From Couch Crouch

The Sydney Swans reserves travelled down the Hume Highway to take on the Belconnen Magpies at Kippax Oval, which was the same venue we played on in last year’s Eastern Conference Grand Final.  The players were treated to a typical Canberra day, with a few long sleeve jumpers being requested from the production manager.

We started the game well both offensively and defensively kicking three early goals and two behinds and managed to stop the opposition from scoring. We looked to be in control of the game at this point and continued to do so winning a lot of the ball around the ground, but when we went forward we only managed to kick behinds, and a lot of behinds at that. We kicked nine behinds in a row to be exact, with a few out of bounds on the full thrown in over the next quarter or so before we managed to kick a couple of late goals.

Some of our ball movement was pretty good but we just lacked the finish up front. At times it was the pressure of the opposition but there were quite a few misses from set shots that were very kickable goals. Late in the second quarter, Belconnen took the most of their opportunities kicking three late goals to go into the half-time break down by only 20 points.

We hadn’t gotten the reward for our early hard work and whenever the game is within four or five goals you always feel you are in with a chance especially if after half-time you are able to get early goals and that’s what Belconnen did. They lifted their intensity, went harder at the footy and kicked a couple of goals. Their energy was high, buoyed by the fact that they were only eight points down and still very alive in the contest. We responded with a couple of late goals to lead by 18 points going into the last break, but Belconnen would have thought that they were well and truly still in the game after winning the quarter.

The last quarter continued to reflect the game, with two teams slogging it out and providing a good contest at the ball, but both sides failed to show this on the scoreboard as both teams were wasteful in front of goal. In the last quarter we kicked 2.5 to Belconnen’s 1.5 and neither team took full advantage when the ball was in their forward line. While pressuring the opposition when they have the ball through tackling, chasing and smothering are certainly important parts of the pressure game, we need this to reflect on the scoreboard and get our scoreboard pressure right.

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 – Sam Naismith

This was Sam’s best game for the year. With 33 hit outs, he was able to give our on-ballers first look at the ball with some nice tap work and very good service. It was also pleasing to see him take some very good contested marks with good early bodywork and clean hands. Although his tackling numbers were down this week, his pressure around the ball was very good once again.

Key Stats: Nine kicks, 22 handballs, eight marks, one goal, 33 hit outs

Shane Biggs

Shane played to his usual standard this week, providing good rebound from the back half and setting up some clean entries inside our front half. He also spent some time in the midfield in the second half and was able to manufacture four clearances and kick a goal.

Key Stats: 31 kicks, three handballs, four marks, six inside-50s, six rebound 50s

George Hewett

George was back to the form he was in during the first half of the year with some very good work in congestion and was winning important clearances. He continues to show he enjoys getting his knees dirty and winning the contested ball. He was composed with ball in hand and used it to advantage on most occasions.    

Key Stats: 11 kicks, 19 handballs, two marks, six clearances   

Tommy Walsh

Tommy played down back in the first half then finished the game forward. He had an influential game with nine inside 50ss and kicked one goal. When back, he was able to help with our ball movement and read the play well with numerous intercepts. When forward he was able to provide a marking option inside 50.

Key Stats: 17 kicks 3 handballs 5 marks 9 inside 50’s

Jordan Lockyer

Jordan played mainly on the wing but did spend some time down back where he was able to affect five spoils and four intercepts. He defended well and was able to impact marking contests with some good body spoils.

Key Stats: 12 kicks, 10 handballs, 13 marks, five spoils, four intercepts