Ollie learns lesson in game management
Neil Cordy
The Daily Telegraph, June 8
THE last time Ollie Florent played at Etihad Stadium, he produced one of the highlights of the year when he kicked the sealer in the closing seconds of Sydney’s Round 4 win over the Western Bulldogs.
But this week’s Rising Star nomination has revealed that if he were presented with the same scenario on Saturday night against St Kilda he would run the clock down, rather than take the game on.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Florent said.
“But if it happens again, I’ll have to hold it up and keep possession.”
Jack next for a rest as Swans aim to break injury cycle
Andrew Wu
SMH, June 8
Sydney veteran Kieren Jack will miss this weekend's match against St Kilda after another hip injury as the Swans recalled Tom McCartin to take on his brother.
Greater Western Sydney have also lost a senior player with star on-baller Stephen Coniglio ruled out for the game against fellow expansionists Gold Coast.
After last week resting Tom Papley, the Swans are doing likewise this weekend with Jack to give him time to shake off a hip issue which has prevented him from training for several weeks.
Jack missed six matches early last year to get over a similar injury which had severely affected his form.
"We had to break that cycle he was in and give him the weekend off and hopefully he's better next week and he's able to get back to training and therefore reflects his form," Swans coach John Longmire said on Thursday night.
Keen Swans inject some fresh blood
Neil Cordy
The Daily Telegraph, June 7
THE Swans have wasted no time in locking away surprise packet Ben Ronke, signing him to a two-year deal until the end of 2020.
Rarely has a player come from so far back to have such a dramatic impact in just six AFL games.
Ronke’s two goals on debut against Geelong gave encouragement but nobody, including Ronke, could foresee his matchwinning seven against Hawthorn in just his third game.
It’s been an incredible rise for the 20-year-old, who spent a year in the Swans reserves battling injury after being taken with pick 17 in the 2017 rookie draft.
At last he as some security about his future after walking the tightrope of the one-year deals fringe players live on.
“It gives you a lot of confidence and peace of mind,” Ronke told The Daily Telegraph.
“When you come in on the rookie list you are only guaranteed a year and then I had the one-year extension last year.
"Having two years does give you some security and take some pressure off knowing the club has faith in you to play your role.”
