Review Cats relive 22 GF and whack Swans by 43 points.

[Whiskers]

Today was Neale's 42nd game and he's now kicked 65 goals

After 38 games he had kicked 51 goals

Ok didn’t realise. Yeah how ridiculous leaving him off that list.
Thought it was his 38th today.
Can’t trust that footy live app.

 

[Spearman]

Im not a fan if im honest, feel like we could pull him out of there and get better output from someone else, understand team chem etc but yeah just goes missing a lot

I see him as a force multiplier. He's not a win it off his own boot type. He's often the connective tissue between the big guys, giving them the opportunities.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

I thought Martin played a fantastic game. It was his most complete game to date for Geelong, and puts usnin very good stead for the finals. There's going to be some real selection headaches in September.

My father and I were at the game today, and in unison we just said "this bloke could win you a final".

It almost certainly won't be the traditional 30+ and 3 goals, but he's the type of player in a tight last quarter who bobs up with two crucial goals, or takes the game saving grab above his head.

It's often forgotten, but when he was drafted he was seen as Rioli esque when he was forward, and McLeod like off half back. Basically what we're seeing from NAS right now.

Injuries have potentially cost him a HOF career, but there could still be a few legendary moments on the back nine.

 

[Frank Bunn]

Absolutely, we were saying this today, it’s as if they don’t really understand the game. It’s the weirdest atmosphere when you don’t have the BALL screams so familiar with Pies Tiggs Essendon (especially) and the SA teams. Today 99% of the game was played down their silent members wing. Swans fans are the least rabid. Even when one of our crew spilled a beer over a small red child they were apologising.

I've never been to a ground where so many people were wandering around during quarters. It was like they went to the footy because there was nothing good on Netflix.

 

[canny30]

I've never been to a ground where so many people were wandering around during quarters. It was like they went to the footy because there was nothing good on Netflix.

I lived in Sydney for a long time.

Sydney people view going to the footy like a social setting at a bar or similar.

A lot of them just sit there talking the entire game not even watching.

Completely different to footy states.

 

[Seeds]

IMO Henry does get in on talent, but just not in 2025. The guy needs the re-set of a massive preseason and perhaps a slightly change of role.

Not a slightly change. Complete change. Has to come back as an aerobic running winger/small forward like Dempsey.

 

[Turbocat]

The ten day since playing and the lack of top tier recent games probably elevates our chance of a sleepy start...

At times like that ..players like Axe ..who seems as though he would fight a baby for a lollypop is far more important in our side than the highly rated...

I have always had a bias towards finishing forwards who make the most of work done upfield. Neale has from day given one hints of this with his kicking look as though its text book. He has moved into a different level now ..where other clubs would be silly not to acknowledge and plan for him. He is not a #1 type yet but its approaching. Yesterday he more than did his role of drawing attention to him self to free up defensive pressure on others. After ht , it seemed a couple of times defenders were conscious of him so much they went to double spoil.. A day when he and Cameron kick 6 each is probably not far way.

Martin starting to look comfortable. The overhead mark at one stage look like a player who was trusting his body again. His kicking is high end.

I though Tyson looked in a terse mood early , not happy jan etc but he made it work for himself.

Sdek back in a little bit of form

COS is going to be unlucky to not to win the rising star … cause if there ever was one ..he is it. Maybe a little less flash than some others . Curtin is the other one a I really like. Cant help but wonder about why North did not pick one of them.

Can someone explain why at the scg they have a digital AAMI at the centre bounce? Another example of the SCG be belligerent?

Ground has been a slip fest all year … and now the covered area is gaining commentary with CS comparing into India… and we know they will not take it well. I think they are very lucky that a serious injury has not happened. I wonder what would happen if a player like Heaney had done a knee slipping over.

One has to wonder how does the AFL get influence at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It seems they are treated more like they are tolerated more than being treated like a valuable partner. Its like the old days before VFL park at the MCG but I cant see how the AFL have a ground in Syd that could replicate the outcome. In end the “powers" see it as a cricket ground and want to keep the wicket…although they also want the money from having opera singers and the foreign aussie rule code as long as it does affect their cricket ground. I have read several articles on the need to upgrade the ground , build it to the 60,00 level ..one can only expect if thats done … they will have to get used to the idea of a drop in.

‘The world moves on’: Swans push case for dramatic SCG revamp, expansion

The iconic SCG risks becoming the sixth-best oval stadium in Australia without further investment, says Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham.

www.theage.com.au

 

[jim boy]

One has to wonder how does the AFL get influence at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It seems they are treated more like they are tolerated more than being treated like a valuable partner.

I am not certain the issue lies with the scg trust (or whoever runs it) as such. I suspect there are people of influence who are anti-afl who want to remind their Southern neighbors that the SCG is a CRICKET ground and that AFL is only tolerated and not embraced.

 

[Larry Donohue]

Could not have asked for a better performance.
Sydney have been on fire.
Polished
Dogged Irish stoppers
Defended solidly
Attacked with precision

 

[iameviljez]

Not a slightly change. Complete change. Has to come back as an aerobic running winger/small forward like Dempsey.

I disagree somewhat with that, I don't think he needs to play quite so far up the ground as that. He worked out just fine in 2023 and quite a lot of 2024 in the third-tall role up forward.

I do agree that he needs to get on his bike a bit more, he got stuck anchored too close to goal too much this year and it kept him out of the game. However, there's no shortage of gut running high forwards at Geelong (Mannagh, Miers, Dempsey, Close to a slightly lesser extent).

Jack Martin's role is probably a bit closer to the mark IMO.

 

[Turbocat]

I am not certain the issue lies with the scg trust (or whoever runs it) as such. I suspect there are people of influence who are anti-afl who want to remind their Southern neighbors that the SCG is a CRICKET ground and that AFL is only tolerated and not embraced.

Id not dispute if that the case ...

..my underlying feeling is someone/some group ..with enough power to control and influences does as you say. ..and I cant see a logical way to change it..unless its driven from within.

I cant see for example the afl buying the Olympic stadium and then making that the spot for all afl games. The interest would probably dry up. And the AFL probably had a lot more leverage with a lot more games to weaponise…how many games are played at the scg ..12? Still probably more games than Cricket but its not an enormous difference.Once it falls to the worst capital city stadium in aust. and they build an upgrade scg they then have to take all the tenants into account.

 

[iameviljez]

Cant help but wonder about why North did not pick one of them

Because they, effectively, didn't have a pick in the 'right' spot. They had p2 and p3 - which you try and use on the players who are outstanding star juniors, and almost always never on defenders.

p2 and p3 gets you two cracks at going for the next Bontempelli. O'Sullivan will hopefully become an excellent tall defender, which is a great asset to have, but doesn't win games like a gun midfielder does.

 

[Turbocat]

Because they, effectively, didn't have a pick in the 'right' spot. They had p2 and p3 - which you try and use on the players who are outstanding star juniors, and almost always never on defenders.

p2 and p3 gets you two cracks at going for the next Bontempelli. O'Sullivan will hopefully become an excellent tall defender, which is a great asset to have, but doesn't win games like a gun midfielder does.

They could have still picked them …or they could have trade p3 for one or two later picks. My bet they had down grade options. I mean we picked up a pick to get Mannagh moving one spot.. what would they have got for P3. Maybe Curtin and COS

 

[canny30]

The ten day since playing and the lack of top tier recent games probably elevates our chance of a sleepy start...

At times like that ..players like Axe ..who seems as though he would fight a baby for a lollypop is far more important in our side than the highly rated...

I have always had a bias towards finishing forwards who make the most of work done upfield. Neale has from day given one hints of this with his kicking look as though its text book. He has moved into a different level now ..where other clubs would be silly not to acknowledge and plan for him. He is not a #1 type yet but its approaching. Yesterday he more than did his role of drawing attention to him self to free up defensive pressure on others. After ht , it seemed a couple of times defenders were conscious of him so much they went to double spoil.. A day when he and Cameron kick 6 each is probably not far way.

Martin starting to look comfortable. The overhead mark at one stage look like a player who was trusting his body again. His kicking is high end.

I though Tyson looked in a terse mood early , not happy jan etc but he made it work for himself.

Sdek back in a little bit of form

COS is going to be unlucky to not to win the rising star … cause if there ever was one ..he is it. Maybe a little less flash than some others . Curtin is the other one a I really like. Cant help but wonder about why North did not pick one of them.

Can someone explain why at the scg they have a digital AAMI at the centre bounce? Another example of the SCG be belligerent?

Ground has been a slip fest all year … and now the covered area is gaining commentary with CS comparing into India… and we know they will not take it well. I think they are very lucky that a serious injury has not happened. I wonder what would happen if a player like Heaney had done a knee slipping over.

One has to wonder how does the AFL get influence at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It seems they are treated more like they are tolerated more than being treated like a valuable partner. Its like the old days before VFL park at the MCG but I cant see how the AFL have a ground in Syd that could replicate the outcome. In end they see it as a cricket ground and want to keep the wicket…although they also want the money from having opera singers and the foreign aussie rule code as long as it does affect their cricket ground. I have read several articles on the need to upgrade the ground , build it to the 60,00 level ..one can only expect if thats done … they will have to get used to the idea of a drop in.

‘The world moves on’: Swans push case for dramatic SCG revamp, expansion

The iconic SCG risks becoming the sixth-best oval stadium in Australia without further investment, says Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham.

www.theage.com.au

Allianz Stadium is 100 metres away from the SCG and that's the stadium used for concerts etc in that precinct (and it's run by the SCC).....unlikely the SCG is going to be expanded anytime in the near future.

 

[Turbocat]

Allianz Stadium is 100 metres away and that's the stadium used for concerts etc in that precinct (and it's run by the SCC).....unlikely the SCG is going to be expanded anytime in the near future.

yes the Allianz swimming pool. Little problem with drainage.

SCG will be upgraded. It will happen..its just a matter of when . One year. One decade.

 

[bulletproof]

I think a lot of the credit has to go to Smith and Neale, they were the two guys who got to work when we were under a little bit of pressure. Martin also was introduced to the game after they had started well.

Martin is a great athlete was surprised watching at the ground how effortlessly he covered the ground. He looks in superb condition.

If he gets there, he will be dynamite in a Grand Final. He has a very hard edge when he needs it.

 

[iameviljez]

They could have still picked them …or they could have trade p3 for one or two later picks. My bet they had down grade options. I mean we picked up a pick to get Mannagh moving one spot.. what would they have got for P3. Maybe Curtin and COS

Agree, but IMO it gets too easy to play these games on the back of a successful draft pick. I mean, directly after O'Sullivan, we have Phoenix Gothard, Koltyn Tholstrup, Jake Rodgers and Will Green. Pick 3 gets you an almost-guaranteed 200 game AFL player. Anything with double digits is a 50/50 at best.

 

[Gunf]

I think a lot of the credit has to go to Smith and Neale, they were the two guys who got to work when we were under a little bit of pressure. Martin also was introduced to the game after they had started well.

Martin is a great athlete was surprised watching at the ground how effortlessly he covered the ground. He looks in superb condition.

If he gets there, he will be dynamite in a Grand Final. He has a very hard edge when he needs it.

This is the reason both got votes from me in the mvp thread

 

[canny30]

yes the Allianz swimming pool. Little problem with drainage.

SCG will be upgraded. It will happen..its just a matter of when . One year. One decade.

Homebush is next on the agenda for the NSW government.....that was supposed to be upgraded at the same time as Allianz.

SCG won't be for a while.

I hope it is though, I reckon it's a great ground for watching footy.

 

[Turbocat]

Agree, but IMO it gets too easy to play these games on the back of a successful draft pick. I mean, directly after O'Sullivan, we have Phoenix Gothard, Koltyn Tholstrup, Jake Rodgers and Will Green. Pick 3 gets you an almost-guaranteed 200 game AFL player. Anything with double digits is a 50/50 at best.

Oh ..100%.. Everyone is an expert with 20/20 rear vision. I find it a little strange that when Clarko was at Haw tehy reall had a focus on talls early. I think Curtin was an easier call than COS.. and Caddy. He slipped ..and I think taking him at 3 could have been justified.

 

[iameviljez]

Oh ..100%.. Everyone is an expert with 20/20 rear vision. I find it a little strange that when Clarko was at Haw tehy reall had a focus on talls early. I think Curtin was an easier call than COS.. and Caddy. He slipped ..and I think taking him at 3 could have been justified.

I reckon if Nate Caddy were five centimetres taller, he would have gone at 3. People were just, IMO, a bit worried that his size would curtail his ceiling a la Jack Darling, Brody Mihocek.

Agree about Curtin. As much as Hawthorn and the Dogs would be happy with Watson and Sanders, I suspect North would like Curtin over Duursma now.

Yeah, Hawthorn did go early on tall timber - but it was tall forward timber, not defence. I think that was the right move too - you can usually pick up a tall defender through trade, free agency or moving a failed tall back (Mackie, Lonergan, Ratugolea) but tall forwards are the biggest 'get' in the game.

 

[Pollywaffle]

If this was a staging fine, then surely Papley running into Henry trying to milk a 50m should be one also

Both players are serial offenders in each category..

 

[Pollywaffle]

Serious question and dont jump down my throat but does Close warrant a spot in the best 22 in front of guys like Bowes, Clohesy, Clark and Knevitt, to me he is very underwhelming

If my memory is correct I read an article where he was one of our best performed finals players.
Has been a little unsighted of late though, but may be ‘playing a role’ Has finals runs on the board.
None of those other guys is exactly beating the door down.

 

[PhatBoy]

I lived in Sydney for a long time.

Sydney people view going to the footy like a social setting at a bar or similar.

A lot of them just sit there talking the entire game not even watching.

Completely different to footy states.

Being a NSWelshman I have a lot of friends who’ve been converted from exclusive league followers (I’m a lifelong follower of both codes) to jumping on the Swans bandwagon.

The best way I could describe them - or 90 per cent of them is this way - they could tell you all the names of the swans players and maybe 2-3 of the very best opposition players if the opposition is a good side. They can’t tell you what the swans players do that is good beyond kick goals or rack up a lot of touches. They’re like a Melbourne Demons crowd without the football knowledge.

 

[PhatBoy]

Liked Mannagh’s game yesterday. His last month has been a bit up and down, like he has been getting a bit beyond his station, trying to do a bit too much. He was much better and kept in his lane and it showed