tap in 79 wrote:
Swans cross field play is a cut above most teams. From the half back line they look to move it from the left flank to midfield, and then to the right inner wing (usually not too wide on the wing).
As in they go to the fat side before they attack the forward 50 metre arc. If you can cut off their kick into the midfield area (where their play opens up) you have some show...make them go down the line to a contest. Carlton did reasonably well with this same field play a few times vs Tigers.
If Carlton has the intensity of the 1st quarter they can put some pressure on them at least. With intensity you can force mistakes. Intensity is the only option. Swarming tackles..no easy supply into their forward line.
Collingwood wouldn't man up their opposition when without the ball, Swans would. That was the main difference.
Sounds easy!
They have the best overall midfield run in the comp, I reckon and it's getting better and younger with the kids from last year's academy.
Longmire must have thought it was Christmas when they appointed him.
We let them get out the back in the NAB. If we can stop that it will show me we have at least learned something and that Bolts is a thinker. If they just do it again I will be disappointed.
They will finish top six if not top four. Any team with Franklin in it is always a chance.
SCG 155m x 136m,
Etihad 159m x 128m
Not much difference. The Swans game should work equally. If you use the corridor, which they do, the lack of wings doesn't matter except that the defensive zone is a little denser.
Changes?
I was disappointed in Buckley's game but they gave him a big plus on the radio for his defensive work. (Dermie and Bolts interview). Maybe he'll get another week. Personally I'd let Thomas have a week in the twos as a punishment for stupidity and see if Buckley plays better.
White out? I thought he did reasonably last week and Sydney is tall up front. Maybe they will leave him in. If Byrne is going to get a run it should be interesting to see who goes.
Everitt will play. He had a couple of clangers last week but is a proven goalkicker in a team bereft of goalkickers.
Phillips may be at risk even though he payed OK last week. Our rucks were beaten on the day by whom? Richmond's second and third stringers. We know Casboult can hold his own as a relief ruckman and maybe Bolts will opt for Gorringe as a tall forward/ruck.
IMO it is unlikely we will see wholesale changes. Bolts is a teacher, team-oriented and a people person and I can't see him knee jerking after what was a pretty reasonable team showing last week. Lots of players get the yips in the first run of the year. If he wants to reward Byrne for a great attitude and game in the twos, maybe for White.
I am hoping for a 4 quarter effort. A win would be an unexpected bonus.