Swan George Hewett fast gaining reputation as Brownlow Medal slayer
Neil Cordy
The Daily Telegraph, June 29
GEORGE Hewett’s reputation as one of the game’s best taggers is growing after the Swans young gun shut down Richmond’s Dusty Martin.
Hewett’s superb individual performance on last year’s Brownlow medallist wasn’t enough to stop the Tigers’ 26-point victory over Sydney on Thursday night.
But it should give Swans coach John Longmire plenty of confidence to give Hewett the tagging assignment on 2016 Brownlow winner Patrick Dangerfield when the Swans host Geelong next Thursday night at the SCG.
Hewett had the perfect preparation in Sydney’s hard-fought loss against Richmond when he shaded Martin.
Hewett finished with 20 possessions for the match — remarkably, all contested — and 10 clearances. Martin had 21 touches; four contested and four clearances. Hewett also went at a 55 per cent disposal efficiency to Martin’s 52.
His effort against the explosive Tiger shouldn’t be surprising after a year of taking it up to names such as Nat Fyfe, Tom Mitchell and Patrick Cripps, all frontrunners in this year’s hunt for the Brownlow.
To most players, the mere mention of those names would be enough to cause sleepless nights, but Hewett is unfussed by the tasks handed to him by Longmire.
“I feel like I’ve got nothing to lose,” Hewett told the Saturday Telegraph.
“It’s challenging but enjoyable. I did a little bit of it in my first two years of senior footy but this year it’s become more of a week-to-week sort of a thing.
“The more I play against them and want to beat them, the more I enjoy it. It’s a bit nerve-racking but it’s a part of footy."
Swans breathe sigh of relief as Franklin avoids ban
Andrew Wu
SMH, June 30
Lance Franklin is free to play in Sydney’s important clash with Geelong next week after escaping suspension for his hit on Richmond star Alex Rance.
The Tigers were dealt a blow with premiership backman Nick Vlastuin outed for one game after elbowing Swans midfielder Luke Parker in their victory on Thursday night.
The Swans are breathing a sigh of relief after their superstar forward was handed a $1500 fine for misconduct.
Had match review officer Michael Christian classified the offence as striking Franklin would most likely have been handed a suspension.
A grading of intentional, low impact to the head would have resulted in a one-match penalty.
The fact the four-time Coleman Medallist struck Rance with an open hand may have led to the more favourable finding. Rance was in discomfort from the blow but was able to take his kick.
Franklin’s misdemeanour cost the Swans a shot at goal from close range, and the resultant turnover led to a goal at the other end.
Vlastuin’s strike on Parker was graded as intentional with low impact to the head. The underrated backman’s on-field show of contrition did not spare him suspension.
One of the most improved players in the league, Vlastuin is set to miss the Tigers’ clash with beaten grand finalist Adelaide at the MCG on Friday.
Tigers defender David Astbury was docked $1500 for misconduct on young forward Tom McCartin.
The Swans will be sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Isaac Heeney, whose night ended in the third quarter due to the delayed effects of concussion.
Swans coach John Longmire said Heeney had passed tests at half-time but his condition worsened in the third term.
"A lot of the time with head knocks they aren't black and white," Longmire said. "It can happen a bit later in the game.
Whilst they are fine at half time he got a bit worse in the third quarter so we stopped him."
Swans duo Reid, Melican return in NEAFL
Rob Forsaith
AAP, July 1
Sydney's Sam Reid and Lewis Melican have returned from injury in the reserves, but it remains unlikely either player will feature at AFL level against Geelong on Thursday night.
Reid (quad) and Melican (hamstring) were both injured in round three of the AFL season, almost three months ago.
The duo took a major step on Saturday, both playing for approximately 45 minutes in the NEAFL.
"Reid and Melican looked fit, looked healthy," development coach Tadhg Kennelly said on the club website.
"Melican competed really hard and Reidy was providing options. They'll look to build on it now. They've had long breaks away from footy."
