As development coaches we are always looking to test and challenge our players. We need to find out if they are physically, skillfully and mentally ready to play senior AFL football. While we can constantly test our players’ physical ability and skills at training, what happened this weekend was a test of our team’s mental strength.
After playing two matches away from home, we were finally scheduled to play at the SCG, which was something the players were really looking forward to. For many of our players, this week was set to be the first chance for them to run out onto the SCG in the Swans jumper. After assuring the players in our final team meeting on Saturday morning that we would definitely be playing on the SCG, the players were then free for the afternoon to relax and prepare for Sunday’s game.
Unfortunately, Sydney’s poor weather saw that plan change. We received the dreaded phone calls and text messages to inform us that because of the rain, our match had been moved out to Blacktown, and not even to the main over, but to the outside oval. Apparently they still play cricket in April in Blacktown!
It wasn’t that we had to drive out to Blacktown that was disappointing; it was the missed opportunity of not getting to play on one of the world’s greatest sporting grounds and not being able to have a big Swans crowd there to cheer us on.
While it was disappointing to have the game moved, it was an opportunity for us coaches to really see which players were going to be mentally strong enough to deal with the situation. Arriving at the ground at 7:15am on Sunday morning I was pleasantly surprised to see a group of players with a real bounce in their step. There were no heads cast down, no moping around and the group was prepared to play footy.
After the preparations were done, we headed out onto the field to take on the Queanbeyan Tigers in very windy conditions. Right from the first bounce you could see that we were switched on, clean in the midfield, the defenders spoiling everything that came there way and the midfielders working in numbers. Our forwards were also on their game and it only took them one or two kicks to adjust to the conditions and put the score on the board. The boys played well and we had a good win and we as coaches were pleased more of the attitude and mental application of the boys than the result itself.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Queanbeyan Tigers for the match. While the relocation of the game was certainly not the fault of any of us: just as it is disappointing for our players not to play on the SCG, I am sure they would have shared that disappointment, but I certainly didn’t hear any complaints from them.
I have my fingers and toes and anything else I can cross crossed that the rains stay away, and that our young boys finally get the chance to run onto the SCG in the Swans jumper and take on the Gold Coast Suns Reserves this Saturday.
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.
NEAFL Player of the Week – Shane Biggs
Shane’s form has been building after a limited pre-season. Having played predominantly down back with some time spent on the wing, Biggsy provided plenty of run and carry from the back half and linked up with the midfielders to set up a number of scoring opportunities.
Key Stats: 31 disposals, three tackles, four spoils
Craig Bird
It was a dominant, but not unexpected, performance from Birdy, who amassed 24 kicks and 22 handballs. He was in everything from start to finish. He also took some strong marks, had numerous clearances to advantage and used the ball well.
Key Stats: 46 disposals, nine marks, four tackles
Harrison Marsh
It was an improved performance from Marshy this week playing mainly on ball. He was able to impact the game with his physical presence at stoppages and was able to get some outside ball with better spread this week. He will be looking to build on this in the coming weeks.
Key Stats: 27 disposals, five blocks and two goals
Zak Jones
Having played down back for the last two games, Zak had an influential game – particularly in the first half where he was able to affect five spoils and two intercepts. It was also pleasing to see a more consistent output to his defensive cover throughout the game.
Key Stats: 16 disposals, three marks, three tackles, and six spoils
Tim Membrey
It was a terrific game from Members kicking eight goals. He provided a consistent target up forward for our midfielders and defenders to kick to and it was pleasing to see him rewarded for effort. We have seen Members building over the first three rounds and the challenge for him is to build on this in the coming weeks.
Key Stats: 21 disposals, 13 marks, eight goals
