role superbly racking up a massive 11 marks to go with 23 disposals. On debut, Dylan Stephens was outstanding with 23 disposals and a goal, as Sam Reid and Tom Papley also booted three majors apiece, and the front six contributed 15 of the Swans' 19 majors.

Adelaide 14.8 (92) defeated by Sydney 19.8 (122)

GOALS: W. Hayward 3, T. Papley 3, S. Reid 3, L. Franklin 2, T. McCartin 2, B. Ronke 2, O. Florent, J. Kennedy, S. Naismith, D. Stephens.
DISPOSALS: Callum Mills 28, Will Hayward 27, Jake Lloyd 23, Dylan Stephens 23, Ben Ronke 22, George Hewett 21, Tom McCartin 21, Luke Parker 21, Dane Rampe 21
B&F VOTES: 5 - Will Hayward, 4 - Jake Lloyd, 3 - Sam Reid, 2 - Callum Mills, 1 - Dylan Stephens

POST MATCH COMMENTS

Q: "You've travelled in your first official game as coach and come away with the win, how does it feel?"

PW: "We started a little slow, but the last three quarters were exactly what we had hoped for. "I think it was a real team effort and some of the younger boys we want to see coming through as the next big stars of the competition are really having an impact. "It was great to see, and for someone like Dylan Stephens to come here in his first game and perform like he did - I know he is South Australian, but still they are all barracking against him - was a credit to him."

Q: "What was it about the performance that impressed you most of all?"

PW: "I mean we won both uncontested and contested possessions, and went plus 15 in marks, but I think it was the fluency going forward and the impact our front six had. Given we had 15 goals kicked from those front six, it was a real even effort up there and it shows unpredictability which is important. "I also thought we bounced back well in the ruck, with Sam Naismith giving us good service through there and winning the overall count. "It was also the first time we've had more time in possession, so that's a huge positive."

Q: "Where does the improvement come from and can you see any changes from this side?"

PW: "I think we could improve our defensive pressure a bit more. "We only laid the 36 tackles for the game and while it was a very open and fast game, I think we'd be wanting to be more in that 50-plus bracket even in these circumstances. "In terms of changes, it's a bit early to tell, we played pretty well and didn't pick up any fresh injuries which is great. "There's a few boys knocking on the door of selection, but it will be hard to make too many changes after this performance."

INJURIES

Nil.

Get stuffed, we're better than this lol

 

[Dav]

Liking the look of this so far!

 

[Pie 4 Life]

AFL ROUND 2 RESULTS

Collingwood 129 defeated Richmond 72
Essendon 121 defeated Sydney 89
Melbourne 140 defeated GWS GIANTS 86
Carlton 94 defeated Western Bulldogs 85
Brisbane 185 defeated North Melbourne 78
Port Adelaide 92 defeated Adelaide 89
Geelong 98 defeated Gold Coast Suns 82
West Coast 106 defeated St Kilda 82
Fremantle 118 defeated Hawthorn 104

There was some huge results in Round 2 with Collingwood thrashing Richmond by 57 points, Melbourne dominating the GIANTS by 54 points and Brisbane completely destroying North Melbourne to the tune of 107 points. Gold Coast Suns suffered their second straight loss ahead of the Swans' Round 3 clash with the Suns.

NEXT ROUND OPPOSITION ANALYSIS - GOLD COAST

Hugh Greenwood has averaged the most disposals for Gold Coast this season, reaching the half century off two games, as well as 6.5 marks and 7.0 rebounds. Touk Miller has been just as dominant off half-back, racking up seven rebounds per game to go with his 24.0 disposals. In front of goal, Alex Sexton and Darcy Macpherson have led the way with four goals apiece in the first two games, while Zac Smith has been a surprising starting ruck this season, averaging 36.5 hitouts per game, while Jarrod Witts is playing in defence. Captain David Swallow is currently injured, while Pearce Hanley is serving a suspension.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

LING SET FOR SWANS DEBUT

SYDNEY will blood a third debutant this season after bringing in speedster Matt Ling to its side in a surprise move. The Swans have opted to replace Tom McCartin with a small moving Nick Blakey from the bench to the starting lineup, while dropping Lewis Taylor and bringing in both midfielder Ling, and forward Sam Gray. The former Port Adelaide player also is playing his first game in the red and white. Coach Peter Williams said of his selections "we wanted to add a bit more spice up forward and Lewy will go back and continue to work, he just hasn't done enough to this point. "Matt and Sam have both worked hard over the off-season and earned this opportunity. "We wish them both well and hopefully we can bounce back with a win."

TEAM SELECTION - ROUND 3 vs. GOLD COAST SUNS

B: Dane Rampe - Aliir Aliir - Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd - Will Gould - Callum Mills
C: Dylan Stephens - Luke Parker - Ollie Florent
HF: Will Hayward - Lance Franklin - Ben Ronke
F: Tom Papley - Sam Reid - Nick Blakey
R: Sam Naismith - Josh Kennedy - Isaac Heeney
INT: Ryan Clarke - Sam Gray - Matt Ling - Callum Sinclair

IN: Sam Gray, Matt Ling
OUT: Tom McCartin (injured), Lewis Taylor (omitted)

NEW

Matt Ling (Geelong Falcons)
Sam Gray (Port Adelaide AFL)

INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS

Harry Cunningham (ACL)
Tom McCartin (groin strain)
James Rowbottom (leg fracture)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS DOMINATE POSSESSION BUT CAN'T COME AWAY WITH WIN

GOLD Coast Suns has denied Sydney Swans victory at Metricon Stadium, instead winning their first game of the season in style, 16.14 (110) to 12.10 (82). The match was living proof that time in possession matters little if it does not convert to scores, and the Swans certainly had that, with 87 more disposals, including plus 52 in contested possessions, and less clangers (48-60), as well as bringing the heat (94-50 tackles). It was a bizarre game where Sydney also dominated time in possession (59 per cent to 41 per cent) but could not get it done with just 21 inside 50s to 30. It was a frustrating day for the Swans coaching staff as Nick Blakey put in a strong performance with four goals from 16 disposals, three marks and six tackles, while Luke Parker was fierce all over the ground, laying 13 tackles from 15 touches. Every Swans player had more than 10 touches, as Will Gould had 23 disposals and five marks out of defence and Matthew Ling on debut was outstanding with 24 touches, eight marks and six tackles to be among the clear best on the ground. Ben Ronke was again the dominant ball winner with 26, while Sam Reid booted three goals from 25 touches up the ground. Along with Blakey's injury, live-wire forward Will Hayward was also put on report for a Head Over Ball.

Gold Coast Suns 16.14 (110) defeated Sydney 12.10 (82)

GOALS: N. Blakey 4, S. Reid 3, L. Franklin 2, W. Hayward, B. Ronke, D. Stephens.
DISPOSALS: B. Ronke 26, S. Reid 25, M. Ling 24, W. Gould 23, J. Kennedy 22
B&F VOTES: 5 - Nick Blakey, 4 - Matt Ling, 3 - Sam Reid, 2 - Sam Reid, 1 - Luke Parker

POST MATCH COMMENTS

Q: "Peter, how do you explain that game?"

PW: "To put it simply, I'm not really sure. "I don't know how a team can dominate every important statistic and yet still lose. "Don't get me wrong, I'm taking nothing away from Gold Coast Suns and their well deserved performance, but it's hard to pinpoint what has gone wrong today. "Our kicking efficiency improve, our defensive pressure was up and we were able to keep the ball off the opposition. "I'd love to watch the tape again, because 99 times out of a 100 with that kind of dominance, you win the game. "We not only lost the game, but were beaten by 28 points. "It makes no sense."

Q: "Another game, another injury. What is the prognosis for Nick Blakey?"

PW: "Nick's just copped a concussion, we took him off as a precaution. "We would very much like him to be out there next week against Carlton, but we'll be guided by our medical staff, and that's all we can go off."

Q: "Matt Ling was superb in today's game, how did you rate his performance?"

PW: "He was certainly exciting, and to have that kind of performance on debut coming off the bench, it just shows what he is capable of. "Every Sydney fan should be excited about the future of the club and Matt is one of a number of players who have been impressive throughout preseason and it culminated in his performance today."

INJURIES

Nick Blakey (concussion) 0-1 weeks

SUSPENSION

Will Hayward (Head Over Ball) 1 week

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Not really sure how a team can lose with the statistics in that game, I'm honestly stunned.

 

[Millky95]

Shitty keepings off gameplay

 

[Pie 4 Life]

AFL ROUND 3 RESULTS

Essendon 144 defeated Carlton 105
GWS GIANTS 123 defeated Western Bulldogs 74
Hawthorn 105 defeated Collingwood 104
Brisbane 123 defeated Adelaide 75
Port Adelaide 122 defeated North Melbourne 87
West Coast 134 defeated Geelong 99
Fremantle 132 defeated Melbourne 45
Richmond 120 defeated St Kilda 63
Gold Coast 110 defeated Sydney 82

A shock one-point win to Hawthorn handed Collingwood its first loss of the season as West Coast became the only undefeated side after a 35-point win over Geelong. At the other end of the ladder, Adelaide and Western Bulldogs sit winless from four games with an identical percentage of 80.

NEXT ROUND OPPOSITION ANALYSIS - CARLTON

Jack Newnes and Jack Martin have had sensation starts to their careers in navy blue, averaging more than 20 touches a game, along with defender Kade Simpson. Levi Casboult has been a rock inside defensive 50 with almost seven rebounds per game, as Nic Newman and Caleb Marchbank have been busy back there. In terms of goals, Charlie Curnow has booted 7.6 for the season just ahead of Jack Silvagni (5.5), Martin (4.3) and Eddie Betts (4.7).

 

[Pie 4 Life]

TAYLOR JOINS YOUNG SWANS AGAINST BLUES

ANOTHER first-year player will join the list of debutants in the AFL and for Sydney, with Perth's Elijah Taylor getting his chance against Carlton in Round 4. Taylor joins Dylan Stephens and Will Gould as first-year debutants, as well as Matt Ling who earned his first game last week. Taylor replaces the suspended Will Hayward, while Kaiden Brand has come in to provide more flexibility in defence with Gould and Aliir doing a bulk of the ruckwork anyway without Callum Sinclair being required so he has been omitted.

TEAM SELECTION - ROUND 4 vs. CARLTON

B: Dane Rampe - Aliir Aliir - Lewis Melican
HB: Jake Lloyd - Kaiden Brand - Callum Mills
C: Dylan Stephens - Luke Parker - Ollie Florent
HF: Elijah Taylor - Lance Franklin - Ben Ronke
F: Tom Papley - Sam Reid - Nick Blakey
R: Sam Naismith - Josh Kennedy - Isaac Heeney
INT: Ryan Clarke - Sam Gray - Matt Ling - Will Gould

IN: Elijah Taylor (debut), Kaden Brand
OUT: Will Hayward (suspended), Callum Sinclair (omitted)

NEW

Elijah Taylor (Perth/WAFL)
Kaiden Brand (Hawthorn/AFL)

INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS

Harry Cunningham (ACL)
Will Hayward (suspension)
Tom McCartin (groin strain)
James Rowbottom (leg fracture)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

MARTIN STEALS WIN WITH LAST MINUTE GOAL

A REMARKABLE if not unbelievable last quarter has seen Carlton boot nine goals to four and run over the top of Sydney in a high-scoring 22.26 (158) to 24.10 (154) victory at the SCG. It was the Swans third loss for the season, and it was the most heart-breaking after leading by 31 points at the final break. Sydney was celebrating Josh Kennedy's 250th game and it was fitting that the club legend booted the first goal of the match as the Swans raced out to an eight-point lead at the first break. They extended that to 29 points by the break after Carlton booted four consecutive goals to hit the front with the last five goals of the term. They booted six goals to five in the premiership quarter before the Blues ultimately hit back with a whopping nine final term goals, the last of which Jack Martin put through on the run to give his side a four-point lead. Sam Reid marked 60 metres out seconds before the siren, but his shot on goal fell five metres short and the Blues celebrated. It was another tough luck story for the Swans as Lance Franklin played his best game of the year courtesy of 17 disposals, eight marks and five goals, while debutant Elijah Taylor snagged three goals, including one with his first kick. Kennedy laid a casual 24 tackles, four more than Luke Parker who finished the game with 20. Ben Ronke and Isaac Heeney were also lively though the middle and up forward and were among the team's best in the loss.

Sydney 24.10 (154) defeated by Carlton 22.26 (158)

GOALS: L. Franklin 5, E. Taylor 3, N. Blakey 2, S. Gray 2, L. Parker 2, S. Reid 2, B. Ronke 2, W. Gould, I. Heeney, J. Kennedy, M. Ling, T. Papley, D. Stephens.
DISPOSALS: I. Heeney 22, J. Kennedy 20.
B&F VOTES: 5 - Lance Franklin, 4 - Isaac Heeney, 3 - Josh Kennedy, 2 - Luke Parker, 1 - Ben Ronke

POST MATCH COMMENTS

Q: "A real heart-breaking loss, what do you say to the boys after that one?"

PW: "It's pretty devastating. "We played well for three quarters and then just gave it away near the end. "It is something that as a young group we will learn with time, but it certainly hurts at the moment. "We are a resilient team, we aren't getting smashed each week, we just have to really tweak a few things and see what happens."

Q: "Nick Blakey came off late in the game, what's his condition?"

PW: "He's fine, just copped a bit of a stinger on the elbow but we're told he will be right for next week, as of course we will welcome back Will Hayward too, so that's exciting."

Q: "What do you take out of today's game?"

PW: "There's plenty to take out of it. "Buddy was superb up forward, Elijah gave us plenty to think about at selection, and Isaac was superb in midfield. "It's just about not letting leads slip, and tightening up in crunch moments. "That will come with experience and more game time together."

INJURIES

Nick Blakey (elbow) 0 weeks

SUSPENSION

Nil.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Had a go at playing that game, I had a laugh saying bet they kick eight goals in the last as per I find opposition teams doing regardless of the team you're playing as, and sure as it happens. Feel like the difficulty goes up in the last term and suddenly the opposition are nailing goals and dominating everything they weren't for three quarters.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

AFL ROUND 4 RESULTS

Collingwood 149 defeated Brisbane 71
North Melbourne 115 defeated Western Bulldogs 102
West Coast 121 defeated Port Adelaide 93
Richmond 105 defeated Adelaide 99
Gold Coast 111 defeated Fremantle 66
GWS GIANTS 91 defeated Essendon 85
Carlton 158 defeated Sydney 154
St Kilda 224 defeated Melbourne 117
Hawthorn 167 defeated Geelong 164

The three Sunday/Monday games were massive high scorers with the Easter Monday clash seeing the Hawks winning by three points, and St Kilda piling on 224 to defeat Melbourne by 107. It was a round of close contests with Richmond defeating Adelaide by a goal, as did GWS GIANTS over Essendon.

NEXT ROUND OPPOSITION ANALYSIS - GWS GIANTS

It is clear Jeremy Cameron is the one the Swans need to stop, with the GIANTS key forward booting six goals and having the most touches of any player on his side, averaging almost 25 per game. Jeremy Finlayson and Zac Langdon have booted seven goals to lead all-comers, while Josh Kelly is ever-dangerous. The GIANTS are suffering a host of injuries at the moment with Lachie Whitfield, Zach Williams, Heath Shaw and Matt De Boer all currently in rehab.