VFL coach Jeremy Laidler has conceded the Swans loss to Southport Sharks on Saturday was a prime opportunity they lit slip but admits there are plenty of positives to take out of the performance as they look towards their clash against Gold Coast Suns in Round 9.
The Swans lead at every break heading into the final quarter but the Sharks managed to produce six goals in a rapid-fire final term that ultimately proved decisive.
Laidler admits the side were made to rue some missed opportunities late in the contest but says this weekend presents a perfect chance to get their season back on track.
"I thought overall we had control of the game, it was just different patches throughout the game where where we were really disappointing," he said.
"I thought around the ball and stoppages, Southport really got on top of us and we didn't respond to what they were throwing at us.
"We will look at that and look at the individual stuff on how we can get better but we need to respond against Gold Coast because they beat us last time and we were quite disappointed in that performance.
"We're so close (to a strong four-quarter effort) but I guess that's the challenge with a young group and new group getting together. We just want that consistency in our performances."
Lewis Taylor continues to provide strong performances week-to-week after recording three goals and 24 disposals in Round 8, while Marc Sheather is catching the eye of many with three goals and 21 possessions respectively.
Meanwhile, Laidler was impressed with the efforts of Hayden McLean, Colin O'Riordan, Kaiden Brand and Callum Sinclair who have been in and out of the senior squad in recent weeks.
"Hayden McLean had a lot of opportunities but just couldn't kick straight in-front of goal but he had a lot of opportunities which is awesome and what you want to see," he said.
Marc Sheather is putting in some really good games, he is playing his role to a tee and getting after the opposition. For a young kid to back up those performances is quite pleasing for his development.
"I thought our back six held up quite strongly against a fair few inside 50s that came out of the stoppages, and guys like Barry O'Connor played quite a consistent four-quarter game, as did Kaiden Brand who came back and kept his consistent form going.
"Then you got the likes of Colin O'Riordan who is a consistent player at that level and continues to push for senior level. Then Callum Sinclair is doing his bit in the ruck and he is always ready for when seniors need him."
The Sydney Swans will host the Gold Coast Suns at Tramway Oval, Sydney at 11.05am for their Round 9 fixture, with the game broadcast live on Kayo Freebies.
2. Kaiden Brand
20 disposals, nine marks
3. Dylan Stephens
37 disposals, one goal, six marks
4. Ryan Clarke
34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, five clearances
15. Sam Gray
27 disposals, six tackles, five clearances
17. Will Gould
20 disposals
18. Callum Sinclair
22 disposals, 26 hit-outs, four tackles
19. Matt Ling
13 disposals, four tackles
22. Nick Blakey
28 disposals, five inside 50s
25. Ben Ronke
14 disposals, 10 tackles, one goal
28. Lewis Taylor
24 disposals, three goals, nine marks, three tackles
33. Marc Sheather
21 disposals, three goals, five tackles
35. Barry O'Connor
14 disposals, eight marks
38. Colin O'Riordan
20 disposals
40. Malachy Carruthers
19 disposals, four tackles
41. Hayden McLean
13 disposals, one goal, eight marks
50. Adam Gulden (C)
18 disposals, one goal, seven marks
52. Ryan Hebron
Four disposals
53. Jake Bartholomaeus
Nine disposals, seven tackles
55. Harry Morrison
Three disposals
58. Harry Maguire
Eight disposals,
60. Lachlan McAndrew
Three disposals, seven hit-outs
64. Will Collis
Seven disposals, two marks, three tackles
