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Wily Old Campaigner
Preamble
The 2024 version of the Swans have a happy knack of playing to the level of the opposition.
So if that persists, this Sunday's game against the Poo n' Wee will resemble a bunch of u/9 Auskickers doing their best impression of seagulls on a chip.
And yet - there is reason to believe that the Swans can & will get fired up for this one. For I have it on good authority that Horse has stuck a full-sized motivational poster on the SCG dressing room wall:
He's a great leader of men, that Horse.
The Details
Time: Sunday, April 28, 4pm
Venue: MCG
Weather: long range forecast is a pleasant, partly cloudy day, 18 degrees ... perfect footy weather. Donza will update as the week progresses.
The Teams
For the Swans, the big question is .....
Will Gus be back???
(sorry, just excuse me for a moment, someone's calling)
.
.
.
.
.
Righto, I'm back. My (evidently clueless) editor has just advised that the big question is not whether Gus will be back, but rather:
Will Luke Parker be back???
My personal view - yes he will. But for whom, I have no idea. I'm sure spirited debate will ensue on this very matter in the coming pages.
For Hawthorn, well I don't really care. Sicily will play & we just need to avoid kicking the ball to him. Pretty simple really.
Their midfield consists of Newcombe, Nash, Weddle, Morrison, Maginnes and McDonald - none of whom I could pick out in a line-up.
Oh, and Mitch Lewis might apparently be back.
But regardless of ins & outs, prior to their win last week (over a Dylan Stephens "inspired" Roos outfit), the Hawks were languishing at the foot of the table.
Are they young and improving? Or just no good?
Personally - I think its the later. But as previously noted, we have a tendency to play to the level of the opposition, which is slightly troubling.
And the MCG isn't our friend.
Key Match-Ups
I could attempt to write some key match-ups, but I honestly don't know enough about Hawthorn to write anything credible.
Just don't kick it to Sicily.
And more of Matty Roberts taking the kick-ins. That works.
Tactics
Keep it simple:
1. No more cornrows for Armatey. The 'fro must be maintained.
2. Bring a bit of pressure. Hawthorn isn't Richmond.
3. Don't kick it to Sicily.
The Umpiring
The Melbourne press has been having a good ol' whinge about Jack Ginnivan not being paid high tackle frees. Of course, this is due to his (well-earned) reputation for Oscar-winning overacting every time he's tackled.
However this week, being a game against a non-Victorian club, gives the AFL the perfect opportunity to silence their media critics via the awarding of LOTS of frees to poor Jack Ginnivan.
Its an opportunity that won't be passed up.
To ensure the AFL's wishes are adhered to, expect to see Gianfagna named as a field umpire.
And whilst on the topic of actors, this is a preview written at short (zero) notice & is possibly not the most well-researched or entertaining. So, to make up for it, please accept this completely relevant and on-topic picture of Swans fan, Sydney Sweeney.
The Verdict
Will we p*ss it in? The King! certainly thinks so.
Will our mids be up to the challenge? caesar88 has absolutely no doubt that they will.
Can Will Hayward kick a bag? Grand Uncle Horace guarantees it.
But as always - the most balanced view will likely come from Punts.
Fun Fact
Brian Taylor used to delight in calling current Hawthorn coach (and former West Coast great) Sam Mitchell "The Extractor" during his playing days.
BT can f*** right off.
The 2024 version of the Swans have a happy knack of playing to the level of the opposition.
So if that persists, this Sunday's game against the Poo n' Wee will resemble a bunch of u/9 Auskickers doing their best impression of seagulls on a chip.
And yet - there is reason to believe that the Swans can & will get fired up for this one. For I have it on good authority that Horse has stuck a full-sized motivational poster on the SCG dressing room wall:
He's a great leader of men, that Horse.
The Details
Time: Sunday, April 28, 4pm
Venue: MCG
Weather: long range forecast is a pleasant, partly cloudy day, 18 degrees ... perfect footy weather. Donza will update as the week progresses.
The Teams
For the Swans, the big question is .....
Will Gus be back???
(sorry, just excuse me for a moment, someone's calling)
.
.
.
.
.
Righto, I'm back. My (evidently clueless) editor has just advised that the big question is not whether Gus will be back, but rather:
Will Luke Parker be back???
My personal view - yes he will. But for whom, I have no idea. I'm sure spirited debate will ensue on this very matter in the coming pages.
For Hawthorn, well I don't really care. Sicily will play & we just need to avoid kicking the ball to him. Pretty simple really.
Their midfield consists of Newcombe, Nash, Weddle, Morrison, Maginnes and McDonald - none of whom I could pick out in a line-up.
Oh, and Mitch Lewis might apparently be back.
But regardless of ins & outs, prior to their win last week (over a Dylan Stephens "inspired" Roos outfit), the Hawks were languishing at the foot of the table.
Are they young and improving? Or just no good?
Personally - I think its the later. But as previously noted, we have a tendency to play to the level of the opposition, which is slightly troubling.
And the MCG isn't our friend.
Key Match-Ups
I could attempt to write some key match-ups, but I honestly don't know enough about Hawthorn to write anything credible.
Just don't kick it to Sicily.
And more of Matty Roberts taking the kick-ins. That works.
Tactics
Keep it simple:
1. No more cornrows for Armatey. The 'fro must be maintained.
2. Bring a bit of pressure. Hawthorn isn't Richmond.
3. Don't kick it to Sicily.
The Umpiring
The Melbourne press has been having a good ol' whinge about Jack Ginnivan not being paid high tackle frees. Of course, this is due to his (well-earned) reputation for Oscar-winning overacting every time he's tackled.
However this week, being a game against a non-Victorian club, gives the AFL the perfect opportunity to silence their media critics via the awarding of LOTS of frees to poor Jack Ginnivan.
Its an opportunity that won't be passed up.
To ensure the AFL's wishes are adhered to, expect to see Gianfagna named as a field umpire.
And whilst on the topic of actors, this is a preview written at short (zero) notice & is possibly not the most well-researched or entertaining. So, to make up for it, please accept this completely relevant and on-topic picture of Swans fan, Sydney Sweeney.
The Verdict
Will we p*ss it in? The King! certainly thinks so.
Will our mids be up to the challenge? caesar88 has absolutely no doubt that they will.
Can Will Hayward kick a bag? Grand Uncle Horace guarantees it.
But as always - the most balanced view will likely come from Punts.
Fun Fact
Brian Taylor used to delight in calling current Hawthorn coach (and former West Coast great) Sam Mitchell "The Extractor" during his playing days.
BT can f*** right off.
just don't want to see half fit parker struggling
