Promising signs

Feels like only yesterday the Sydney Swans were preparing for their opening round encounter with Collingwood. Fast forward 10 rounds, the Swans sit second on the ladder with a very impressive 8-2 win-loss record.

The Swans have just completed a tough period in the fixture having played and beaten reigning premiers Hawthorn and the previously undefeated North Melbourne. The only blemish was an after-the-siren loss to Richmond at the MCG.

There are a number of great signs including Lance Franklin’s exceptional form up forward, the contribution of the Swans’ young guns, the consistently good midfield and a defensive half so stout it currently ranks second in the competition for fewest points conceded.

There’s little time to rest however with a trip to the Gold Coast, Sydney Derby X and then Melbourne at home squeezed in before the Round 14 bye.

Speaking of the ‘Goldy’

We’ve never lost there. Of the four encounters at Metricon the Swans have won all by an average of 57 points.

While we’re on the subject, Gold Coast are yet to nab a win against the Swans full stop.

But as the famous sporting saying goes, “you’re just as good as your last game”, which is exactly the way coach John Longmire will want his charges approaching Rodney Eade’s men on Saturday night.

Despite losing the past seven matches, Gold Coast from all reports are expecting “up to seven” players back into the side including Kade Kolodjashnij, Sam Day, Touk Miller, Matt Rosa and Callum Ah Chee.

They’re also not short of scoring avenues and marking power given they boast Tom Lynch who sits third in the Coleman Medal race behind Franklin (40) and West Coast’s Josh Kennedy (37). We’re looking forward to this battle in particular as two genuine spearheads go head-to-head.

Tommy

Emerging midfielder Tom Mitchell notches his 50th career game on Saturday.

His consistent performances over the past 18 months has got people talking which isn’t a mean feat given the quality in that Sydney Swans midfield.

By Swans standards he’s been a standout this season – ranked first for tackles, third for disposals, third for marks and has snuck in to kick five goals from his 10 matches.

By AFL standards, he’s been in super touch. He averages nearly 28 disposals a game in 2016, which places him just outside the top 20 in the competition.

Fresh after a best-on-ground performance against North Melbourne last weekend (41 disposals, eight marks, five clearances, 10 tackles and a goal) which earned him the inaugural Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal, Mitchell will be looking to celebrate the first of what we hope is many more milestones with another strong workman-like performance.

Tom Mitchell will line up for game 50 against the Gold Coast.

Buddy

Lance Franklin will line up for his 50th game in the red and white on Saturday.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the past 49 matches – from his heavily publicised arrival, to last year’s break from the game, to this year reaching the heights we all know ‘Buddy’ can reach.

He’s arguably one of the most important players in the Swans’ line-up now. His ability to impact the scoreboard is an obvious and proven trait while, as pointed out by coach John Longmire numerous times this season, his teamwork and selflessness is just as, if not more, important.

He also, time and time again, does the mercurial.

The numbers say he’s in career-best form which is a treat for, not only Sydney Swans supporters, but fans across the competition and a great sign for the red and white leading into the second half of season 2016.

Lance Franklin notches another milestone in his illustrious career - 50 games in the red and white.

Two weeks without Teddy

Ted Richards’ forthcoming two-week absence will see the depth of the Swans’ defence even though they’ve gone without the veteran defender for the best part of the past fortnight and fared well.

Richards landed heavily during the first quarter of the Swans’ clash against Hawthorn two weeks ago, forcing the 33-year-old to sit out the rest of the game and the following week with concussion.

Club medicos have given Richards all the time he needs to fully recover with General Manager of Football Tom Harley saying in this week’s HCF Injury Update that the Swans were keen to take a more conservative approach.

“Ted’s seen the absolute best specialists we’ve got here in Australia up in North Sydney,” Harley said. “In consultation with our docs and also the experts it’s been best advice that Ted miss a total of three matches, so that’s this week and next week also.”

‘Undermanned’, the back half were stellar last weekend with Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe among others standing tall against the Roos’ tall forwards. Expect Longmire to keep the faith.

Ted Richards has been ruled out for the next two weeks.