Newell’s Notes Round 15 Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns 2019

Sydney Swans are the more consistent New South Wales based AFL side

I’d never thought I’d be saying this but the Sydney Swans are currently the better NSW based AFL team. Reason? the word consistency comes to mind. Sydney, as coach John Longmire has stated at several post-game press conferences, his team has been playing consistent footy and have had a dogged ability to adjust to a loss of key personnel during a game. Poor Callum Sinclair, who last week heavily slammed into the SCG turf, was back in the wars, injuring his shoulder in the first seconds of the game on Saturday. He tried to to fix it, but to no avail and the Swans had to cover in the ruck. Aliir Aliir did a pretty decent job covering for Cal, he was competitive and didn’t allow Jarrod Witts to much room to move despite the hit out count in favour of Witts. The past 3 weeks for the Swans have seen them return to the winners circle at the SCG. The big scalp was West Coast who were superb over the weekend. As for the Giants, they have had a tough road-trip based June. Throw a bye in, GWS have suffered 2 ordinary losses on the road, firstly in Adelaide then last weeks game against Essendon. Holding a 3 goal lead with minutes remaining, the Giants fell away against the Dons who were without ruckman Tom Bellchambers. It should have been a win for the Giants, but they folded and were unable to “sink the putt”. These games are crucial for ladder positioning come September and the Giants blew a golden opportunity to gain a higher top 4 foothold. Sure they have beaten Geelong and North Melbourne on the road and in two tough contests, but they need to do more before I’m convinced they are capable of taking a step towards being a grand finalist and actually winning the title. The loss against Essendon was damning and raised more questions than answers. So much talent, little return. Sydney have just put their heads down, let their younger players take up responsibilities and have picked up some handy wins. Throw in the conjecture of coach John Longmire possibly leaving the club and their achievements are all the more impressive as they refuse to be distracted by ladder position, coach contracts or lack of experience. It’s a very real possibility the Giants could lose several games in the coming weeks. Firstly they play Brisbane at home, then Richmond at the MCG, Collingwood at home, then Port Adelaide away, then the Swans at home for the derby. I’ll gladly eat my #MAGA cap if the Giants were to win all five games, but based on their current form I doubt it. I just hope I keep my hat!

Darcy MacPherson (middle) of the Gold Coast Suns. Photo: Jodie Newell

Darcy Macpherson continues to shine for Suns

Really like the football of Darcy MacPherson. He’s a real positive for the Suns heading forward. He attacks the ball with a great deal of measured aggression, has the ability to kick goals and has a strong presence around the contest. He was easily the Suns best on ground for mine against the Swans. Darcy picked up 21 disposals, kicked two goals and made 4 tackles. When things got a little heated between the sides, Darcy was right amongst the push and shove and made a stand for his team. I like his work ethic and he always seems to pose a threat whenever the ball is close. Gold Coast desperately need a player of his type to lift them out of a pretty ordinary hole they are currently in.