Making amends
The Sydney Swans made a tough period in the season even tougher after dropping the first of three consecutive blockbuster clashes.
Sydney made some errors late against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night which ultimately handed the visitors a four-point win, the second loss determined by the last kick of the game in 2016.
Lance Franklin, who kicked five goals in the narrow loss, and Dane Rampe spoke earlier in the week of the side’s need to assess the setback, reassess and move on quickly ahead of another big game against Geelong in Geelong.
Rampe looked at the six-day break as a positive rather than a negative saying, “the short break is going to do us wonders…I'm sure I speak for the rest of the players, I just can't wait to get out there and get back on the winners list.”
Conquering the Cats
They sit second on the ladder with a 10-4 win-loss record.
They currently boast the best percentage in the league and arguably the best midfield duo going around in Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield.
At Kardinia Park they’re almost unstoppable. Since 2007, they’ve won 91 per cent of games at home, or 77 wins from 84 matches, with a current eight-game winning streak.
Coming off the bye they’ll be well rested but whether that gives them an advantage is neither here nor there, especially against a side on the rebound and hungry to get back on the winners list.
Kieren’s 200th
A favourite son will line up for his 200th AFL game. That player is the one and only Kieren Jack.
The No. 15 has been a great servant of the Sydney Swans over 10 and a half years, epitomising everything the football club stands for. The way he’s handled all that has gone on this week is testament to that.
Starting out as a back-pocket and then a hard-nosed tagger, the 29-year-old quickly developed into an elite midfielders and an exceptional leader having been rewarded with the co-captaincy alongside Jarrad McVeigh in 2013.
He’s constructed an impressive football resume which includes a premiership medallion, Bob Skilton Medal and All Australian honours.
In true Kieren Jack style, he’ll be putting all personal achievements aside on Friday night with the intent of helping bring home a win for his beloved Sydney Swans.
Kieren Jack as a fourth-year captain.
Multicultural Round
This weekend, the AFL celebrates Multicultural Round where we highlight the contribution multicultural communities have made to the game’s history and welcome new communities to embrace Australia’s game in the future.
We’ve had the absolute pleasure of welcoming many people from different backgrounds from players, coaches, staff and, of course, supporters.
On the current list Aliir Aliir was born to South Sudanese parents in a Kenyan refugee camp. Colin O’Riordan arrived over the summer from Ireland. There’s numerous players who’s relatives originate from England, New Zealand and even Germany.
And we can never forget our internationals of the past including premiership stars Tadhg Kennelly (Ireland) and Mike Pyke (Canada).
Aliir Aliir at this week's Multicultural Round launch.
