Swans like 2012 / 2014 / 2016
It was a performance like the flag year of 2012 or grand final making 2014, 2016 seasons, Sydney were irresistible against the Eagles. And down by three men due to injuries, the Swannies ignored the handicap and played their best football of a couple years. Coach John Longmire thought as much when we asked him whether or not it was the best win of season 2019. It was a classic blend of experience and youth with regards to who did what. Tom Papley had a standout game and represents the Swans forward future. He was ably backed up by Lance Franklin and didn’t the home crowd love it. A magnificent turnout of 36,000 were in attendance and it would be hard to argue against that one of the main reasons why so many people turned up, was to see the game’s most exhilarating forward strut his stuff. The roar of the crowd is something to behold when Lance either pivots, balks and kicks a goal. His after the siren goal in the final term was roared with appreciation. At the back Lewis Melican continued his excellent progress as the replacement full-back for Heath Grundy. Was super impressed with North Melbourne recruit Ryan Clarke. The 21 year old, made 7 tackles and picked up 21 disposals. Ryan played a shifting defensive / midfield role and was extremely effective. Daniel Menzel played a handy role up forward as well. He is obviously lacking in match fitness, but the hard run and the break would be an ideal catch up for Menzel. If the Swans are going to make a late surge for the final 8, he could play a massive part with his ability to snag a bagful of goals. Jordan Dawson, Tom McCartin and Nick Blakey all youngsters did their bit in an impressive manner. I’ve been pretty skeptical about the possibility of John Longmire being able to turn around this team into a potent team that won flags in the past. What we observed in this victory is a vision of the future and it’s looking pretty bright if that effort can be repeated and built upon.
Tom Papley played a pulsating game with 5 superb goals. Photo: Jodie Newell
James Rose a true Swans battler
I have a lot of admiration for James Rose. Jim has been with the Sydney Swans football club since 2015 and has only played 10 games. He’s spent much of those years in the NEAFL honing his craft. He played his first game of the 2019 season against the Eagles and relished the opportunity to play senior footy. He kicked a very handy goal in the first term which was taken a long way out and bounced through the big sticks at the Paddo end of the SCG. After speaking with James post-game, I got the sense he was all -in with the team and a realist. His team-mates ribbed him, whilst I was interviewing yelling out “media mate media!”. He made mention of how he’d spoken with assistant coach John Blakey about his game and it’s short comings, particularly with his defensive skills,but it’s obvious he’s worked very hard to get back into the seniors. Anyhow have a listen to our chat with James Rose, he’s a great Sydney Swans clubman.
Happy to be in the team James Rose in the Swans race. Photo: Jodie Newell
Adam Simpson blues
Dunno, but I thought Adam Simpson was in a uncharacteristic, snarky mood post-game. Normally he’s pretty reasonable after a tough loss, and sure he’s not there to be friendly, but Adam wasn’t in a good mood from the get go. He chipped at the journos who were clamoring to place their phones or recorders on the table as “A Sell-out” meaning the small amount of folks in attendance. He’s not the only one to make the same observation. Mark Thompson former coach of the Essendon football club would always make note of similar situations regarding the Sydney footy media. Maybe Adam was looking forward to the bye and couldnt wait to get out of Sydney. Post-flag annoyance? who knows?..Just saying.. that’s what I observed, that’s what I picked up on.
“A sell out?”. Photo: Jodie Newell
The Bye break..Good stuff from the Giants in Tassie
Was good to get a break from footy, that didn’t stop us checking out the Giants. It was an outstanding effort. North Melbourne were super competitive and the game could have gone either way, however the Giants prevailed. The key about the Giants season thus far is they have the ability to make adjustments that have an impact on the course of the game. Harry Himmelberg made a silly error when the Giants had a shot on goal, instead pushed his opponent in the stomach in the goal square and the ball was given to North who took the ball downfield and scored a goal. The act would have infuriated coach Leon Cameron. To Himmelberg’s credit he nutted down focused on his footy and contributed to the victory. It’s these type of games that good clubs win. On the road against credible opposition who throw the kitchen sink at you, yet the challenge is met and the four premiership points are brought home to Giants Stadium. Josh Kelly was superb, as was Tim Taranto playing his 50th game with 10 tackles, 30 disposals and a goal. Brett Daniels continues to grow as a roving forward. It’s a remarkable achievement from Daniels considering he’s only played 20 games. It will be intriguing to see how he goes in the furnace of finals football if the Giants make it, and he remains able to play.
GWS Giants forward Harry Himmelberg Photo: Jodie Newell
