They say a week is a long time in football and after drawing the bye last week it did feel like an eternity since the boys last played. We made the most of our weekend off and last Saturday’s training, which was an upbeat and intense session. That intensity flowed through to training during the week and there was no doubt the boys were ready and raring to go for Friday afternoon’s match against UWS.
It’s always exciting to play the curtain raiser as we get to play in front of all the great Swans fans that get to the ground early to cheer us on. With both sides consisting mainly of listed players, we knew we were in for a good contest. UWS had beaten us earlier in the season, so the boys were looking forward to making amends in Friday’s match.
From the first bounce, our boys got the jump and I was very pleased with most of our pressure. While our pressure on the ball was very good, in the first term we were unable to translate that onto the scoreboard, with us managing just 1.4 to UWS’s 3.1.
At quarter time we chose to make a couple of structural changes and reinforced a couple of areas, and also spoke about lifting our pressure. One of the most pleasing things, not only in this instance, but for the whole season, is how coachable the boys are. They took in the changes and advice and were able to translate that onto the field for the rest of the match.
What we saw in the next three quarters was outstanding discipline from everyone. They adjusted to the structural changes and they brought the pressure and kept this intensity up for the remainder of the match. It allowed us to kick 13.12 to UWS’s 0.6, which saw us keep them goalless for the second half.
Hard work and disciplined play allowed the boys to enjoy a good win. It truly was one of those days when the coaches could have easily written all played well on the stats sheet because it was a good team effort with an even contribution across the board.
This week sees a whole new challenge. The rules dictate that we can only play 18 listed Swans players against Eastlake, so there are going to be some very disappointed boys not being allowed a game this week. What it does mean is that those boys lucky enough to be selected have a responsibility to their mates to bring their best and those not selected to accept the decision and to train hard and look forward to the next opportunity they have to represent this club.
The boys are excited about our first game of the year in Canberra at Manuka Oval this Saturday. It is an early start at 12 o'clock, so don't be late. We always get great support from the Swans’ fans in Canberra and we encourage you all to come along and say hello to the boys. We look forward to seeing you all down there.
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 – Gary Rohan
Having played down back for the last few weeks in the reserves, Gary had a very good game defending and rebounding strongly. With five spoils and two intercepts, he was able to read the play well and impact physically. He collected 18 disposals and looked dangerous running out of defence with speed. His fitness is getting better each week and we are excited about what he will bring in the coming weeks.
Key stats: 18 possessions, five spoils, two intercepts
Matthew Dick
It was a strong performance from Matthew this week. His defending has been good so far this season in the NEAFL and he was good again Friday afternoon against UWS. Matthew was able to provide run from the back half and his ball use was good. Another feature of his game has been his instructional voice with the back six in setting up structures.
Key stats: 29 possessions, six marks
Shane Biggs
It was another solid performance from Shane this week. As usual he found plenty of the ball and used it well by foot, which set up many rebounds from the back half. He also defended well and used his voice to help set up team structures.
Key stats: 28 possessions, five tackles, two intercepts
Toby Nankervis
The key focus area for Toby over recent weeks has been his follow up work and this was good on Friday night. He was the most dominant ruckman on the ground with an impressive 39 hit-outs and setting up our mids to give them first look at the ball. Toby’s challenge is to build on this in the coming weeks.
Key stats: 18 possessions, 39 hit-outs, five clearances, one goal
Dean Towers
Dean has had an interesting and somewhat interrupted start to the season. Named emergency in the seniors for most of the opening rounds, Dean was able to maintain his focus on the job at hand on Friday afternoon and impact the game well in the first three quarters. He was able to use his biggest asset, his leg speed, to present as a marking option and impact the contest with pressure.
Key stats: 16 possessions 8 marks 2 goals
Ryan O’Keefe
Pebbles was a solid contributor against UWS. He worked hard inside and found plenty of the ball. The most pleasing aspect to his games in the reserves has been his instructional voice as well as the communication and care he has shown to the younger guys since playing in the NEAFL side. His feedback has been invaluable and he’s been a strong contributor on game day.
Key stats: 32 disposals, seven clearances
