In this week's Game Plan, Swans football development manager, Stuart Maxfield, talks about the continued improvement of the Swans youngsters at both senior and reserves level...
From a development point of view, I’ve been very pleased with how the season has panned out so far. One of the most pleasing things in the reserves is that our up-and-coming players have been performing very well. When I look back across the whole season, I can’t think of a time when there was an opportunity that was missed because someone was in bad form. The whole group has been training and playing really hard, and when they’ve got their opportunities at different stages, they’ve also performed well in the seniors. They have all earned their spot when they’ve been selected.
While it can be frustrating for young players in the reserves, it’s all about doing it week in, week out and consistency is the name of the game. You’ve just got to take your opportunity when it presents. When they do make it, they fully understand the commitment and process required to compete at the highest level.
From the senior team’s perspective, having so many players in the reserves performing well is a really healthy situation to be in because it puts pressure on the senior guys to perform each week.
One of those players who has stood out this season is Trent Dennis-Lane. Trent has had a pretty consistent year and has certainly shown plenty of improvement across a number of key areas and has been rewarded with a number of senior games this year. When he has played seniors, he has played his role and performed quite well. He has been in good form, and not just in the forward 50 in terms of kicking goals, the pressure he is putting on the ball and the opposition has been terrific as well.
Trent kicked a lot of goals last year, and I can understand why there is a lot of talk about him from people outside the club, but it’s not always about goals. But this season Trent has really taken on board what we value at this football club, and has been doing it on a weekly basis now. He has really valued the feedback he’s got this year and I think that’s the difference from last year.
Luke Parker has now played two games in the reserves, and what I think was a good thing about last week’s game was that it was a good work out for him. He got physically tested on a number of occasions and passed every test. The best thing about Luke is you always know what you’re going to get - he’s a fierce competitor. Rather than rushing him back, the last two matches have meant he’s got more kilometres in the legs, which means he’s going to be a lot more confident when he is selected.
Tony Armstrong is another one who you could argue is a little bit unlucky to be in and out the way he has. He has played some good football, and continues to play well in the twos. His voice and direction on field is fantastic and is a real example to the younger players about how to command the football and set up play. Every time he has come in and played senior footy, whether it be as the sub or on in the 21, he’s made a positive contribution.
