It was back onto the SCG for only the third time this year for the Sydney Swans reserves as we took on the Brisbane Lions reserves on Friday afternoon. It was great to be back at home and taking on an evenly matched AFL side. For some players, this meant matching up on players with AFL experience, which gave them the chance to really test themselves.
I thought that we started the game well. Our ruckmen were holding their own against an opponent with AFL experience, and were giving assistance to our mids, who were equally supported by the players on the outside. It allowed us to go forward, and unlike last week, we managed to find the middle of the big sticks early kicking a goal. The defensive groups of both teams were probably on top early in the quarter before the Lions forwards found that little bit of extra space to kick two late goals and go into the first break up by a goal.
The second quarter, while certainly not one of our prettiest, was one of our best for a number of weeks. Our pressure all around the ball was up, keeping the game in our forward half and when we got the opportunity we kicked truly. We kicked six goals for the quarter and restricted the Lions to only one to take a handy lead into the main break.
As happens regularly in the reserves, there was a player only playing half a game, in this case Tom Mitchell, as he came back from injury and he successfully completed that, but a game-ending injury to another meant that we only had two on the bench for the second half. Our challenge was then made greater by another game ending injury in the third quarter.
With our interchange limited, the game certainly became an even bigger battle of the defence as the scoring had dried up, with both teams only managing to kick one goal each for the quarter. The Lions can count themselves unlucky not to have gotten closer in the second half as a combination of our pressure and some missed set shots meant that they kicked six behinds in the third to go along with their one goal and another five behinds in the last quarter, while we managed to kick the only goal of the last quarter. While both teams had brought good pressure on the ball for most of the night our ability to apply scoreboard pressure was pleasing as it had been something missing from our game.
This week sees us take on another AFL side in the Gold Coast Suns reserves where we are looking to build again on the pressure aspect of our game.
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 – Tommy Walsh
This was without doubt Tommy’s best game for the year. He started the game on dangerous Brisbane forward Jordan Lisle and was able to keep him quiet. In addition to shutting down Lisle, Walshy also spoiled strongly and read the play well with eight intercepts for the match. He looked as though he’d got the zip back in his game and was playing with the intensity required at the next level.
Key Stats: Nine kicks, 11 handballs, seven marks, eight intercepts, six spoils
George Hewett
George continues to improve each and every week. He showed poise with ball in hand and made good decisions setting up teammates to advantage. He stayed strong over the ball and was able to sneak forward and kick two goals in a good performance for the club.
Key Stats: 12 kicks, 18 handballs, three marks, two goals
Dan Robinson
Dan was given the job to run with James Polkinghorne, who has played a number of games at senior level and did a very good job. After Robbo was moved onto him early in the first quarter, Polkinghorne was held to just nine possessions, which was a great effort. Robbo was able to stay disciplined and task-focused for the entire game, while still managing to pick up 17 disposals himself.
Key stats: 10 kicks, seven handballs, five marks, four tackles
Harrison Marsh
In his second game back from injury, Marshy was very good across half back. He defended well at ground level, was strong aerially making eight spoils and impacted the contest physically on a number of occasions. He is developing into a reliable defender who can provide run with his explosive leg speed.
Key Stats: Nine kicks, seven handballs, three marks, eight spoils
Shane Biggs
It was a workman-like performance from Shane this week. Biggsy was shown the ultimate respect by being tagged by the opposition and was still able to find the ball and help with our ball movement coming out of our back half and through the midfield. He also generally used the ball well by hand and foot.
Key stats: 16 kicks, 10 handballs, four marks, six inside 50’s, five rebound 50’s
Matthew Dick
It was another solid performance from Matthew this week. He continues to provide plenty of run and drive out of our back half and helps with our ball movement going forward. His running ability has proven to be a strength with his leg speed enabling him to give some good offensive rebound.
Key stats: 11 kicks, 14 handballs, seven marks
Brandon Jack
Although his disposal by foot let him down at times on the weekend, BJ was able to impact the game with his attack on the footy and leg speed out of congestion. After having limited game time in recent weeks, he was used more through the midfield and looked very comfortable in this role. Although not known to be a big possession winner, he was able to find plenty of ball on the weekend and influenced the game.
Key stats: 14 kicks, 12 handballs, eight marks, eight inside 50’s, one goal
