Prediction Swans Top Four.. GF?

[Churches]

Making a bold prediction.

The biggest thing about today's win was we finally got our confidence back. We were taking players on and running their mids into the ground. A clear aggression we lacked against Gold Coast and Essendon.

If we wanted, we could've won by 25+ but Horse is so confident in our defence which we all know is arguably one of the best in the league, and we took so it easy. Rather than keep on playing risky corridor footy, we let our defenders soak up the pressure and wind down the clock. We dropped players back in the final term and literally let them attack because we knew 5 goals wouldn't be scored regardless of how close they came.

Really feel our confidence is back which is crucial for a team like ours who play on pressure and mental toughness.

Given the injuries to GWS and them already booking a spot in the 8, I feel they won't be totally on their game and we'll be set for a home game clash against the Hawks for likely the fourth spot. At home and given the way we played the last two weeks, of course it will be super close, but I think we can take care of the Hawks as it will be so important because it means we can face Richmond in the first final.

Richmond are the only favourite to win. No other team is close, rather all on the same level, dealing with injuries and constantly going out of form. Richmond in the first final would be great, because it sets us up with a home Semi should we lose, and from there we wouldn't face the clear best side unless it was a grand final.

Should we win our next 2 games, I'm confident we play in the Grand Final. Devastating what happened to AJ, but our confidence is back, we won with Buddy kicking only two goals, Hanners was his old-self and all our midfield group had even contribution. Gawn dominated the hit outs, yet he had no effect in the game, completely demoralising. We know regardless of hit outs, that we can still win the ball due to our pressure and on ball tackling.

The X-Factor is Hanners. If he's playing at a decent level it takes so much pressure off Heeney, Parker, JPK and Hewitt. Hanners playing well is what will spark an even contribution among the mids which is what we had going so well in 2016 and 2017.

Best thing to look forward to:

- Reid and Melican should both be pushing for selection come the finals which will make it very interesting. If Melican comes back, Aliir could maybe spend some time up forward... maybe in the mids? I know he's amazing down back taking intercept marks, but he's athletic abilities can make him so valuable anywhere you want to put him.

- When Reid is playing, he's a sensational mark of the footy and causes the defence to go man on man, leaving both him and Bud in favourable 1 on 1 contests.

I know i'm hyping on, but the form we were in 3 weeks ago was shocking. We lost to the bloody gold coast.. everything looked lost. But two good wins and now it's really looking bright.

Last year's premiers Richmond were handed a near 100-point loss to St Kilda... We all know what happened after that.

 

[Cadsky]

Too early

 

[RobbieK]

Two weeks is a long time in footy.

Two weeks ago it looked like the wheels had come off this season and we were in free fall.

In two weeks time we could still find ourselves out of the 8.

If we make the finals it will be on the back of a upward form trend over the last few weeks which will put us in a pretty good position to be competitive in finals. There is really only one stand out team this year, you can throw a blanket over second to tenth, all teams in that bracket are capable of beating anyone on their day but all have had spells of really terrible football too. Injuries pay a big part in that, the loss of a few key players is felt by just about every team.

So, if we make it it to the finals probably means that we win another game in the next two weeks at least. We win both and yes, we could be in the top four. From that position you are only a two or three games away from a grand final... Anything could happen. Out best is good enough to beat anyone, it is just a matter of us continuing to bring it. But still, we need to actually get here first.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

2 more weeks if we win both without sustaining any more injuries than maybeeee.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

If anything its the losses to bottom 8 teams which may cost us our record against top 8 is pretty good 6-2 i believe.

 

[SwansProudly]

One week at a time.
Next week GWS

 

[Jewelsbon]

What a difference McVeigh makes!

Sun's, Essendon - no Macca
Pies, Dees - with Macca

I don't know why, but our record with him in the team speaks for itself - let him play till he's 90!!!!!

 

[Bonz]

What a difference McVeigh makes!

Sun's, Essendon - no Macca
Pies, Dees - with Macca

I don't know why, but our record with him in the team speaks for itself - let him play till he's 90!!!!!

His an on-field leader, and is fantastic at advising players where to position.

Will make a great coach one day as well I think.

 

[Punts]

Wow

 

[caesar88]

Not being fooled that easily. In round 4, we held on in that nailbiter against the Bulldogs and it was such a tough game for us and it was going to kickstart our season. The next week we lost to Adelaide’s SANFL team at home.

In round 6 we went down to Geelong and had an EPIC come from behind victory, without Buddy, and it was supposed to kickstart our season. The next week we lost to North of all teams at home.

In round 13 we beat the top of the table Eagles for the second time and it was meant to give us such a confidence boost going into the bye. We come out after the bye and lose 4 of the next 5.

In round 17 we win that amazing game against North that was a real high-quality shoot-out that was supposed to kick us back into form. The next week we lose to the Gold Coast ******* Suns at home.

Yes we’ve had some amazing wins this year but at some point we are going to have to stop having these character-building wins and start having wins that come from just playing great, confident, enjoyable footy. That is the difference between us and the contenders. We seem to be capable of playing inspired footy if a close game is on the line, or we have a point to prove or adversity to overcome. Teams like Richmond are playing inspired footy simply because they want to. They love to win, they know they can win, and so they’re going out there every week and doing it. They’ve all bought in to a club-wide winning mentality and as you can see from the results I’ve said above, forgive me for not believing we have that yet.

 

[Kirkswan]

Making a bold prediction.

The biggest thing about today's win was we finally got our confidence back. We were taking players on and running their mids into the ground. A clear aggression we lacked against Gold Coast and Essendon.

If we wanted, we could've won by 25+ but Horse is so confident in our defence which we all know is arguably one of the best in the league, and we took so it easy. Rather than keep on playing risky corridor footy, we let our defenders soak up the pressure and wind down the clock. We dropped players back in the final term and literally let them attack because we knew 5 goals wouldn't be scored regardless of how close they came.

Really feel our confidence is back which is crucial for a team like ours who play on pressure and mental toughness.

Given the injuries to GWS and them already booking a spot in the 8, I feel they won't be totally on their game and we'll be set for a home game clash against the Hawks for likely the fourth spot. At home and given the way we played the last two weeks, of course it will be super close, but I think we can take care of the Hawks as it will be so important because it means we can face Richmond in the first final.

Richmond are the only favourite to win. No other team is close, rather all on the same level, dealing with injuries and constantly going out of form. Richmond in the first final would be great, because it sets us up with a home Semi should we lose, and from there we wouldn't face the clear best side unless it was a grand final.

Should we win our next 2 games, I'm confident we play in the Grand Final. Devastating what happened to AJ, but our confidence is back, we won with Buddy kicking only two goals, Hanners was his old-self and all our midfield group had even contribution. Gawn dominated the hit outs, yet he had no effect in the game, completely demoralising. We know regardless of hit outs, that we can still win the ball due to our pressure and on ball tackling.

The X-Factor is Hanners. If he's playing at a decent level it takes so much pressure off Heeney, Parker, JPK and Hewitt. Hanners playing well is what will spark an even contribution among the mids which is what we had going so well in 2016 and 2017.

Best thing to look forward to:

- Reid and Melican should both be pushing for selection come the finals which will make it very interesting. If Melican comes back, Aliir could maybe spend some time up forward... maybe in the mids? I know he's amazing down back taking intercept marks, but he's athletic abilities can make him so valuable anywhere you want to put him.

- When Reid is playing, he's a sensational mark of the footy and causes the defence to go man on man, leaving both him and Bud in favourable 1 on 1 contests.

I know i'm hyping on, but the form we were in 3 weeks ago was shocking. We lost to the bloody gold coast.. everything looked lost. But two good wins and now it's really looking bright.

Last year's premiers Richmond were handed a near 100-point loss to St Kilda... We all know what happened after that.

wow! Nice post #4. I see things a little differently though...

I don't believe we took things easy in the last, I reckon we were out on our feet! We had played 2 down for two quarters in a frenetic attacking game of football... most of our players have only played that way three or four times in the whole season. The only tactic available to us, was to block up their attacking 50 and try to cause them to turn it over.

The X-Factor is Hanners! I agree totally. I don't think this board realised how much input Hanners has in a game, even if he's not playing well. A bit McVeigh-like impact wise.

Should we get Reid, Grundy and Melican back... well! That would make things very, very interesting, and I think other clubs would be starting to get nervous.

BUT, and it's a huge but, we need to get through the next two weeks unscathed, and we need to win... so, one week at a time, control our own destiny... one week at a time

 

[SwansProudly]

wow! Nice post #4. I see things a little differently though...

I don't believe we took things easy in the last, I reckon we were out on our feet! We had played 2 down for two quarters in a frenetic attacking game of football... most of our players have only played that way three or four times in the whole season. The only tactic available to us, was to block up their attacking 50 and try to cause them to turn it over.

The X-Factor is Hanners! I agree totally. I don't think this board realised how much input Hanners has in a game, even if he's not playing well. A bit McVeigh-like impact wise.

Should we get Reid, Grundy and Melican back... well! That would make things very, very interesting, and I think other clubs would be starting to get nervous.

BUT, and it's a huge but, we need to get through the next two weeks unscathed, and we need to win... so, one week at a time, control our own destiny... one week at a time

I would have Reid and Melican play some NEAFL to gain some match fitness. Both have had a long break.

 

[Churches]

Not being fooled that easily. In round 4, we held on in that nailbiter against the Bulldogs and it was such a tough game for us and it was going to kickstart our season. The next week we lost to Adelaide’s SANFL team at home.

In round 6 we went down to Geelong and had an EPIC come from behind victory, without Buddy, and it was supposed to kickstart our season. The next week we lost to North of all teams at home.

In round 13 we beat the top of the table Eagles for the second time and it was meant to give us such a confidence boost going into the bye. We come out after the bye and lose 4 of the next 5.

In round 17 we win that amazing game against North that was a real high-quality shoot-out that was supposed to kick us back into form. The next week we lose to the Gold Coast ******* Suns at home.

Yes we’ve had some amazing wins this year but at some point we are going to have to stop having these character-building wins and start having wins that come from just playing great, confident, enjoyable footy. That is the difference between us and the contenders. We seem to be capable of playing inspired footy if a close game is on the line, or we have a point to prove or adversity to overcome. Teams like Richmond are playing inspired footy simply because they want to. They love to win, they know they can win, and so they’re going out there every week and doing it. They’ve all bought in to a club-wide winning mentality and as you can see from the results I’ve said above, forgive me for not believing we have that yet.

Totally agree, However let's not forgot the bull**** score review in the North Melbourne game that ended up proving the difference... smh. Would be in the Top 4 if not for that.

 

[Churches]

wow! Nice post #4. I see things a little differently though...

I don't believe we took things easy in the last, I reckon we were out on our feet! We had played 2 down for two quarters in a frenetic attacking game of football... most of our players have only played that way three or four times in the whole season. The only tactic available to us, was to block up their attacking 50 and try to cause them to turn it over.

The X-Factor is Hanners! I agree totally. I don't think this board realised how much input Hanners has in a game, even if he's not playing well. A bit McVeigh-like impact wise.

Should we get Reid, Grundy and Melican back... well! That would make things very, very interesting, and I think other clubs would be starting to get nervous.

BUT, and it's a huge but, we need to get through the next two weeks unscathed, and we need to win... so, one week at a time, control our own destiny... one week at a time

Totally agree.

I make this prediction based on the confidence we should win this weekend. Heath Shaw ruled out is MASSIVE. He's the heart and soul of that team and basically their Mcveigh down back. And if Josh Kelly is out (Best midfielder in the game from the past month or two) we easily get through these guys.

 

[Kirkswan]

Totally agree.

I make this prediction based on the confidence we should win this weekend. Heath Shaw ruled out is MASSIVE. He's the heart and soul of that team and basically their Mcveigh down back. And if Josh Kelly is out (Best midfielder in the game from the past month or two) we easily get through these guys.

I don't know about should, but definitely could... but another couple of injuries and we could be done... too soon to tell...

 

[lollol]

I’ll be the a cynic and say NO.

To many injuries and underdone players. Even if the likes of Reid and melican came back, they will be far far below there best and a fitness liability. Although they are very important structurally. Further, Grundy out on mental health, smith and mills injured. We are going amazingly well considering, however, we maybe exposed in the back half come finals. Further, I don’t believe Kennedy is 100% and hannaberry is far below his best.

Up front, a number of our young forwards are looking very tired and would need to perform exceptionally well above the expectations of players at their age. Then you have buddy, our once in a generation superstar, who has trained 20 minutes throughout the year. I love buddy and he has been amazing player, but he is gassed all the time and cannot perform to his best (he is still a freak of nature!!!!).

Sinclair has tried his best all season, but continues to be exposed in the ruck and is being not nearly as effective as earlier in the season around the ground (needs to get back to taking those contested marks).

IMO Game plan has some issues with execution due to tactical moves of opposition , man power shortages and failures to execute by players. Not to mention, a few glaring strategic failures in the coaches box (Richmond game was a obvious example).

I honestly hope I’m wrong and I look like a idiot.... but I doubt it...

 

[Swannnnn]

We'll need our players to go to another level if we're any chance. We've shown glimpses of it but as many pointed out, we've had too many injuries and underdone players to do it consistently.

They'll need inspiration to push themselves beyond their limit. Perhaps AJ should be part of the coaching panel and in the huddles on Game Day from now on?

Edit: I can picture it now, GF day, Horse give his premiership medallion to AJ, We'll be braver than the BraveDogs

 

[Kirkswan]

I’ll be the a cynic and say NO.

To many injuries and underdone players. Even if the likes of Reid and melican came back, they will be far far below there best and a fitness liability. Although they are very important structurally. Further, Grundy out on mental health, smith and mills injured. We are going amazingly well considering, however, we maybe exposed in the back half come finals. Further, I don’t believe Kennedy is 100% and hannaberry is far below his best.

Up front, a number of our young forwards are looking very tired and would need to perform exceptionally well above the expectations of players at their age. Then you have buddy, our once in a generation superstar, who has trained 20 minutes throughout the year. I love buddy and he has been amazing player, but he is gassed all the time and cannot perform to his best (he is still a freak of nature!!!!).

Sinclair has tried his best all season, but continues to be exposed in the ruck and is being not nearly as effective as earlier in the season around the ground (needs to get back to taking those contested marks).

IMO Game plan has some issues with execution due to tactical moves of opposition , man power shortages and failures to execute by players. Not to mention, a few glaring strategic failures in the coaches box (Richmond game was a obvious example).

I honestly hope I’m wrong and I look like a idiot.... but I doubt it...

I don't necessarily agree with the strategic errors, but overall I think that you're probably correct in your assessment. Most likely we will bow out in the semis or prelims, but given our year and our injuries, that will be a good result.

However, I think that we should all remember that the best team often doesn't win... The best team in the comp is most regularly the minor premiers imo, and it's amazing how often they DON"T win the GF. Since 2000 (inclusive) only six teams have done it...

 

[legend166]

My worry with Hannebery is the entire reason he was playing crap is because he body seemed to have broken down. So his first game back after five weeks off isn't really an indication of much. I want to see if he can do it after 6 days off.

 

[sthmelb_dimmies]

The only way Sydney have any chance is if Hawks or Mags finish 4th.

I reckon they're the only teams that can beat Richmond on the cheat ground. And if the Tiges lose their Qualifying final then some real doubt sets in and the field opens right up.

 

[Punts]

Would rather finish 8th than 5th personally

Play pies or hawks at the mcg rather than the scg in the dew

 

[GotTheGoodes]

His an on-field leader, and is fantastic at advising players where to position.

Will make a great coach one day as well I think.

I see your point & agree.







(See what I did there?)

 

[The King!]

If we can get 3rd and play the eagles week 1 cool

But heck playing Richmond week 1

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

His an on-field leader, and is fantastic at advising players where to position.

Will make a great coach one day as well I think.

Notice how since he found his stellar form again this year, all the McPointy references on here have died away?

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Teams like Richmond are playing inspired footy simply because they want to. They love to win, they know they can win, and so they’re going out there every week and doing it. They’ve all bought in to a club-wide winning mentality and as you can see from the results I’ve said above, forgive me for not believing we have that yet.

A club-wide winning mentality that's about 18 months old.

Bookmark it. Richmond's mental demons are still lurking. They can't not be.