New Swans deal for ‘future leader’ Zak
Ben Horne
Daily Telegraph, August 2
Sydney’s hard-nosed street-fighter Zak Jones has knocked back heavy interest from Melbourne clubs to sign a new two-year contract with the Swans.
It’s a short-term deal but one Sydney football boss Tom Harley is confident will in time develop into a career in red and white.
One of the most promising up-and-coming footballers in the AFL, Jones’ decision to stay loyal to Sydney forms an important pillar for the Swans’ future.
Harley says the 22-year-old has learnt from the on-field ill-discipline issues that had resulted in him being pulled into line by senior players earlier in the season, and is supremely confident Jones is a future leader himself.
There was strong speculation linking Jones with a return to his hometown, and perhaps a union with his brother Nathan — the co-captain of the Melbourne Demons.
It’s understood Jones is backing his football to do the talking by only committing to a two-year deal, but Harley is confident the ace midfielder sees his long-term future in Sydney.
“Two years is where it landed and we’re really happy with that,” Harley told The Daily Telegraph.
“We think Zak is developing really nicely on and off the field and we think that he’s got a long career ahead of him with the Swans. If the first part of that is a two year commitment we’re happy with that.
“It’s a good day for the footy club. We’re obviously very excited that Zak has accepted our future and wants to be a key part of that.”
The young Swans who need to fly if Kennedy is out
Andrew Wu
SMH, August 2
Former Sydney star Jude Bolton says the Swans' next-generation midfielders need to seize the moment should injured captain Josh Kennedy be ruled out for Friday night's blockbuster against Geelong.
While reigning Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield is out after the Cats decided against appealing his suspension, the Swans have their own midfield issues with Kennedy believed to a 50/50 chance of playing.
Should he miss it would leave a massive hole in the Swans midfield, which was found wanting last week with their premier ball-winner hampered by a hamstring injury.
The club's contested ball and clearance king, Kennedy has competed at more centre bounces than any Swan – and by a considerable margin. His 83 per cent is well clear of the next best midfielder Luke Parker (64), Isaac Heeney (45) and Dan Hannebery (40).
Swans coach John Longmire will need to look elsewhere to find the 15 contested possessions Kennedy averages a game this season.
Encouragingly for Sydney, the club has won three of the four games Kennedy has been sidelined since he arrived in 2010.
Parker and Hannebery can expect to feel the heat from Geelong's midfield if Kennedy misses, which will would put pressure on Heeney, Zak Jones, George Hewett and Tom Papley to step up.
The quartet have been given extra responsibility this season in a midfield that has lost Tom Mitchell and is planning for life after Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack.
"They have to keep their high standards – you get into trouble if you try to play above and beyond," Bolton said of Parker and Hannebery.
"If they bring their usual high standard, it will hold them in good stead. Other players have gone through the middle – Heeney, Papley, Jones need an impact.
"They certainly need to find someone willing to get their hands dirty."
Dangerfield ban has plus side
Greg Denham
The Australian, August 2
Geelong champion Patrick Dangerfield will miss Friday’s crucial match against Sydney and is now ineligible to win back-to-back Brownlow Medals after the Cats yesterday decided not to challenge his match review panel sanction.
However, it is understood Geelong feel Dangerfield’s time out will benefit him in the run to the finals as it will allow him to rest the foot he injured in round 17 against Hawthorn.
His one-match penalty for a dangerous tackle will be the first game he has missed since 2013 after 92 consecutive appearances.
After bruising his left foot in the first quarter against the Hawks, a restricted Dangerfield, on one good leg, kicked five goals after being sent forward and was the Cats’ matchwinner.
Dangerfield’s output has been below his season average of better than 30 possessions in his two matches since, in a loss against Adelaide and in the Cats’ 65-point win over Carlton last weekend.
After Geelong made the decision not to challenge the verdict just prior to yesterday’s 11am deadline, Dangerfield said it was in the best interest of the team not to head to last night’s AFL Tribunal.
“It’s the umpire’s call. We’ll deal with it and we’ll move forward. I respect the AFL for what they’re trying to do and trying to protect the head,” he said.
