The anticipated return of Carlton forward Levi Casboult has got the Sydney Swans’ coaches thinking outside the – centre – square ahead of Saturday’s clash at the SCG.
Casboult, one of the best contested marking players in the game, is expected to take his place within the Blues’ forward line after missing last weekend’s seven-point loss to West Coast due to suspension.
He averages just under six marks a game in 2016 and has 12 goals to his name, with two kicked in the clubs’ last encounter back in Round 2.
Much of the pre-game commentary has focused on the midfield battle, and rightly so with the likes of Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Patrick Cripps, Bryce Gibbs and Kane Simpson running around with Kennedy highlighting the danger Cripps poses.
But, speaking to SwansTV on Thursday, assistant coach Josh Francou said Casboult is another big name to watch.
“Being involved as a stoppage coach I’m usually pretty bias when it comes to the midfield,” Francou explained.
“But ultimately it’s all 18 players on the field at any given time that contribute.
“We’re well aware Levi will come back into the side. We’ve spoken a bit about his ability to take contested marks.
“He’ll pose a threat but if we can limit the supply that should give our defenders a bit more of a chance.”
Back to the midfield battle and the Sydney Swans will be aiming for as much clean supply the other way to give Franklin and company chances on goal.
With a “much improved” Carlton pushing the Eagles right to the final siren on Sunday, applying pressure around the stoppages and on the scoreboard will be the key to winning.
“(Matthew) Kreuzer and (Andrew) Phillips in the ruck they do give their mids first use of the footy,” Francou added.
“Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair, they’ll have their work cut out.
“Fingers crossed we can give our own midfielders enough supply that we can get clean entries into our forward line and get the result.”