Other previewed clubs are: Western Bulldogs, Richmond Tigers, Geelong Cats, Fremantle Dockers, Carlton Blues, Essendon Bombers, St Kilda Saints, Melbourne Demons, Hawthorn Hawks, West Coast Eagles, Kangaroos, Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Crows & Collingwood Magpies.
Can Sydney take time to rebuild for another premiership? Will their supporters stay?
Do the Swans need to Rebuild?
The Swans have been nothing short of magnificent since Paul Roos took over halfway through 2002. They have contested the last six finals series including back to back GF’s in ’05 and ’06. The Swans have built a culture based on toughness, mateship and most importantly loyalty to the jumper. Together they thrive on contested football and playing hard in every minute of every game.
Last season they again occupied a place in the top 4 with only 3 weeks left in the home and away season. Unfortunately for them they ran into a rampaging Geelong and then arch-nemesis Collingwood but held on for sixth place. After killing off the Kangas they ran out of steam in the second half against a young and full of running Bulldog outfit. It is this game in particular that has put so much doubt in my mind about the Swannies. They were well and truly exposed by an up and coming side and one wonders how much improvement they have left in them. They were beaten easily by quality teams in Geelong, Hawthorn, The Bulldogs(3 times), St.Kilda and Collingwood(twice) winning only their return bout with the Saints.
The most fascinating aspect of the impending season will be how the young and improving sides who have come from a losing culture in the last couple of seasons in Carlton and Richmond fare against battle hardened and win at all costs teams in Sydney, Adelaide and North Melbourne. I believe that from 5th – 13th place will be as tight a finals race as we have ever seen.
The Swans will defeat any side not willing to match the intensity of guys like Kirk, Bolton and McVeigh. I expect them to continue to play well at the S.C.G where the tight confines suit their accountable and contested style of football but struggle on the bigger grounds with their lack of speed.
The Swannies have missed the finals only twice since 1995. I expect this season to be number Three.
Likely Finish: 9th-12th
Players to Watch
Pat Veszpremi: Brimming with confidence the young man burst into the side late last season and did not look out of place. Loaded with talent and an ego to match he is clever around goal and he has the frame to be an impact player in the mould of Jason Porplyzia. Another summer in the gym and plenty of goalkicking practice should see him flourish.
Which Barry Hall will turn out for season 2009? The boxer or the footballer?
Barry Hall: Big Bad Barry had the season from hell last year and will be seeking redemption. He managed close to 80 shots at goal from his 15 games so he still knows where the big sticks are. Pre-season form has been solid and I expect Barry to come out swinging…sorry.
Need To Improve
Ed Barlow: The media talks this bloke up like the next Adam Goodes here in NSW but he has yet to show it. Tall, athletic and strong he has all the attributes of a modern day footballer just hasn’t put it all together. The time is now.
Rhys Shaw: Interesting to see how he will fit in now that Kennelly has moved on. His pace, run and carry will be important. Lets just hope he didn’t pack his cocky attitude next to his toothbrush. Time to re-invent yourself young man.
List Cloggers
Jesse White: Is he a ruckman or a forward? I don’t think he even knows. Probably neither. Has no mobility, no general football smarts and is about to play his last season of AFL football.
Henry Playfair: Discarded by Geelong who lack a CHF and picked up by Sydney who lacked a CHF. Played 11 games and kicked only 10 goals averaging only 5marks a game. Hardly quality stats and it is fair to say that he is not much of a CHF. Now that two teams know it hopefully no other club will be stupid enough to trade for him.
Can the Swans win a Flag with their current list?
What is the state of their current list? Can they contest finals let alone a Grand Final with it? If not is it time they rebuild? If so can they afford to spend too long out of finals with a new West Sydney side and a flaky NSW supporter base.
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March 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I have them around the same mark. As you say though they’ll beat any team that turns up half hearted.
James Roses last blog post..Brisbane Lions 2009 Season Preview
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March 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 am
I just do not see where the improvement will come from as their best players are all a year older.
Think it all depends on the Swans future in Vesy, Barlow, Jack etc. They need to really improve if they want to play in the finals again. I am tipping they will really bottom out and may even drop into the bottom four. Like the Roos, heart can only get you so far…
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March 23rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
They really don’t have much of a team. There aren’t really any big names at the club except for Goodes, Hall, O’Loughlin and a few others. you look at most teams and they currently have big name players.
The swans play a boring style of football and they need to recruit alot better than they have been, i don’t see them doing a whole lot this year and will be lucky to make the finals.
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March 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
and if you look at their current “big names” SunCity_Royal only Goodes could improve as the rest are on the wrong side of 30 and declining…
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