What contrasting in-game conditions our reserves team have had in their last two matches. Our last game called for long-sleeve jumpers and hot drinks at half-time as the temperature hit a high of about six degrees in Canberra compared to the need for sunscreen, ice vests and plenty of cool water to drink up in the top end of Darwin as the temperature hit a lovely 30 degrees during the day and was in the mid-20s for the game.
That in itself provides lots of challengers for a young group, let alone coming up against a very good side who were looking to square the ledger after our win here in Sydney against them a couple of months ago.
I also realised on the long flight up to Darwin when I was chatting to a few of the first-year players and Academy players that so few of them had played a game starting at 7:00pm local time. With this comes the learning of preparing for a night game and how to keep your body charged and ready to go that late in the day as well as what to avoid doing and what is best to do in the lead up. I was lucky to have some experienced players in the side, so over dinner that night as a team we were all able to share what we do, or in my case did, to prepare for a night game.
From the start of the game it looked as though the chat around the dinner table had worked. I thought we started well defensively but just lacked that finishing from a young forward line. It wouldn’t have been a great spectacle for the couple of hundred fans that had come to watch the game; including some foreign military personnel probably experiencing a game of Australian Rules for the first time as neither side kicked a goal in the first quarter.
The second quarter started the same as the first. We were strong defensively but only kicked behinds and later in the quarter a couple of basic mistakes allowed the NT to gain some momentum kicking three quick goals to take a lead into half time.
It wasn’t until the third quarter we managed to kick our first goal but the NT countered by kicking a couple more of their own. The local crowd had also found their voice, which helped inspire their team and making sure that everything on the field was going their way.
In the last we found the finish that had eluded us all night and won the quarter kicking six goals to put some respectability into the score line. While the boys didn’t play their best football for the year, there was plenty for them to learn and hopefully to take onto the field this Friday afternoon when we take on the Brisbane Lions reserves at the SCG.
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
As our most consistent player for the year, Biggsy again had an influential game amassing 42 disposals. He played an important role in our ball movement on the half-back line, rebounding strongly and setting up many forward thrusts. He did spend some time on ball this week and was able to sneak forward and kick a goal.
Key Stats: 28 kicks, 14 handballs, five marks, one goal, five intercepts
George Hewett
Playing on-ball and spending some time on the wing this week, George had a solid game. He worked strongly around the ball laying 10 tackles and won some important clearances. Playing in a new role on the wing, it took him a little time to adjust but he will be better for the experience.
Key Stats: Eight kicks, 12 handballs, two marks, 10 tackles
Ryan O’Keefe
It was another solid performance from Pebbles. He was able to find the ball this week with 35 disposals and also managed to be involved in four shots on goal, kicking two goals and two behinds. Although his tackling numbers were down this week, he was able to do some good work in congestion to feed our runners.
Key stats: 24 kicks, 11 handballs, three marks, two goals
Jordan Lockyer
Jordan has been playing consistent footy in recent weeks. His ability to read the play and intercept mark has been a standout feature of his game. His tackling has also been good with another four this week.
Key Stats: 11 kicks, 12 handballs, 10 marks, three intercepts
Matthew Dick
It was an okay game from Matthew this week. He was able to help with our ball movement from our back half and provided some good run from defence. He did fumble the ball at times in the slippery conditions but did have an influence on the game.
Key stats: 10 kicks, 13 handballs, four marks, three intercepts
