We take a look at some of the key talking points at the half way point of the season in our mid-season Hot Topics.
The story so far…
The Swans sit second on the ladder with a 9-2 record, a win behind competition leaders Fremantle (10-1) and a win clear of West Coast (8-3).
Driven by a run of six consecutive wins, the position is the Swans’ best halfway win-loss record since 1986 and one win better than at the same stage of the club’s 2012 premiership season.
Despite the club’s standpoint there are still plenty of areas to improve on with coach John Longmire still searching for complete four-quarter performances.
The Swans have learned how to win from behind (Round 1 v Essendon), how to win well (Round 2 v Port Adelaide) and win tough (Round 8 v Hawthorn).
The Swans were gallant in defeat against ladder leaders Fremantle and received a reality check when they were upstaged by a rejuvenated Western Bulldogs at the SCG.
Dream debuts
Isaac Heeney hit the big stage in a big way after kicking the match-winning goal for the Swans in the season opener against Essendon at ANZ Stadium.
The Swans came back from 41 points down in the early stages of the final term to take the lead with less than four minutes left on the clock. A cool, calm and composed Heeney then gathered a loose ball cleanly in wet conditions to snap on his non-preferred left foot to put the result beyond doubt.
Heeney would play four more games before injuring his PCL against Melbourne in Round 6 which would sideline for the next five weeks.
The Swans welcomed another debutante three weeks ago in Dan Robinson.
Initially named as a sub, Robinson was a late call up into the starting 21 against Carlton, only to look right at home after gathering 15 disposals and kicking a goal.
All Australian contenders
The Swans have a few.
Dan Hannebery comes to mind after enjoying an incredible run of form headlined by his 31 disposal average over the first 11 rounds of the season.
It’s a career-best start for the nuggety midfielder who, over the pre-season, set about bouncing back from a relatively quiet 2014 compared to his lofty standards.
Alongside Hannebery stand the likes of fellow mids Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy who have come into early All Australian contention.
Jarrad McVeigh has returned to his best playing in a familiar role across half-back while reigning All Australian defender Nick Smith also has a case.
Sitting third in the race for the Coleman Medal with 34 goals so far this season, Lance Franklin is poised to achieve a sixth All Australian gong.
Adam Goodes
Goodes has copped his fair share of criticism this season with many doubters sceptical the 35-year-old was past his best going into his 17th season of AFL football.
But after a slow start and a two-week stint in the NEAFL, Goodes has proved his critics wrong with a number of strong performances including a 21-dispsoal, two-goal outing against Carlton at the SCG and a three-goal display against North Melbourne leading into the bye.
Goodes seems to have grown in confidence and is showcasing his renowned pace and creativity which saw him win two Brownlow Medals at the peak of his powers.
Amid the continued jeers from opposition supporters, Goodes has continued to show an unwavering thick skin and risen above to play an important role for the Swans in 2015.
Steady as she goes…
Only 27 players have pulled on a red and white jumper in 2015 which is the lowest of any side in the competition alongside Fremantle.
A relatively small injury list has contributed to this stability greatly.
Aside from the Swans’ long-term injury prospect Alex Johnson, Heeney has been the major concern after rupturing the PCL in his knee against the Dees.
The first-year recruit is back running, will be back to full training and will soon be pushing for a senior recall which bodes well for the side’s strength going into the second half of the season.
NEAFL
The Swans’ NEAFL side have enjoyed a similarly strong season, sitting in second position on the ladder with seven wins and two defeats.
UWS has proved the Swans’ only bogey side in 2015 with the Giants and reigning premiers Aspley one game clear on top.
Dan Robinson has been the face of what can come from the NEAFL after the midfielder’s strong start to the season and subsequent senior debut in Round 9.
Beneficiaries of a settled senior list, the Swans have had the luxury of seeing experienced types Adam Goodes, Harry Cunningham, Craig Bird and Dean Towers contribute at different stages.
George Hewett has enjoyed a strong season through the midfield so far as have similar types in James Rose, Jack Hiscox and Zak Jones while key position players Toby Nankervis, Sam Naismith, Abe Davis and Aliir Aliir have also been impressive.
The road ahead…
The Swans return after the bye with two bumper weekday clashes at the SCG – against Richmond (Friday, June 26) and Port Adelaide (Thursday, July2) which should get home fans excited.
The Swans then travel interstate four times before season’s end taking on Brisbane at the Gabba, West Coast at Domain Stadium, Geelong at Skilled Stadium and St Kilda at Etihad Stadium plus another away game against the Giants at Spotless Stadium.
Six out of the remaining 11 rounds of the season are against sides currently in the top eight including another meeting with Hawthorn (Round 16) at ANZ Stadium and a highly anticipated match-up with Collingwood at the SCG (Round 20).
Remembering ‘05
The Swans return from the mid-season break with a bang.
Attending the Friday night blockbuster against the Tigers at the SCG in Round 13 can welcome the heroes of 2005 including premiership captain and coach Barry Hall and Paul Roos.
In fact, every member (with the exception of St. Kilda’s Adam Schneider and Sean Dempster) of the team will be in attendance, giving fans old and new the opportunity to join them in celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the drought-breaking premiership.
The likes of Leo Barry, Jude Bolton, Michael O’Loughlin and Lewis Roberts-Thompson will be honoured on-ground before forming a guard of honour for today’s heroes before the opening bounce.
