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.

Points To Proove

Interesting to hear the controversy that usually follows the selection of a New South Wales or Queensland State of Origin team. This year is no different with the omissions of Braith Anasta and Scott Prince in their respective teams Five-eighth positions. Some might say that Brett Finch was a bit stiff not to get the halfback spot for NSW.

Those unfortunate not to be selected usually use that as motivation to go into the next game for their club with exceptional vigour. They have a point to prove and it is always interesting to see who is able to successfully make their point and who fails.

I was watching tonights game between Parramatta and Sydney. Parramatta were clear favourites based on the fact that 4 of the Rooster's starting forwards were unavailable due to S of O commitments. Brett Finch should have dominated, disappointingly he didn't. Braith Anasta had a Man of the Match performance to send notice to NSW selectors.

Hall of Fame Tribute Match

What a great game to watch. The best of the best showing what they've got. Some of the passages of play were just magical. Isn't that why we had State of Origin Football in the first place. I'm sure with the excitement surrounding this game that the idea will come up again. Probably to no avail but who really knows.

Every team that was represented seemed to be a winner with no one having a really bad game. Judd was quiet throughout and Kerr got injured early. From a Sydney point of view we had 4 players represented, 2 for each team. I was a bit concerned early as Goodes was very quiet and Bolton took a hit from Brown. Bolton got up straight away and continued and Goodes started to make an impact, especially with being third up in ruck contests.

With no serious injuries coming from the event I think all fans should be happy with their players.

One Spurt the Difference

I know it's a bit late in the week to be doing a review of the game that occurred on Sunday, but hey, only the Hall of Fame game this week.

Pretty simple analysis actually of the Swans v Bulldogs game. Sydney let the Dogs kick 7 goals straight in the 2nd quarter to turn a 15 point lead into a 22 point deficit. Unsurprisingly the margin was 18 points in the end. I wouldn't to give the worst team in the league a 22 point head start yet we let a quality running outfit like the Bulldogs get ahead of us.

Ultimately, 22 points isn't a big lead in the scheme of things, but when you are trying to play catch up footy for one half against a good team it makes your task of winning that much harder.

Sydney came close but the Bulldogs were able to coast home in the end maintaining the buffer they created in the 2nd quarter.

Embarking on Umpiring

This year I had decided not to play footy after having a horror year with quad injuries in which I only managed to play 3 games. It wasn’t until late in the pre season that I decided to attend a training night to become an official club umpire.

The Club Umpire program is a new initiative by the AFL in which each club needs to provide an umpire for certain grades. I like the program as it creates a manageable step for former players and others to have a go at umpiring before taking the leap and joining the umpiring squad.

I have since completed 2 games and have a new understanding and an appreciation for the job of umpiring. It is bloody hard!! So think twice before abusing match officials. Consider how you would like to cop abuse and how you would go making all the decisions. I find myself sticking up for the umpires a lot more now when watching on from the sidelines and dubious calls arise.

Yes I get some decisions wrong, but ultimately I am new to the caper and am trying my best. If everyone were to give this a go I think there would be much more respect for umpires.

Just A Tad Concerned

I am very glad to put the whole Barry Hall incident in the past. But as a result we are lacking a key forward and I felt the lack of forward structure was evident in the game against North Melbourne. Hall's absence means that the opposition's top defender will go on our No. 2 forward, which is at the moment Michael O'Loughlin or rookie Jesse White. Henry Playfair is named in the team to play the Bulldogs which is probably good timing and Peter Everitt's return couldn't be more perfect. He can ad another option up front as well as providing Darren Jolly with much needed assistance. Haven't seen Playfair play so hard to gauge the effect he will have on the forward structure.

Not really disappointed to see Nick Davis given the boot for the game. He hasn't set the world on fire and we definately need players like him firing at the right end of the season. He is a proven match winner.

The Bulldogs are on fire at the moment so while my heart will always say Swans, my head is leaning towards the Doggies.

The Hall KO

Just in case you didn't see it.

Courtesy of Dave's Football Blog

Blowout & Blowup

Well an impressive performance by the Swans over an understrength Eagles outfit. Our stars seem to be warming up nicely with new guys hitting their straps earlier than expected.

Michael O' Loughlin was my BOG showing agility, awareness and most importantly for a key forward, clean hands in contested marks.

The game was really over well before the final siren with the Swans dominating in every contest and outscoring their opponents in every quarter.

Unfortunately a Brain spasm by Barry Hall has marred the night and left a bit of a sour taste in the mouth. In case you weren't watching he clocked opponent Brent Staker square in the chin. Staker was not to be seen for the rest of the night as I think he was sent back to Perth time.

My guess is that he will at least 3-4 weeks. Perhaps the only thing in his favour is the fact that he wasn't facing Staker so it can't be called a "King Hit" where Rugby Leagues players in recent years have received 8 - 12 weeks.

He may be out injured anyway after running into the fence late in the game.

Time will tell, dare i be optimistic?

Looking the Goods

One of the more exciting games I have seen the Swans play was their most recent win against the Brisbane Lions. We led all the way without having a comfortable margin.

Much has been said about our trading of premiership players Schneider and Dempster, but it seems to have had the desired affect as the praise on our rookie players continues to grow.

Craig Bird, Kieran Jack and Ed Barlow have all impressed those commentating the games this year. It has been encouraging as a fan because like most I was left scratching my head at trade time also. Barlow's dodge and weave and bullet pass to Barry Hall's chest was most inspiring.

People are finally taking notice and giving us a bit of respect after being widely tipped to slide to the bottom half of the ladder. Season is still young of course.

I'm looking forward to the challenge of the Eagles, the first game I will be seeing live this season.