Going Forward (The Future)

[doona]

Well, he did have some pretty bad games. I don't think he's shit, but he needs to learn to hold his marks and use his size better for a start.
Honestly key forward isn't the worst position for him if he is fit, I would give it a go at some stage next year.

If he could catch the ball, he would have actually been a good player. He just needs superglue or something.

On Nexus 6P using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Grongey]

In 2017 - I think top 8 is the highest expectation for the Swans next year.

GWS - will play like men possessed, they know 2016 is the one that got away
Bulldogs - a young hungry team, and they'll be back
Hawks - will be just as good as 2016, with Tom M., and especially if JOM gets on the field
Essendon - will be way better next year, with top line players returning
Freo - will be way better next year, have drafted well
Saints - are coming big time, and drafted well
WCE - will be angry at going out like they did in 2016

 

[Tuco]

2017 we're still smack bang in the window - thanks to how well our rookies came on this year.

Window means with good luck re injuries and if we get near the 4 anything is possible.

(Assuming the umps bother to read the rule book while they're busy getting paid $150k a year to study ornithology or whatever their real passions are)

We'll need to seriously have a plan going into 2018 though to match what's happening with our competitors.

 

[caesar88]

In 2017 - I think top 8 is the highest expectation for the Swans next year.

GWS - will play like men possessed, they know 2016 is the one that got away
Bulldogs - a young hungry team, and they'll be back
Hawks - will be just as good as 2016, with Tom M., and especially if JOM gets on the field
Essendon - will be way better next year, with top line players returning
Freo - will be way better next year, have drafted well
Saints - are coming big time, and drafted well
WCE - will be angry at going out like they did in 2016

You're severely over rating Fremantle. They've brought in Kersten whose a spud, McCarthy who will probably spend just as much time on the sidelines as Bennell (probably with their mutual off field habits) and Hill, who is over-rated IMO. Until they sort out that vacant forward line they will never be of concern.

Saints and the Demons are the ones to watch for me

 

[RW]

2017 we're still smack bang in the window - thanks to how well our rookies came on this year.

We are more than in a window - I know some people don't rate the squiggle, but the fact remains that statistically this was our best season in the past 20 years, our attacking and defensive ratings were both higher than when we won the flag. This season even trumped 1996, 2006 and 2014 (shudder). If this group stays fit and hungry, we are not going anywhere. My only question mark is on our midfield and how we cope with the loss of a clearance beast in Mitchell.

 

[caesar88]

We are more than in a window - I know some people don't rate the squiggle, but the fact remains that statistically this was our best season in the past 20 years, our attacking and defensive ratings were both higher than when we won the flag. This season even trumped 1996, 2006 and 2014 (shudder). If this group stays fit and hungry, we are not going anywhere.

Fitness and hunger should both be of no concern. Our best players are in their absolute primes (maybe slightly over but only just) and our next generation will only get better the more settled they become. As for hunger, we've lost two grand finals we probably should have won. If that doesn't make them livid next year we might as well just skip next year altogether

 

[RW]

Also, we have to improve between the ears. Consistency within games is still an issue at times.

 

[Wolftone]

I'm not going to be popular in some circles. but then again I've never cared and still don't.

1. We need to sort out the captaincy. Macca was beige in the GF and that is being nice. Mills should not have played either. Kizza stood up and tried his heart out. Kennedy does not want to be captain so I don't know why people keep bringing him up. But there is one player who is dead set ready as far as I'm concerned. Luke Parker was sensational in the GF and almost got us back with supreme efforts in the last. He is the sort of captain we need going forward. The young blokes respect and love him. They would die for Luke.

2. I'm sure Tippet is a required player but his second half of the season, after injury I know, was incredibly poor. He only kicked 15 goals until the finals and that is no good as he was playing Forward/Ruck not first ruck. We need him to do far more and at least bring the ball down to our advantage. If not he needs to go.

3. I hope we keep Toby as I was always of the opinion based on form he should have played in the GF not Tip

4. I hope we can fast track Jordan Dawson and hopefully he won't get injured like next year.

5. Nick Newman needs to come in on the HBF. Between him and Lloydy the kickouts will be very good. Macca wastes too many long ones, often stuffs the short ones and some of his get out of trouble HB is disastrous. As far as I'm concerned he is almost finished. I for one won't miss the arm waving, playing for frees, complaining to the umpies and slagging his mates when they stuff up a kick. That sort of shit is the reason they stuff up, he puts huge pressure on them every time they kick to him. Mind you against GWS he didn't apologise once for the ten kicks that went to player's feet. Weak link bring in Newman, no weak link.

6. The forward line has been lambasted. But Bullies have one of the better defences in the AFL. The other thing is the delivery from the mids was very shabby. We were also virtually three players down with Mills, Macca and Tip extremely shit so no drive there meant others had to fill a void and were under pressure when kicking. I think the forward line could be boosted by Dawson next year. Games to Leonardis (on a wing) and O'Riordan (very fast and like Newman a wonderful kick).

7. If an experienced player is not performing we need to drop him next year. Why is it that players like Hannas, Jack or Macca should think they just have to turn up to play. They need to perform too. I know Hannas was good this season but the other two had some bad games in a row and nothing. Captain or not if they aren't performing they should be dropped to the reserves. There should not a one rule for the experienced players and one for the young players. It has got better in the last couple of years but...

8. I think our list is very healthy. We have Talia I believe still to come back (as far as I know he is still required otherwise he would have been shopped in trade) as well as Reid, maybe AJ, Silclair (maybe). We have discovered another pocket dynamite in young Sam Murray. Our ruck stocks are very healthy. We have plenty of good defenders and Abe Davis, if we keep him, might just turn out to be a huge swing man (so far he has played; FF, CHF, HFF, Centre, CHB, FB & Ruck). Remind you of anyone?

9. I know Rohan, Papley, Benny (retired), Tip & Richards were quiet. although I thought Richards did pretty well in the second half without a lot of help. Plus he was being crucified by the umpires. Need to get the best out of these guys in big games. The one I'm more worried about in big games is Gaz. He has been poor in two Gf's now. but with some good sports psychology this can be fixed.

10. For the club to go forward the footy department must look at the coaching in big matches too. Moves weren't made and those that were were too late. Bont tore us apart because Daniel was allowed to stand in front of Kennedy and bar him from the contest. We could have held onto the ball more and looked for options. We just bombed into the forward line instead. these are things easily fixed but the coaches must be on top of this in games.

I think next year will be even better than this year as we move some scrappy experienced players on and replace them with far better ball users.

 

[YorshireSwan]

I'm not going to be popular in some circles. but then again I've never cared and still don't.

1. We need to sort out the captaincy. Macca was beige in the GF and that is being nice. Mills should not have played either. Kizza stood up and tried his heart out. Kennedy does not want to be captain so I don't know why people keep bringing him up. But there is one player who is dead set ready as far as I'm concerned. Luke Parker was sensational in the GF and almost got us back with supreme efforts in the last. He is the sort of captain we need going forward. The young blokes respect and love him. They would die for Luke.

2. I'm sure Tippet is a required player but his second half of the season, after injury I know, was incredibly poor. He only kicked 15 goals until the finals and that is no good as he was playing Forward/Ruck not first ruck. We need him to do far more and at least bring the ball down to our advantage. If not he needs to go.

3. I hope we keep Toby as I was always of the opinion based on form he should have played in the GF not Tip

4. I hope we can fast track Jordan Dawson and hopefully he won't get injured like next year.

5. Nick Newman needs to come in on the HBF. Between him and Lloydy the kickouts will be very good. Macca wastes too many long ones, often stuffs the short ones and some of his get out of trouble HB is disastrous. As far as I'm concerned he is almost finished. I for one won't miss the arm waving, playing for frees, complaining to the umpies and slagging his mates when they stuff up a kick. That sort of shit is the reason they stuff up, he puts huge pressure on them every time they kick to him. Mind you against GWS he didn't apologise once for the ten kicks that went to player's feet. Weak link bring in Newman, no weak link.

6. The forward line has been lambasted. But Bullies have one of the better defences in the AFL. The other thing is the delivery from the mids was very shabby. We were also virtually three players down with Mills, Macca and Tip extremely shit so no drive there meant others had to fill a void and were under pressure when kicking. I think the forward line could be boosted by Dawson next year. Games to Leonardis (on a wing) and O'Riordan (very fast and like Newman a wonderful kick).

7. If an experienced player is not performing we need to drop him next year. Why is it that players like Hannas, Jack or Macca should think they just have to turn up to play. They need to perform too. I know Hannas was good this season but the other two had some bad games in a row and nothing. Captain or not if they aren't performing they should be dropped to the reserves. There should not a one rule for the experienced players and one for the young players. It has got better in the last couple of years but...

8. I think our list is very healthy. We have Talia I believe still to come back (as far as I know he is still required otherwise he would have been shopped in trade) as well as Reid, maybe AJ, Silclair (maybe). We have discovered another pocket dynamite in young Sam Murray. Our ruck stocks are very healthy. We have plenty of good defenders and Abe Davis, if we keep him, might just turn out to be a huge swing man (so far he has played; FF, CHF, HFF, Centre, CHB, FB & Ruck). Remind you of anyone?

9. I know Rohan, Papley, Benny (retired), Tip & Richards were quiet. although I thought Richards did pretty well in the second half without a lot of help. Plus he was being crucified by the umpires. Need to get the best out of these guys in big games. The one I'm more worried about in big games is Gaz. He has been poor in two Gf's now. but with some good sports psychology this can be fixed.

10. For the club to go forward the footy department must look at the coaching in big matches too. Moves weren't made and those that were were too late. Bont tore us apart because Daniel was allowed to stand in front of Kennedy and bar him from the contest. We could have held onto the ball more and looked for options. We just bombed into the forward line instead. these are things easily fixed but the coaches must be on top of this in games.

I think next year will be even better than this year as we move some scrappy experienced players on and replace them with far better ball users.

I don't necessarily agree with everything you wrote but its certainly a well thought out and constructive assessment.

 

[doona]

Well, he did have some pretty bad games. I don't think he's shit, but he needs to learn to hold his marks and use his size better for a start.
Honestly key forward isn't the worst position for him if he is fit, I would give it a go at some stage next year.

He was actually a key forward at junior level/senior level and that is his natural position.

He was turned into a ruck/fwd.

But you hit the nail on the head there where he needs to be able to mark the ball.

On Nexus 6P using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Kiama Chris]

I'm not going to be popular in some circles. but then again I've never cared and still don't.

1. We need to sort out the captaincy. Macca was beige in the GF and that is being nice. Mills should not have played either. Kizza stood up and tried his heart out. Kennedy does not want to be captain so I don't know why people keep bringing him up. But there is one player who is dead set ready as far as I'm concerned. Luke Parker was sensational in the GF and almost got us back with supreme efforts in the last. He is the sort of captain we need going forward. The young blokes respect and love him. They would die for Luke.

2. I'm sure Tippet is a required player but his second half of the season, after injury I know, was incredibly poor. He only kicked 15 goals until the finals and that is no good as he was playing Forward/Ruck not first ruck. We need him to do far more and at least bring the ball down to our advantage. If not he needs to go.

3. I hope we keep Toby as I was always of the opinion based on form he should have played in the GF not Tip

4. I hope we can fast track Jordan Dawson and hopefully he won't get injured like next year.

5. Nick Newman needs to come in on the HBF. Between him and Lloydy the kickouts will be very good. Macca wastes too many long ones, often stuffs the short ones and some of his get out of trouble HB is disastrous. As far as I'm concerned he is almost finished. I for one won't miss the arm waving, playing for frees, complaining to the umpies and slagging his mates when they stuff up a kick. That sort of shit is the reason they stuff up, he puts huge pressure on them every time they kick to him. Mind you against GWS he didn't apologise once for the ten kicks that went to player's feet. Weak link bring in Newman, no weak link.

6. The forward line has been lambasted. But Bullies have one of the better defences in the AFL. The other thing is the delivery from the mids was very shabby. We were also virtually three players down with Mills, Macca and Tip extremely shit so no drive there meant others had to fill a void and were under pressure when kicking. I think the forward line could be boosted by Dawson next year. Games to Leonardis (on a wing) and O'Riordan (very fast and like Newman a wonderful kick).

7. If an experienced player is not performing we need to drop him next year. Why is it that players like Hannas, Jack or Macca should think they just have to turn up to play. They need to perform too. I know Hannas was good this season but the other two had some bad games in a row and nothing. Captain or not if they aren't performing they should be dropped to the reserves. There should not a one rule for the experienced players and one for the young players. It has got better in the last couple of years but...

8. I think our list is very healthy. We have Talia I believe still to come back (as far as I know he is still required otherwise he would have been shopped in trade) as well as Reid, maybe AJ, Silclair (maybe). We have discovered another pocket dynamite in young Sam Murray. Our ruck stocks are very healthy. We have plenty of good defenders and Abe Davis, if we keep him, might just turn out to be a huge swing man (so far he has played; FF, CHF, HFF, Centre, CHB, FB & Ruck). Remind you of anyone?

9. I know Rohan, Papley, Benny (retired), Tip & Richards were quiet. although I thought Richards did pretty well in the second half without a lot of help. Plus he was being crucified by the umpires. Need to get the best out of these guys in big games. The one I'm more worried about in big games is Gaz. He has been poor in two Gf's now. but with some good sports psychology this can be fixed.

10. For the club to go forward the footy department must look at the coaching in big matches too. Moves weren't made and those that were were too late. Bont tore us apart because Daniel was allowed to stand in front of Kennedy and bar him from the contest. We could have held onto the ball more and looked for options. We just bombed into the forward line instead. these are things easily fixed but the coaches must be on top of this in games.

I think next year will be even better than this year as we move some scrappy experienced players on and replace them with far better ball users.

What Westie said. A lot of thought in that, even if I don't agree with all of it.
1) Agree
2) Tippo was playing first ruck before he got injured. Hopefully, with Naismith's improvement he can play more forward. But we really need to improve our delivery in to get full value from any leading forward. His best feed was from Buddy!
3) Agree
4) Dunno. Have watched a bit of ressies but not when he was fit.
5) Agree. Newman was standout BOG in ressies GF. Can handle it. Gun kick.
6) Not sure. Go with the coaches' call.
7) Agree
8) Ruck OK if Nanka stays. One short if he goes. Saw Abe in the ressies GF. He was still pretty unfit after his injury. Looks like a guy who might struggle a bit to get lean. Watch that space. Otherwise agree.
9) Agree. Gaz is so hot and cold.
10) Agree. Plus the mental/leadership onfield side of things. No coincidence that the three games we sucked in we were physically challenged and couldn't cope. There's something missing in the training and planning to deal with that.
All in all our list is in good shape. I hope Nanka doesn't leave as I reckon both Tippo and Sinclair will have significant time out and we should have that covered. Our youngsters improved a lot from last year to this so whatever we did we should do more of!

 

[Superstar swan]

Really want marsh to get another deal..deserves it

 

[Vin Rogue]

In hindsight, it was probably a list management error to get rid of mummy. He's an enforcer and someone who intimidates the opposition. We definitely could have used him in 2014.

I think his real worth, is the brutality he brings to the field that makes everyone around walk that little bit taller.

Obviously hindsight talking, but we could have gotten rid of a titch or Reid and kept mummy

Love the big , mummy...when fit. His problem was, is and continues to be, he is prone to injury. But he offers great security to his team mates. That worth is huge.

 

[Vin Rogue]

In 2017 - I think top 8 is the highest expectation for the Swans next year.

GWS - will play like men possessed, they know 2016 is the one that got away
Bulldogs - a young hungry team, and they'll be back
Hawks - will be just as good as 2016, with Tom M., and especially if JOM gets on the field
Essendon - will be way better next year, with top line players returning
Freo - will be way better next year, have drafted well
Saints - are coming big time, and drafted well
WCE - will be angry at going out like they did in 2016

Essendon and Freo will not make the eight next year, but will certainly improve. Saints will threaten to make the eight...and they might, but they will fight it out with a Melbourne on the same trajectory. Hawthorn will not make the eight. Their worst six players just don't stack up any more. Adelaide will press, North will fail. Gold Coast and Collingwood and Port.....their best 22 can do it, but they fall away quickly after that, so can't see them in the eight unless they have injury free seasons. Can't see Richmond up there. Geelong will make the eight with Eagles and Giants and Swans and Dogs.

 

[Vin Rogue]

I'm not going to be popular in some circles. but then again I've never cared and still don't.

1. We need to sort out the captaincy. Macca was beige in the GF and that is being nice. Mills should not have played either. Kizza stood up and tried his heart out. Kennedy does not want to be captain so I don't know why people keep bringing him up. But there is one player who is dead set ready as far as I'm concerned. Luke Parker was sensational in the GF and almost got us back with supreme efforts in the last. He is the sort of captain we need going forward. The young blokes respect and love him. They would die for Luke.

2. I'm sure Tippet is a required player but his second half of the season, after injury I know, was incredibly poor. He only kicked 15 goals until the finals and that is no good as he was playing Forward/Ruck not first ruck. We need him to do far more and at least bring the ball down to our advantage. If not he needs to go.

3. I hope we keep Toby as I was always of the opinion based on form he should have played in the GF not Tip

4. I hope we can fast track Jordan Dawson and hopefully he won't get injured like next year.

5. Nick Newman needs to come in on the HBF. Between him and Lloydy the kickouts will be very good. Macca wastes too many long ones, often stuffs the short ones and some of his get out of trouble HB is disastrous. As far as I'm concerned he is almost finished. I for one won't miss the arm waving, playing for frees, complaining to the umpies and slagging his mates when they stuff up a kick. That sort of shit is the reason they stuff up, he puts huge pressure on them every time they kick to him. Mind you against GWS he didn't apologise once for the ten kicks that went to player's feet. Weak link bring in Newman, no weak link.

6. The forward line has been lambasted. But Bullies have one of the better defences in the AFL. The other thing is the delivery from the mids was very shabby. We were also virtually three players down with Mills, Macca and Tip extremely shit so no drive there meant others had to fill a void and were under pressure when kicking. I think the forward line could be boosted by Dawson next year. Games to Leonardis (on a wing) and O'Riordan (very fast and like Newman a wonderful kick).

7. If an experienced player is not performing we need to drop him next year. Why is it that players like Hannas, Jack or Macca should think they just have to turn up to play. They need to perform too. I know Hannas was good this season but the other two had some bad games in a row and nothing. Captain or not if they aren't performing they should be dropped to the reserves. There should not a one rule for the experienced players and one for the young players. It has got better in the last couple of years but...

8. I think our list is very healthy. We have Talia I believe still to come back (as far as I know he is still required otherwise he would have been shopped in trade) as well as Reid, maybe AJ, Silclair (maybe). We have discovered another pocket dynamite in young Sam Murray. Our ruck stocks are very healthy. We have plenty of good defenders and Abe Davis, if we keep him, might just turn out to be a huge swing man (so far he has played; FF, CHF, HFF, Centre, CHB, FB & Ruck). Remind you of anyone?

9. I know Rohan, Papley, Benny (retired), Tip & Richards were quiet. although I thought Richards did pretty well in the second half without a lot of help. Plus he was being crucified by the umpires. Need to get the best out of these guys in big games. The one I'm more worried about in big games is Gaz. He has been poor in two Gf's now. but with some good sports psychology this can be fixed.

10. For the club to go forward the footy department must look at the coaching in big matches too. Moves weren't made and those that were were too late. Bont tore us apart because Daniel was allowed to stand in front of Kennedy and bar him from the contest. We could have held onto the ball more and looked for options. We just bombed into the forward line instead. these are things easily fixed but the coaches must be on top of this in games.

I think next year will be even better than this year as we move some scrappy experienced players on and replace them with far better ball users.

I like your faith in the young players in the McGoos. That was the revelation for me this season. I look forward to seeing what Leonardis, Newman, Dawson, O'Riordan, Foote and others can provide next season. I also look forward to the return of Reid and AJ. McVeigh's time as a protected species must be over. The Captaincy must be passed on to someone who is respected. If given to Parker...it will make him a better player I believe. Our list is in great shape..much better than we would ever have anticipated at the start of the 2016 season.

 

[GoTheSwannies]

I like your faith in the young players in the McGoos. That was the revelation for me this season. I look forward to seeing what Leonardis, Newman, Dawson, O'Riordan, Foote and others can provide next season. I also look forward to the return of Reid and AJ. McVeigh's time as a protected species must be over. The Captaincy must be passed on to someone who is respected. If given to Parker...it will make him a better player I believe. Our list is in great shape..much better than we would ever have anticipated at the start of the 2016 season.

Agreed with your sentiments regarding macca and the captaincy making Parker a better player. I think he'll become an absolute beast with the captaincy tag.

 

[YorshireSwan]

I like your faith in the young players in the McGoos. That was the revelation for me this season. I look forward to seeing what Leonardis, Newman, Dawson, O'Riordan, Foote and others can provide next season. I also look forward to the return of Reid and AJ. McVeigh's time as a protected species must be over. The Captaincy must be passed on to someone who is respected. If given to Parker...it will make him a better player I believe. Our list is in great shape..much better than we would ever have anticipated at the start of the 2016 season.

What evidence do you have that he is not respected?
I'll give you granted that he is not respected by some here on BF, but from everything I have seen or heard he seems to me to have the respect of the leadership group, the playing group as a whole, the coaches and the administration.
I'm not disputing that he is at the crossroads in regards to where he is at as a player, but to suggest that he is not respected is pure fanciful speculation.

 

[caesar88]

Yep Parker has to be captain for me. Think it would just keep the pressure on him to always bring his best as he can drop off the pace every now and then.

McVeigh shouldn't even be best 22 let alone captain.

 

[Punts]

No way parker imo

Hanners by a mile

 

[GoTheSwannies]

Macca is a squib. Injured or not. Soft as fux

 

[GoTheSwannies]

I'd be happy with a hanners Parker combo.

I think the captaincy will elevate Parker. Whereas I think hanners gets the absolute most put of himself regardless.

Whether that's reason enough to make Parker captain is another question altogether. I just think Parker as captain will take his game to another level.

Make em Co captains I say.

Let kizza focus on own game. And put macca on notice.

 

[Punts]

Parker until GF day maybe

 

[caesar88]

the more I think about it the more it horrifies me to think we will have to go at least another year with McVeigh... every week aside from possible injuries. Frustrating times ahead

 

[bedford]

Yep Parker has to be captain for me. Think it would just keep the pressure on him to always bring his best as he can drop off the pace every now and then.

McVeigh shouldn't even be best 22 let alone captain.

Dean Towers over Parker every day of the week , can change the outcome of games

 

[doona]

the more I think about it the more it horrifies me to think we will have to go at least another year with McVeigh... every week aside from possible injuries. Frustrating times ahead

There are 2 options:
1. He performs and does well and is a part of our best 22.
2. He is dropped to the NEAFL and is an onfield coach like ROK for example and provide depth.

Although I would prefer his salary off our books, it is not that bad. We have proven that if a player is not up to scratch that they wont play.