Swans reserves coach Henry Playfair has described how his side was able to overcome a slow start to eventually record a 49-point victory over Queanbeyan last Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to SwansTV, Playfair said his side’s inability to adapt to the greasy conditions, coupled with Queanbeyan’s pressure around the ball, saw his side trail at the first break.
Adjustments were made to the game plan at quarter time, and from there the Swans were able to control the game, kicking 12 of the last 16 goals.

“Our ball use in the first quarter was pretty ordinary due to the conditions,” Playfair said.

“We just overused the footy in our back half and Queanbeyan were able to press us and put pressure on us inside their forward 50. They played pretty well and we couldn’t move it out of there.

“(We) adjusted after quarter time and got some quick inside 50s for us and gave our forwards a chance.”

Playfair praised the effort of ruckman Dan Currie who has put together a consistent month of football in the ruck, with the coach impressed by his ability to have an impact on the game.

“He took about five contested marks, a couple of strong tackles, and he’s really playing with some presence at the moment, which has been really good,” Playfair said.

The main beneficiary of Currie’s ruckwork was inside midfielder Dylan McNeil. Playfair said that McNeil has been working extremely hard over the past three weeks to add some extra run to his game.

“He’s really working on his leg speed and spread from the stoppages,” Playfair said.

“His inside possessions are really his strength. He’s very clean with the ball, he stays composed, really good by hand, so just his transition and his spread he’s worked really hard on, and that’s started to improve over the last three weeks.”

Playfair highlighted the attack and midfield work of Paul Bevan, as well as Campbell Heath’s role in defence and then further up the ground later in the game.

The Sydney Swans reserves will take on the third-placed GWS Giants from 2pm this Saturday afternoon at Blacktown Olympic Park, with Playfair expecting another tough outing against the improved Giants line-up.

“We’ve played them twice so far - once in a practice match and once during the season - and they certainly improved from the first time to the second,” he said. “We’re expecting the same thing again.”

“They had a good win two weeks ago against the Gold Coast reserves and they’re coming off the bye from last weekend.”