Back on the winners’ list
Yes, Geelong didn’t have Dangerfield,
And for most of the second half, Geelong didn’t have Selwood.
But the Sydney Swans still had to get the job done,
And they did, thanks to the likes of Parker, Papley and Hayward.
After a disappointing showing against Hawthorn in Round 19, the Sydney Swans responded in fine fashion by defeating Geelong at Kardinia Park.
The Cats may have been without a star and another may have hindered by a foot injury, but it’s hard to see even those two reining in that convincing 46-point margin completely.
Besides, the visitors were also without a star of their own, a man by the name of Josh Kennedy.
And, in a strange way, one of most pleasing things to come out of the win was the fact Lance Franklin was restricted to just the solitary goal.
While everyone (aside from the opposition) want ‘Buddy’ firing and kicking goals, coach John Longmire would be delighted to see his side kicking a winning score against a contender without such a reliance on his champion full forward.
Saying that, a day out from Franklin wouldn’t go astray with only a month before finals.
Kennedy’s ‘string
A notable absentee from Friday night’s win, Josh Kennedy remains a 50/50 chance at this early stage of the week to take on Fremantle.
He’s not showing any signs or symptoms of that troublesome hamstring strain, which flared up in the Round 19 loss to Hawthorn, but Head of Football Tom Harley says the Club’s medicos won’t be taking any chances with the star midfielder.
“He still needs to get through training this week ... his final hurdle is on Thursday,” Harley said in this week's HCF Injury Update.
“We're still hopeful he gets up to play but it's still too early in the week to totally rule him in.
“Things are pointing in the right direction for Josh but we won't know more until Thursday.”
Kennedy would be a handy addition, to say the least, given the midfield maestro collected a career-high 45 disposals and the three Brownlow Medal votes last time the Swans and Dockers clashed, at Subiaco in Round 19 last season, of which ended in a 90-point win to the red and white.
Meanwhile, ruckman Sam Naismith is a chance to return but, like his skipper, will need to prove his fitness in the squad’s final training session.
Contested ball differential
Welcoming Josh Kennedy back would certainly boost Sydney’s contested ball numbers – not that it is lagging at all.
The Swans are the fifth best at hard-ball gets this season, averaging 147.4 per game, which holds them in good stead ahead of Saturday’s clash with Fremantle.
And with Kennedy’s addition, the league’s fourth best player at the craft, those chances firm.
The Dockers, despite boasting the likes of class midfielders Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale, rank 17th (134.2 average) for the often game-winning stat.
In the Round 19 clash last year the Swans were the dominant force around the footy, finishing 54+ up in contested ball and 13+ in clearances.
You’d think, if the home side can replicate these figures at the SCG, a ground both shorter and narrower than the Dockers’ home of Subiaco, it’ll go a long way to recording another win and strengthening its spot in the top eight.
Our history with the Purple Haze
Fremantle improved its season record with a strong 27-point win over Gold Coast at Subiaco Oval.
Lachie Neale was the standout, the midfielder collecting 32 disposals, 11 clearances, 10 tackles and a goal in what was his side’s second win in 10 matches.
Head-to-head, not much separates the two sides. They’ve each recorded three wins and three losses, while you can also throw in a draw, since 2013. There have also been three finals games played between the two sides in that time, with the Dockers coming out on top in those battles (2-1).
What bodes well for the home side, however, is that Fremantle hasn’t won a game at the SCG since 2011.
Reid all about it!
Sam Reid was the latest Swan to put pen to paper on a new deal, signing a four-year contract extension to remain in the red and white until at least the end of 2021.
The 25-year-old key forward said he’d always wanted to remain in Sydney, dismissing claims he’d explored a move south after the winter.
“It would be great to play with my brother but the reality is it’s pretty tough to do these days," Reid told AFL.com.au reporter Adam Curley.
“I'm not missing out on too much being up here, the lifestyle and the weather is really good, and I've just grown to love it over the past eight years."
Reid, a member of the 2012 premiership side, follows in the footsteps of Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Will Hayward, Zak Jones, Oliver Florent, Jordan Dawson, Lewis Melican and Darcy Cameron in recommitting to Sydney in 2017.
Members’ Round
Round 21 is dedicated to you, our members!
The Sydney Swans Football Club would like to use this weekend’s Members Round as the perfect time to say thank you to the 58,000+ members who are integral part of the operation.
Without you, without all your passion and fervour, the Club simply wouldn’t be in the position it is today.
So, thank you one and all!
Let’s hope the Sydney Swans can put on a show and get another win in the charge to finals.
