TOPIC:

swan42 wrote:

mikeh wrote:

swan42 wrote:

mikeh wrote:

Freezin wrote: not a good way to miss out SD...unlucky to say the least...no doubt Harding and the players will take it on the chin and move forward into 2016......tempted to have some banter here, but I guess now is not the time and place, good to see everyone huddling in and giving each other some back slapping love....

I don't think luck comes into it Freezin. Swans finished where they deserved because they dropped too many games away from home. The old adage ''Lions at home, Lambs away" has been the key this year, with the heroics at Bassendean cancelled out by patchy efforts at other grounds. 2 wins out of 10 is not a worthy number for a finalist and that is something for them to address next year. Given that record I wouldn't have been putting too much money on us to beat East Perth if we had somehow made it.

Mikeh what were the positives for us this season and apart from the need to win more away games what do you think we need to do better next year? Also, in the context of where we were expected to finish this year, on balance do you think the positives outweighed the negatives or vice versa?

Overwhelmingly more positives than negatives Swan42. I have really enjoyed watching the boys this year. The strengths for me were the indomitable team spirit, their ability to fight games right out and the number of talented young players unearthed this year.

I think retaining the experienced core of our team and continuing to expose the young players to more match situations will bring some natural improvement in 2016. Harding is I reckon an outstanding coach, you can see the players listen to him and take in what he is saying and more importantly put it into action on the field.

I think they also need to develop some match awareness and the ability to stop an opposition when momentum is running against them. Some examples that come to mind are the last 10 minutes of the first game at Joondalup and the first 15 minutes of the 3rd quarter at the Showgrounds where the opposition got a run on and they needed to put more players behind the ball to stop the rot. They just seem to have little lapses in games where they concede too many goals .It may be a concentration thing, I don't know but it is certainly something they can work on in the off season.
I cannot see any reason why Swans will not be in the mix for finals again next year.

Thanks Mike. I certainly agree that a clinical analysis of how the club performed over the season we have much to look forward to for the 2016 season. Of great import is how well our ressies have performed this season. The highlight for me was how hard and with what great spirit we played the match last week. It clearly and unequivocally showed that we have a group of players who want to play for their mates, the club and its members and supporters. Once our colts and ressies finish their season it will be a long summer waiting with great anticipation the 2016 season.

Yeah yawn...dream on.

Commiserations to you Swannies boys, so near yet so far, must admit I was surprised to hear that CL beat Joondy, but in retrospect, only one of those teams was playing for their life and when Joondy lost a player early, then Keunen later they did run out of steam.
Looking forward to the Magoo's qual final next week, both teams will be in good shape with neither league team playing next weekend. Would expect the game to be at Leedo given Subi finished second but as it's all organised by the WAFC we could be heading anywhere!!

Again great effort Swannies beyond most peoples expectations, you will be a force in the years to come with both your ressies & colts so strong.

Bazza wrote:

swan42 wrote:

mikeh wrote:

swan42 wrote:

mikeh wrote:

Freezin wrote: not a good way to miss out SD...unlucky to say the least...no doubt Harding and the players will take it on the chin and move forward into 2016......tempted to have some banter here, but I guess now is not the time and place, good to see everyone huddling in and giving each other some back slapping love....

I don't think luck comes into it Freezin. Swans finished where they deserved because they dropped too many games away from home. The old adage ''Lions at home, Lambs away" has been the key this year, with the heroics at Bassendean cancelled out by patchy efforts at other grounds. 2 wins out of 10 is not a worthy number for a finalist and that is something for them to address next year. Given that record I wouldn't have been putting too much money on us to beat East Perth if we had somehow made it.

Mikeh what were the positives for us this season and apart from the need to win more away games what do you think we need to do better next year? Also, in the context of where we were expected to finish this year, on balance do you think the positives outweighed the negatives or vice versa?

Overwhelmingly more positives than negatives Swan42. I have really enjoyed watching the boys this year. The strengths for me were the indomitable team spirit, their ability to fight games right out and the number of talented young players unearthed this year.

I think retaining the experienced core of our team and continuing to expose the young players to more match situations will bring some natural improvement in 2016. Harding is I reckon an outstanding coach, you can see the players listen to him and take in what he is saying and more importantly put it into action on the field.

I think they also need to develop some match awareness and the ability to stop an opposition when momentum is running against them. Some examples that come to mind are the last 10 minutes of the first game at Joondalup and the first 15 minutes of the 3rd quarter at the Showgrounds where the opposition got a run on and they needed to put more players behind the ball to stop the rot. They just seem to have little lapses in games where they concede too many goals .It may be a concentration thing, I don't know but it is certainly something they can work on in the off season.
I cannot see any reason why Swans will not be in the mix for finals again next year.

Thanks Mike. I certainly agree that a clinical analysis of how the club performed over the season we have much to look forward to for the 2016 season. Of great import is how well our ressies have performed this season. The highlight for me was how hard and with what great spirit we played the match last week. It clearly and unequivocally showed that we have a group of players who want to play for their mates, the club and its members and supporters. Once our colts and ressies finish their season it will be a long summer waiting with great anticipation the 2016 season.

Yeah yawn...dream on.

Hey Bazza if you are bored with our posts there is a simple solution to this problem although I recognise that this may not have occured to you as yet.
Even better why don't you open a thread outlining your own thoughts about an issue instead of dissing everyone elses views.

Senior Seagull wrote: Commiserations to you Swannies boys, so near yet so far, must admit I was surprised to hear that CL beat Joondy, but in retrospect, only one of those teams was playing for their life and when Joondy lost a player early, then Keunen later they did run out of steam.
Looking forward to the Magoo's qual final next week, both teams will be in good shape with neither league team playing next weekend. Would expect the game to be at Leedo given Subi finished second but as it's all organised by the WAFC we could be heading anywhere!!

Again great effort Swannies beyond most peoples expectations, you will be a force in the years to come with both your ressies & colts so strong.

Thanks for your comments SS. Good luck to Subi in the finals