Unofficial Preview Changes/Discussion - Swans

[braddsey]

How long do we think Fagan gives Oscar Allen to come up to speed or become more mobile before being “soft dropped”?
Looked at times as though he was stuck in mud in the weekend.
Took a while that he persisted with Day last year.

Sam Day got a 6-match stretch, did his hammy, then got another 3 games.
Gunston got 11 games before he dropped himself.

I would imagine Allen gets a similarly long run at it, and he would have to show a serious run of poor form before he's dropped (along with a better option able to come in). He's got a 6-year contract so will be given a long run to get back to regular match fitness and the speed of the game, aswell as the time to understand how the team plays, and for the team to understand his strengths.

 

[Dalions]

Sam Day got a 6-match stretch, did his hammy, then got another 3 games.
Gunston got 11 games before he dropped himself.

I would imagine Allen gets a similarly long run at it, and he would have to show a serious run of poor form before he's dropped (along with a better option able to come in). He's got a 6-year contract so will be given a long run to get back to regular match fitness and the speed of the game, aswell as the time to understand how the team plays, and for the team to understand his strengths.

I was thinking around half a season before being pulled out for a mini pre-season to get his fitness levels up more.
But he may just get more confidence and fitness as he goes after a few down years, which would be handy.

 

[Nathan Barley]

I thought Allen was moving just fine. Want to see him throwing his weight around a bit more though

Also seemed to be dummy leading quite a lot to create space for Logan

 

[briztoon]

How long do we think Fagan gives Oscar Allen to come up to speed or become more mobile before being “soft dropped”?
Looked at times as though he was stuck in mud in the weekend.
Took a while that he persisted with Day last year.

Depending on results, the mid season by.

Watching Allen on TV, it looked like his back was the problem. He looked stiff.

Reading the West Coast board, even before we were linked, it was reported in the media over there that his knees were shot, he had no cartilage left in them.

 

[briztoon]

I was thinking around half a season before being pulled out for a mini pre-season to get his fitness levels up more.
But he may just get more confidence and fitness as he goes after a few down years, which would be handy.

I don’t believe fitness is the issue. I believe it’s his body and what is potential causing him pain.

 

[Elixuh]

How long do we think Fagan gives Oscar Allen to come up to speed or become more mobile before being “soft dropped”?
Looked at times as though he was stuck in mud in the weekend.
Took a while that he persisted with Day last year.

I doubt we drop our 900k forward new recruit unless it’s bad attitude plus playing really badly across like 3/4 of the season.

I suspect he will play all year outside of being injured/suspended.

 

[Lockie]

Felt we missed Starcs cool head in the backline on Saturday and his bodywork. Think it’s too early to judge Allen - need a few more weeks to see how he fits. I was thinking about Joe D first game and I thought he got reported and we lost by quite a bit to the Swans?

Not happy with the reports (felt Darcy’s was just a free) but hoping that last week resets the players group as teams are really going to go for us this year so staying focused and disciplined is vital.

Let’s hope we take it up to the Swans this week it’s really going to be a tough one.

Have loved listening to Fages talk about the various themes they’ve used over the last couple of years and the stories behind those, We’ve had Dancing on thin ice and Running towards the fire. Wonder what this years is?

 

[KissKiss]

How long do we think Fagan gives Oscar Allen to come up to speed or become more mobile before being “soft dropped”?
Looked at times as though he was stuck in mud in the weekend.
Took a while that he persisted with Day last year.

You also have to consider who would replace him even if his form didnt improve. I see no world where this leadership go away from 3 tall forwards and at least one ruck. I would assume his spot is almost guaranteed until Hipwood is back. And then we would think between the four of Morris, Gallop, Allen and Hipwood.

But playing Draper as a forward with Fort as a ruck is an option. And to a lesser extent ZZ or Curtin as a forward/ruck.

At the moment I think he will be given time to adjust and ensure he is fit. I thought he was improving across the game and dont quite have the same vibes as Gunston/Day. But will see how he goes across the first month against better and worse opposition

 

[dlanod]

Preview Thread 'Round 1: Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans; Saturday March 14 @ 7.10pm AEST'

Mar 10, 2026

Round 1
Date: Saturday March 14 @ 7.10pm AEST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground

• With big thanks to Saucery for the entire preview!

I do apologize for the lack of stats but I am still dealing with a bout of forth-nerve palsy so I have double vision and an eye patch. Yes I have heard every pirate joke under the sun and no I don’t have a parrot (resting, stunned, pinin’ or dead).

Whilst it took the Swans till halfway through 2025 to get over their 2024 GF efforts they did it with aplomb winning 8 of their last 11 games to salvage...

• dlanod
• Replies: 198
• Forum: Brisbane Lions

•