TOPIC:

The big games keep rolling around for Swans and their faithful in what has developed into a season of opportunity. But while opportunity awaits Swans can ill afford to look too far ahead as one or 2 losses in the next fortnight could yet put their finals position in jeopardy. Conversely, a win down in Freo keeps hopes alive of a top 3 finish, and, or even better. 

The break came at a good time to freshen up and reset before a huge 5 games to finish the regular season while South had a dominant win over Subi.

Still of a major concern to myself is the hit out/i50 discrepancies which I feel will be our Achilles heal come the business end of the season. It’s unlikely to change so hopefully we can continue to evolve and find new strategies to counter the opposition as teams will eventually “figure them out”. 

It was of no coincidence that their victory of Subiaco was built off Schloithe, Winder and Parker all having huge games - the best 3 players they have, surely Jebb to one of the 3!Last time around those 3 had quieter games which went a long way towards a Swans win. And while it seemed we were quite dominant on the day we got destroyed at hitouts and the i50 count but our backs were outstanding and had high possessions counts. 

If that flow continues on this occasion and as it did in the most recent game against Claremont then our run of luck may come to an end. 

Hopefully a return of G-M helps with the ruck battle but you’d be silly to risk in the hope of a finals tilt if not 100%. 

Reidy and Hewitt could be possible inclusions while Howard, Ireland and Erceg should be edging closer to returns that you’d think would come via a week or 3 in the 2’s with the long layoff. 

A Swans win here should secure a finals berth, here’s hoping!

Danger Schoithe had a dominant game but the Subi "brains trust" inexplicably decided not to put a hard tag on him at any time during the match so he did what he wanted, he is in red hot form so will cut up any opposition if they dont go hard at him.

I’d be sending Jebb straight too him!

Massive in for the club with Noble named in the reserves to play his first game of the season. It will be interesting to see what shape he’s in and you’d assume he wouldn’t entertain a return at this time of the season if he hadn’t put in a body of work that could see him potentially playing League footy in the coming weeks. 

No Glass-Mccasker again this week, so it looks like Swans are going to go with the same risky ruck combination that they used against Claremont and got away with, may not be so lucky this time.
Great to see Noble back, he could be very handy come the back end of the season if he can get himself match fit.

I think it's great that Caporn is getting a second run in the league side.
Named on the interchange apparently.
Not sure why he's been in the Reserves for so long.
I thought his first league game in round 15 quite servicable, and I think scored a goal too.

Caporn made a promising start for sure and deserves more opportunities but he hasnt got the height or physical strength to be a back up ruckman.

This game is a pivotal one for Swans. If they can win it will pretty much lock in a finals berth and give us a 2 game gap over the chasing pack. A loss won't be disasterous but it will mean Swans will have a bit more work to do in August to secure a top 3 spot.

Don’t be shocked if Noble plays League today. Not saying it will happen and I think it’d be a massive risk but there is a little whisper on the grape vine. 

Danger wrote:

Don’t be shocked if Noble plays League today. Not saying it will happen and I think it’d be a massive risk but there is a little whisper on the grape vine. 

Obviously decided it was too much of a risk, he's playing ressies

Firstly well played Souths for fighting back from 19 points down half way through the last quarter and having a chance to snatch the win at the end.

Our guys went too defensive too early and should have been pushing for another goal which would have iced the game. Instead they resorted to zig zagging the ground and silly short passes in the back half which cost them dearly

It was a scrappy sloppy game which never reached any great heights, the best part of the day for me was Tony Nottes mark when he was lying on his back! Outstanding effort and Tony was up to his usual standard all day
Our forward line was pretty dysfunctional today with the South defenders shutting down Kohlmann and Edwards. Unfortunately the opportunities they got were missed but the Doggies missed a lot of easy shots as well. Thank goodness for Watson who nailed his goals when he got a chance.

With Claremont winning today, the fight for the top 5 is still very much a 6 team race and Swans may well look back later on this lost opportunity to consolidate their position in the top 3 and regret their fade out.