Doing It Too Comfortably

Round 12
Sydney 14.18.102 def St Kilda 9.13.67

Round 13
Sydney 17.12.114 def Melbourne 11.8.74

For the last two games I have been impressed with my team's performances. Although I have a slight fear that it has been just a bit too easily. Even though both teams challenged at some stage during each game the Swans were comfortable throughout.

I am slightly worried because playing comfortably won't be enough against the likes of Colingwood, Hawthorn, Adelaide and Geelong. All teams that we have to play in the second half of the season on the run to the finals.

Collingwood and Adelaide are considered "bogey sides" for us as well, so it will take an extra special effort to overcome the opposition in those games.

Although all my worrying could end up to be ill founded and the Swans could rise to the challenge and come into the finals full of momentum.

We Stole That

Sydney Swans 12.11 (83) def West Coast Eagles 11.12 (78)

Ten goals to three in the second half, but I still think we stole it from a team that played so intensely in the first half. The intensity may have cost the Eagles as it is near impossible to maintain the pressure for a full game. Sydney, as they did little in the first half had the legs to finish the game on a high.

A few comments:

• The Goodes report - didn't look as malicious as most this season, but the head has become untouchable. Not sure whether he will get rubbed out, I suspect not.
• The Staker goal - did appear that the ball was over the line when he kicked it, but the goal ump was right there
• The Bolton goal - I suspect the Perth media will jump on this as a wrong decision. One umpire said he ducked but then he was taken to ground. Something had to be paid, either for holding or incorrect disposal.
• Daniel Kerr - played like the class midfielder that he should be, instead of the 3rd string ball winner, definitely BOG for me.
• Adam Hunter's kicking - much like his hairstyle, it left a lot to be desired. Some misses came at crucial times when momentum was in the balance. All were fairly easy chances.
  

The Last Two Weeks

Saturday 24th May
Sydney 16.9.105 Def Port Adelaide 14.10.94

Just when I thought we had run out of legs we find another gear in what was the first really exciting game I have seen for the Swans this year. So exciting that when Jarred Moore kicked the goal to bring us level again I literally jumped from my chair. The injury of Power sharpshooter, Brent Ebert, late in the game probably helped as they lacked their best performer up forward when it mattered. Somehow we were able to make some breaks from the half back line and use the ball wisely when faced with a vacant forward line. Plus a clever banana from Tim Schmidt and smart roving by Jarred McVeigh and it was game over. Disappointing to see Port Adelaide fans leaving before the game had finished. Surely the traffic isn't that bad in Adelaide.

Sunday 1st June
Sydney 21.13.139 Def Richmond 8.9.57

Watched the entire first half and that was enough to know the result. Words like rout and clinic came to mind as Goodes ran rings around opponents with consummate ease. Jolly and Everitt worked in tandem in the ruck and were able to palm to advantage to easily. Richmond's disposal was sloppy and often led to turn overs. I was impressed with the tackling of Martin Mattner as well as his left foot. Henry Playfair is showing some promise up forward, although I'm not sure where he fits when Barry Hall returns in a few weeks. I think Playfair has done enough to stay in the team. But then who to omit?

So we have the best percentage in the competition yet we are in 5th place on the ladder. Even without the draw against the Kangaroos we would only be 4th. Three very winnable games before meeting Collingwood. Have to win all three if we are to solidify a position in the top four and gather momentum into the Collingwood game. Should be a cracker.