There are always new challenges for the Swans reserves both as individuals and as a team. This weekend’s match was no different. We were up against a very determined GWS side that were sitting just below us on the ladder and were very determined not to have a repeat of the last time we played for points. We were equally excited about coming back to play at the SCG for only the second time this year, but we knew it would be a challenging match.
As a coach you normally get a feel for how the team is going to perform on the day and in the opening five-to-ten minutes of the game, and from what we saw in that time, we thought we were in for a good performance. Our pressure was up and we were generating a number of scoring shots. In windy conditions, we unfortunately did not take full advantage of our great start and missed a few goals. Momentum is something that is always spoken about at football clubs in terms of what to do when you have it and how to change it if the opposition has it. To GWS’s credit, when we watched the tape back on Monday, you can clearly see a moment when one of their players did everything he could to have an impact on a contest and from there a few more of his teammates jumped on board. They won back the momentum and kicked a few goals before we kicked a late goal to again change the momentum.
In the second quarter, GWS lifted their pressure again and had the momentum going their way, but like us were wasteful with it and kicked a few behinds. We hung in there and went into the long break all square. Just before half time one player suffered an injury, meaning he was done for the rest of the game, and as always happens, one of the senior emergencies only played half a game just in case a senior player hurt themselves in the warm-up. This meant that we only had two players on the bench for the second half, which is something that isn’t foreign to us this year as on more than one occasion we have played the whole second half with just one on the bench or even none after receiving injuries in the first half.
With our numbers down, we as development coaches were looking for the players to step up. Like the GWS player in the first half, we needed someone on our side that was going to stand up, make an impact on a contest, and inspire his team mates. Unfortunately in the second half, although every now and then we had players making an impact, they were few and far between, and when we did get that effort, it wasn’t enough to inspire the team. We unfortunately had too many passengers, and players not willing to get their hands dirty to help row the boat.
While the game didn’t produce the result we were after, it was a great learning tool for our players. When we review it with them, I know they will be able to see the times they could have had a great impact. The challenge now for them going forward is to have that impact every week regardless of who we play.
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- Lewis Roberts-Thompson
LRT was able to wind back the clock with a good game down back. He stayed on young gun and last year’s number one Draft pick, Tom Boyd, for most of the day and held him to just eight disposals and one goal. Not a bad effort considering GWS had 55 inside 50s.
Key Stats: Eight kicks, two handballs, two marks
Matthew Dick
Matthew was able to find plenty of the ball in Saturday’s game, and although he helped with our ball movement, he still needs to make sure the defensive side of his game is the number one focus. It was pleasing to see him back to his best footy and was good to see him kick a nice goal on the run from outside 50.
Key Stats: 13 kicks, nine handballs, two marks
Gary Rohan
Gary was a solid contributor again this week. He started the game well and was able to impact the game with his defensive pressure. He was also able to find the ball and had 12 first-half possessions. Unfortunately he was hurt just before half time and was unable to play on.
Key Stats: Five kicks, seven handballs, two marks
Tom Mitchell
Tom was a solid contributor on Saturday. Whilst he didn’t get a lot of outside ball, he was one of the players who tried hard all day and did some good work in and around the stoppages. It was also pleasing to see that he pulled up well physically from the game after being sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury.
Key Stats: 11 kicks, nine handballs, two marks, one goal
George Hewett
It was another solid game this week from George. He does have the ability to find the ball and we are slowly seeing an improvement in the defensive side of his game, although this needs to be a constant focus going forward.
Key Stats: 9 kicks 15 handballs 6 marks
Doug Hadden
Doug is one of our top-ups who performs consistently whenever he pulls on a Swans jumper. His effort is second-to-none and you know he will always give a contest. He led the team with his defensive pressure and is a favourite among the players.
Key Stats: 10 kicks 9 handballs 5 marks
