Game Day Swans vs Hawks

[SBD Gonzalez]

Are people gathering somewhere before the game for a drink?

Sorry, I'll be gathering in my living room.

 

[The Gong]

Sorry, I'll be gathering in my living room.

I considered driving the family up from Wollongong but traffic will be a nightmare and its cold and my living room is so, so warm and I don't want to miss the Bruce and Hamish show.

 

[Punts]

Sinclair needs to pull his finger out tonight and at least compete agaisnt Mcevoy and ceglar

 

[Troystenvic]

At work trying to concentrate. Just want the game to start, hate the week of playing the sniping arrogant scum.

How can we have gone nearly 2 pages without a weather update!

What's the weather like?

 

[bungwahl]

At work trying to concentrate. Just want the game to start, hate the week of playing the sniping arrogant scum.

How can we have gone nearly 2 pages without a weather update!

What's the weather like?

Clear, sunny, moderate breeze.

 

[miggs]

Mcglynn touches Yer

Will double sinclairs tally then

 

[miggs]

Sinclair needs to pull his finger out tonight and at least compete agaisnt Mcevoy and ceglar

We will have a few more members of our club soon.

 

[Kennedy Parker]

If someone could (legally) put Sam Mitchell on his arse tonight, that would be cool.

 

[Mick Oxlong]

Bloods by 44...stroll in the park with Buddy on fire with 8!

 

[The Gong]

Bloods by 44...stroll in the park with Buddy on fire with 8!

Wouldn't that be awesome if Buddy, just for one game, completely tore them a new one. The tears would be delicious. Make it so.

 

[momentbymoment]

Hopefully it's a ripper game! I worry about the fact Hawthorn haven't played on the SCG in a number of years, but I still think it's going to be a close one
.

If only this same logic was applied to the Granny ...

 

[Nteshy]

Clear, sunny, moderate breeze.

Missed the bit where you say it's bloody ice cold and is only going to get colder at night - thermals cold.

Rug up if going to the game and leave work early because traffic is fun.

Can't wait.

 

[bungwahl]

Missed the bit where you say it's bloody ice cold and is only going to get colder at night - thermals cold.

Rug up if going to the game and leave work early because traffic is fun.

Can't wait.

Beer coat son, beer coat.

 

[Syphoncom]

Hey guys, did a quick write-up on the game. I've been writing a few things, but not previews so it could be a bit rusty! As quick as it was, hopefully no errors and you boys don't mind something in your gameday thread as I didn't want to post a new one. Thanks fellas. And as an ex-Sydney bloke, go Swannies!

-------------------------


The Overture

Despite relegation to a Thursday night, the Sydney Swans taking on Hawthorn tonight may well be a taste of what’s to come, foreshadowing September action. As the home and away season reaches a close, contests amongst top eight teams are often billed as ‘8 point games’. But for both teams, rarely is a game as important as this one.

Sitting first and second on the AFL ladder, one might consider it merely a battle for top spot. Bragging rights. However rarely, if ever, has a top 8 been so close at this stage of the year. Routinely three or four wins separate the top 8. This year however, that’s not the case. If Sydney are to triumph, they will take first position via percentage, yet after 17 rounds, may still sit only one game ahead of 8th.

What both sides do have in their favour, is a comfortable draw to end their home and away season. Sydney play Carlton (home), Fremantle (away), Port Adelaide (home), St Kilda (away), North Melbourne (away – Tasmania), and Richmond (home) to round out the season. Five of the six sides sit well outside the top 8, the only other contender being a rapidly deteriorating North side, themselves with only two wins against top eight sides. Five wins would seem assured, six the internal expectation.

Hawthorn similarly face easier opponents; Richmond, Carlton, Melbourne, North Melbourne, West Coast (away), and Collingwood. With a trip out west in round 22 and a lower percentage that close rivals, perhaps the Hawks have a bit more riding on tonight’s game. Either way, a close contest will signal to the rest of the competition, these are the two teams to beat in 2016.

With both sides dominating for so long, execution of game-plan is not a concern. Tonight, it will come down to individual players, and how well they perform under pressure.

The Midfield

Both teams boast serious ammunition in their midfields. Despite a final margin of 14 points, seven Swans managed a ton in Supercoach points. Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy all managed the mark and remain in outstanding form. So dominant in fact, all three average higher than Hawthorn’s best, Sam Mitchell. Statistics may say one thing, but Hawthorn will still rely on Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, and Jordan Lewis, hoping quality may say another. With players of that ilk, Hawthorn can’t be counted out, ensuring the midfield battle will be one to watch.

One difference from their earlier clash this season, Kurt Tippett remains sidelined from a hamstring injury. Damaging in hit-outs and ground work in their previous match, his loss will be felt. First use may be harder to come by for the Swans, but they are a team that thrives on contested possession. They are second in the competition for the toughest statistic, and will force Hawthorn to be at their best. Somewhat ironically, a team known for its toughness, Hawthorn are ranked dead last in contested possession this season. Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson didn’t seem to care, declaring they “don’t give a toss about that”. Whatever happens, with the quality of both sides, it seems whoever gets their hands on the ball more should be in a commanding position.



The Forwards

Since Lance Franklin’s move from Hawthorn to the Swans, his match-up against former team-mate and close friend Josh Gibson has always provided a spectacle. Kept to almost a goal under his career average against the Hawks, Buddy will be hoping to break free and kick straight against his former side. Whilst Clarkson believes stopping Sydney’s scoring starts with stopping their midfield, the pressure is still on Gibson as the last man in defense.

For Hawthorn, the big question is how excited will Bruce be tonight? It’s no secret he has a penchant for a particular small forward, and Hawks fans will be hoping to hear him calling Cyril throughout the night. Whilst Rioli hasn’t been a prolific scorer against the Red and White, he averages the most goal assists against them over any other club. The Swans coach acknowledged his potential during the week, “he’s an absolute star”, Longmire said. With Nick Smith often the go-to man for small forwards, the question for Longmire and the Swans will be, can Smith shut down the maestro?



The Odds

As of writing, Sydney remains the short priced favourite for tonight.

Despite being the middle of winter, tonight the recent spate of cold weather should abate; at kick-off the temperature will sit at 15 degrees. Without extreme gusts, the atmosphere should allow for what should be another great contest.





Last time they met:

My Tip: Swans by 13 points View attachment 265978

 

[Ticky009]

I'm very Millky95 on this one. Expecting a loss by 25.
Boys were primed last week for a big one, and we're usually shite after those type of games. The Hawks will use tonight to try and get into the heads of of our young fellas, and bank that for finals.
Hope I'm wrong.

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Hey guys, did a quick write-up on the game. I've been writing a few things, but not previews so it could be a bit rusty! As quick as it was, hopefully no errors and you boys don't mind something in your gameday thread as I didn't want to post a new one. Thanks fellas. And as an ex-Sydney bloke, go Swannies!

-------------------------


The Overture

Despite relegation to a Thursday night, the Sydney Swans taking on Hawthorn tonight may well be a taste of what’s to come, foreshadowing September action. As the home and away season reaches a close, contests amongst top eight teams are often billed as ‘8 point games’. But for both teams, rarely is a game as important as this one.

Sitting first and second on the AFL ladder, one might consider it merely a battle for top spot. Bragging rights. However rarely, if ever, has a top 8 been so close at this stage of the year. Routinely three or four wins separate the top 8. This year however, that’s not the case. If Sydney are to triumph, they will take first position via percentage, yet after 17 rounds, may still sit only one game ahead of 8th.

What both sides do have in their favour, is a comfortable draw to end their home and away season. Sydney play Carlton (home), Fremantle (away), Port Adelaide (home), St Kilda (away), North Melbourne (away – Tasmania), and Richmond (home) to round out the season. Five of the six sides sit well outside the top 8, the only other contender being a rapidly deteriorating North side, themselves with only two wins against top eight sides. Five wins would seem assured, six the internal expectation.

Hawthorn similarly face easier opponents; Richmond, Carlton, Melbourne, North Melbourne, West Coast (away), and Collingwood. With a trip out west in round 22 and a lower percentage that close rivals, perhaps the Hawks have a bit more riding on tonight’s game. Either way, a close contest will signal to the rest of the competition, these are the two teams to beat in 2016.

With both sides dominating for so long, execution of game-plan is not a concern. Tonight, it will come down to individual players, and how well they perform under pressure.

The Midfield

Both teams boast serious ammunition in their midfields. Despite a final margin of 14 points, seven Swans managed a ton in Supercoach points. Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy all managed the mark and remain in outstanding form. So dominant in fact, all three average higher than Hawthorn’s best, Sam Mitchell. Statistics may say one thing, but Hawthorn will still rely on Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, and Jordan Lewis, hoping quality may say another. With players of that ilk, Hawthorn can’t be counted out, ensuring the midfield battle will be one to watch.

One difference from their earlier clash this season, Kurt Tippett remains sidelined from a hamstring injury. Damaging in hit-outs and ground work in their previous match, his loss will be felt. First use may be harder to come by for the Swans, but they are a team that thrives on contested possession. They are second in the competition for the toughest statistic, and will force Hawthorn to be at their best. Somewhat ironically, a team known for its toughness, Hawthorn are ranked dead last in contested possession this season. Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson didn’t seem to care, declaring they “don’t give a toss about that”. Whatever happens, with the quality of both sides, it seems whoever gets their hands on the ball more should be in a commanding position.



The Forwards

Since Lance Franklin’s move from Hawthorn to the Swans, his match-up against former team-mate and close friend Josh Gibson has always provided a spectacle. Kept to almost a goal under his career average against the Hawks, Buddy will be hoping to break free and kick straight against his former side. Whilst Clarkson believes stopping Sydney’s scoring starts with stopping their midfield, the pressure is still on Gibson as the last man in defense.

For Hawthorn, the big question is how excited will Bruce be tonight? It’s no secret he has a penchant for a particular small forward, and Hawks fans will be hoping to hear him calling Cyril throughout the night. Whilst Rioli hasn’t been a prolific scorer against the Red and White, he averages the most goal assists against them over any other club. The Swans coach acknowledged his potential during the week, “he’s an absolute star”, Longmire said. With Nick Smith often the go-to man for small forwards, the question for Longmire and the Swans will be, can Smith shut down the maestro?



The Odds

As of writing, Sydney remains the short priced favourite for tonight.

Despite being the middle of winter, tonight the recent spate of cold weather should abate; at kick-off the temperature will sit at 15 degrees. Without extreme gusts, the atmosphere should allow for what should be another great contest.





Last time they met:

My Tip: Swans by 13 points View attachment 265978

Great stuff. Thanks!

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Fk the AFL its a work night. I have Basketball right in the middle. Don't they know the world revolves around me. We have just over half the teams as say the NFL, we don't need to be stretching games over 4-5 days like they do.

I can feel a "sickie" coming on for basketball!

 

[brad cooper]

If we play like we did against cats we will win. Mods i promise not to post anything about Sam Mitchell tonight.

 

[scaryness]

Swans to win by 80 points.

nah more like 20. Would be nice though....

 

[scaryness]

Just looked at the teams and saw that Sinclair is still named.

Is that a typo? Or did they just forget to move his magnet on the team whiteboard?

 

[LukeParkerno1]

If we play like we did against cats we will win. Mods i promise not to post anything about Sam Mitchell tonight.

Hahahaha never promise that lol

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Just looked at the teams and saw that Sinclair is still named.

Is that a typo? Or did they just forget to move his magnet on the team whiteboard?

He's better than playing two rookie rucks against a very strong side.

 

[scaryness]

He's better than playing two rookie rucks against a very strong side.

Last week was against a supposed very good side as well and he spent over 40% of the game on the bench.

 

[Dangas]

I have to work tonight so annoyed...maybe I should call and obvious sickie.

 

[PVF]

My body is ready.