FazThe Swans beautiful and ugly at the same time
April 22nd 2009 00:58
It as been a mixed start to the year for the Sydney Swans in the AFL this season, registering two wins out of their first four games. But coach Paul Roos will no doubt still be pleased by the form his side has shown when they defeated Premiership fancies Hawthorn and Carlton.
In their two wins this season, the Swans have been accurate in front of goal, with unheralded goal kickers Jarred McVeigh and Jarred Moore more than holding their own upfront.
In the absence of star forwards Michael 0'Loughlin and Barry Hall, the Swans have still managed to kick winning scores against some class opposition.
Indeed those goal scoring opportunities could not have been realised without the current service provided by Adam Goodes.
His overall form this season has been much better, considering he consistently struggled to start every year on the form we know he can produce.
Although Goodes' influence in the side cannot be questioned, the most important player at the moment for Sydney is ruckman Darren Jolly.
Jolly's form so far this season has him right up there as one of the most effective ruckmen in the AFL competition.
Not only is he constantly winning the football at the centre bounce, he has also demonstrated an ability to kick accurately in front of goal this season, which in turn now provides coach Roos with an extra forward option upfront.
Despite the promise shown by their two wins so far, the Swans still have some key issues to address if they are to give the top eight a shake in 2009.
Their away form this season has been dreadful, losing to St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions convincingly.
Although their first quarter against the Saints in round one showed a lot of promise, the Swans literally fell into the abyss for sixty minutes, raising huge concerns about their ability to kick goals against class opposition.
Against the Lions in Brisbane, the Swans once again failed to back up their promising form against Hawthorn. Their goal kicking woes once again came to the fore against a side they have had a wood on since 2003.
Against the Dockers this week, the Swans on their best form should win comfortably. But away from home however, this game has danger written all over it for Sydney.
Their fortunes in season 2009 will very much hinge on their capabilities to finish off a Dockers side that is no where near premiership material.
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Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
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Footy Power
That's a good one