Roos ready to re-structure attack
Sydney Swans coach says his misfiring forward line will be "different" for Sunday's clash against bottom side Richmond
Key forwards Jesse White and Adam Goodes struggled to have an impact against Collingwood on Saturday night, with makeshift target Ryan O’Keefe the most effective forward with three goals.
Roos said White, who has been unable to match his impressive 2009 form to date, would likely go back to the reserves this weekend to regain form and confidence
But with uncertainty surrounding Daniel Bradshaw’s fitness, Goodes will start in attack against the Tigers.
Roos insisted it wasn’t “panic time”, citing the Swans’ ability to kick winning scores against Essendon and Port Adelaide, but Richmond will be confronted by a re-jigged attack on Sunday.
“We need to do something a bit different this week,” Roos said on Monday.
“[White] will probably go back and play in the seconds and get some confidence and kick some goals. I’m confident enough in him that in two or three weeks’ time, perhaps, he’ll be back up playing senior footy.
“But you can’t keep doing the same things over and over again because you’re going to get the same result.”
With Trent Dennis-Lane (seven goals) and Henry Playfair (five) shining in the reserves on Saturday, the Swans have ready-made options to replace White in attack.
Jarred Moore (ankle) may also be considered for selection after playing well in the reserves, but his recovery will be monitored during the week.
In Bradshaw’s absence, the Swans needed Goodes to fire against Collingwood, but the dual Brownlow Medallist endured a tough night against Simon Prestigiacomo.
He finished with 13 disposals, three marks and was held goalless as the Swans suffered a 25-point loss.
When asked if Goodes’ move to the forward line had been a success, Roos conceded his star’s form had been patchy.
“Last year, when it happened, he certainly finished off the year really, really well. This year, he’s been up and down a little bit. He’s played good games and good quarters, and then he’s struggled,” Roos said.
“There’s always the opportunity, as we did on the weekend, to put him in the midfield and try to get him more involved. He is a versatile player and we can throw him around in different positions.”