The Sydney Swans reserves took on the Brisbane Lions reserves in the first round of the 2014 NEAFL competition and it was somewhat of a unique experience playing on the Gabba and playing in a ‘curtain closer’ after the seniors.
Our players took advantage of the rare opportunity to watch a quarter of live footy that wasn’t the Swans, which on this occasion was the Brisbane Lions round two match against Geelong. From a development perspective, this opportunity to watch some very good players live was a great learning experience and education tool for our players.
It was also a valuable tool for our coaches when we were delivering our message to the players before the game. We were able to use examples of hard running, strong tackling and how both teams were coping in what were very wet conditions, all from what we had witnessed. One of the most important messages about playing in very wet conditions was to get the basics right, not over using the footy and to not take risks.
There was no doubt the experience really benefitted our boys because the team took the messages on board right from the opening bounce. Our midfield didn’t over handball the ball when they were clear and they moved the ball forward. The defenders took no risks and if the Lions kicked a high ball in, they spoilt it over the boundary line. When the defenders won the ball they ran in numbers combining with the midfield to get the ball quickly to the forwards, which was great to see.
In saying that, things didn’t always go to plan. The forwards didn’t always take advantage of the high number of inside 50’s with our conversion rate low. This can sometimes deflate the team but the boys showed good character to continue to propel the ball forward and defend as a team.
At half time we had managed to keep the Lions goalless only allowing two behinds while we kicked 5.10.
In the third quarter both teams certainly managed to kick a lot straighter. The Lions worked hard to kick four goals while our forwards found their range kicking three straight goals. They managed to outscore us in the third, which was most likely a combination of a more aggressive Lions side as well as us over possessing the ball at times.
After a reminder to stick to the game plan and go back to basics, the boys responded in the last quarter. Both teams were inaccurate in front of goal, with the Lions kicking nine behinds, while we were a little more accurate kicking four goals and seven behinds to record a good win.
Both teams will no doubt be having an extra goal kicking session this week, but we were pleased with the intensity and defensive aspects of our game.
It was certainly a good to start the season.
Player Focus:
Each week, the Sydney Swans development coaches, Josh Francou, Jared Crouch and Nick Davis will highlight the performances of some of the Swans’ NEAFL players.
These players are those who contributed well on game day, made improvements or played a significant role for the Swans.
Swans Reserves Player of the Week – Matthew Dick
Sunday’s game was one of Matt’s better games for the club. It started with his defensive acts, which gave him the confidence to get more involved in moving the ball.
He looked strong in the contest and provided run and carry from the defensive half of the ground, which allowed him to link up and help set up some inside 50s.
The round one match has now become a benchmark game for Matt, and his challenge now is to keep building on this for the game against UWS this Sunday.
Key stats: 16 kicks, 8 handballs, 13 marks, 6 spoils.
Dan Robinson
Sunday’s game was a terrific game on-ball by Dan. He was able to find plenty of the footy and notched up a game-high 38 possessions. His stoppage work was also good, extracting a number of clearances to our advantage and his pressure around the contest was terrific.
Key stats: 19 kicks, 19 handballs, 10 marks, 2 tackles
Jake Lloyd
Jake had a great game against the Lions. His stoppage work was good and so was his spread. He managed to find plenty of the ball and on most occasions used it to the teams advantage.
Key stats: 26 kicks, 11 handballs, 8 marks, 1 goal, 3 tackles
Jeremy Laidler
It was a really solid game from Laids. He found plenty of the ball across the half-back line and used it well by foot going forward. He read the ball well and was able to intercept on a number of occasions, and also provided voice and direction to the younger defenders.
Key stats: 28 kicks, 6 handballs, 7 marks, 3 tackles
Aliir Aliir
It was great to see one of our draftees have a good game first up against the Lions with his tackling and spoiling a feature. Aliir also read the play well and was able to intercept on a number of occasions.
Key stats: 10 kicks, 4 marks 6 tackles.
