What is more important? Learning from watching the senior game and sitting in the stands watching how two of the form sides of the competition move to attack and defend or getting the best preparation for your own game? In some way this was the dilemma facing the Swans reserves this week.
With the under-18s scheduled as the curtain raiser, we were originally scheduled to play at the picturesque Drummoyne Oval early Saturday morning, which would have allowed us enough time to get back to the SCG in time for the senior match. Unfortunately, as is the case with many grounds in NSW, Drummoyne Oval is not exclusive to AFL. After a wet weekend and countless games of other codes, Drummoyne Oval was not in any shape to host a game of footy. The alternative was out to Blacktown, where the surface is looking great and hasn’t had the traffic on it that other grounds have. To play at a time that would allow the boys to get back to watch the senior game would mean getting up at 5:00am to get out to Blacktown. There was always going to be a compromise somewhere and in the end after chatting to the players and as disappointed as they were not to be able to get to the SCG, they thought it was best for their own preparation to play the game at Blacktown starting at 1:45pm.
So it was off to Blacktown to take on one of the biggest improvers from last year: Sydney University. We started well holding the ball in our half and created a couple of shots on goal. Unfortunately we didn’t kick straight and only managed one goal for the quarter. Sydney Uni had come with a plan and made the most of their opportunities, which saw them hold a slender lead at quarter time. For the next two quarters, Sydney Uni stuck to their plan and played a disciplined game, which certainly frustrated us. We moved the team around to try to play to our strengths but we ultimately lacked enthusiasm and certainly never had control and the game went goal-for-goal during this time.
At three-quarter time the challenge was thrown down to our players. While they hadn’t played well, some of our QBE Sydney Swans Academy boys, who were playing their first game for us, were having a real crack and probably kept us in the game by adding a little bit of spark.
Buoyed by their opening three quarters, Sydney Uni kicked the first two goals of the final term, which saw them hit the lead both on the scoreboard and in the enthusiasm stakes. Finally, some of our players stepped up and showed a little bit of grit, which led to us having the last nine scoring shots of the game. Unfortunately only three of the goals sailed through, but it was enough to drag us over the line.
The modern game of football is about structures, running and skills, but if you don’t have enthusiasm or show your passion every week, then it can become a very hard and unenjoyable couple of hours.
Player Focus:
Each week, the Sydney Swans development coaches, Josh Francou, Jared Crouch and Nick Davis will highlight the performances of some of the Swans’ NEAFL players.
These players are those who contributed well on game day, made improvements or played a significant role for the Swans.
NEAFL Player of the Week – Tim Membrey
Tim had another influential game with a number of shots on goal. He uncharacteristically missed two set shots for goal in the last quarter, but overall was very efficient with his ball use. Another positive of his game this week was his ability to apply good forward pressure, which saw him lay four tackles. Tim also spent more time in the midfield this week and shows he doesn’t look out of place there.
Key Stats: 19 kicks, four handballs, 11 marks, three goals
Toby Nankervis
Toby had a solid game. With Pykey currently playing in the reserves, Toby spent limited game time in the ruck and has utilised more time as a key forward and has proven to be a difficult match-up for opposition defenders. He was one of the main reasons we were able to ‘get out of jail’ against Sydney Uni on the weekend with Toby kicking an important goal in the last quarter.
Key Stats: Nine kicks, seven handballs, seven marks, five goals
Shane Biggs
Shane returned to the form we saw him consistently produce in the earlier games this year and provided plenty of run from the half-back line, and used the ball well by foot. Shane demonstrated his ability to read the play well, with five intercepts marks for the match and a number of spoils. After a couple of down games, it was pleasing to see Biggsy return to the form we know he is capable of.
Key Stats: 25 kicks, five handballs, five marks, five intercepts.
Michael Dickson
As one of our top-up players from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Michael is well worth mentioning, as he was one of our better players for the game on the weekend. He defended very well with six intercepts and four spoils. He was very strong in the contest and played his role within the team structure well.
Key Stats: 10 kicks, two handballs, four marks
