Where is the love? Punters don’t rate Sydney Swans
Roar Pro 
Shane Mumford of the Swans in the ruck (Slattery Images)
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In 2012, the competition is so close that premiership favouritism changes almost fortnightly. It is one of the most even seasons the AFL has ever seen. The top teams are separated by just four premiership points.
Hawthorn, Carlton, West Coast and Collingwood have all spent time as flag favourites. But where is the love for Sydney?
The Swans have seemingly flown under the radar compared to their more fancied opponents, yet they sit atop the ladder following last night’s thrilling six point win over reigning premiers Geelong.
Sydney have accumulated an impressive hit list which includes victories over heavyweights Hawthorn, Essendon and now the Cats.
However punters are reluctant to back the Swans despite their impressive 9-3 record.
According to Sportsbet.com.au Sydney are fifth favourite to win the flag. Prior to the commencement of this round Sydney were paying $11, behind the likes of Collingwood ($3.75), Hawthorn ($3.75), West Coast ($6) and Adelaide ($7).
One factor that could be scaring punters away from backing the Swans is their MCG hoodoo.
Winless in their last nine starts at the home of football, Sydney will need to improve their record if they are to add to their sole premiership in 2005.
However, on current form, they deserve to be higher up that list.
Over to you, Roarers. How do you rate the Swans chances in 2012?
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The Crowd Says (13) | Page 1 of Comments
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- 2012 AFL season, AFL, Sydney Swans
June 23rd 2012 @ 6:25am
Norm said | June 23rd 2012 @ 6:25am | Report comment
I think the jury is out on every team so far. Today’s C/wood v WCE game should show us if these 2 sides are ahead of the pack.
June 23rd 2012 @ 8:33am
hog said | June 23rd 2012 @ 8:33am | Report comment
They don’t rate the swans in the finals if they have to play in Melbourne, no matter how well their playing during the season always the if factor.
June 23rd 2012 @ 10:46am
Keagan Ryan said | June 23rd 2012 @ 10:46am | Report comment
They don’t get another chance at the G this year in the regular season – big concern. Anywhere else in the country they’d be fine
June 23rd 2012 @ 11:49am
matt said | June 23rd 2012 @ 11:49am | Report comment
untill they can beat teams in melbourne, the punters arent going to get around them, couple this with their tendancy to create big leads then lose them as the game goes on is pretty off putting. The swans were -8.5 for the line, and i rekon many thought this bet was safe by half time, but look what happend, geelong end up covering the +8.5 in the end.
June 23rd 2012 @ 12:53pm
Keagan Ryan said | June 23rd 2012 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
That is a major concern for mine also – Unlike a Sydney Swans outfit to relax and slacken off
June 23rd 2012 @ 1:02pm
Chris H said | June 23rd 2012 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
Last time I looked the Swans had 4 premiership trophies in their cabinet… The club moved from south to Sydney, South did not close down & a new club started. The club still has 8000 members in Melbourne which represents roughly a third of their membership base, any body who thinks that the Swans only have a 30 year history is kidding themselves.
The club needs to address the fact they haven’t got a reliable forward before that can be a serious flag contender, mind you if Ried clicks or they can afford to leave Goodes forward, then that can be fixed.
June 23rd 2012 @ 4:59pm
Keagan Ryan said | June 23rd 2012 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
As the Sydney Swans they’ve won 1 flag
September 11th 2012 @ 1:17pm
Grant said | September 11th 2012 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
Well said! I can’t stand when imbeciles omit our whole history. Go Bloods!!!
June 23rd 2012 @ 1:26pm
Jack Russell said | June 23rd 2012 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
Need to finish top 4, probably top 2. No reason why they can’t given they’ve beaten Essendon and Hawthorn away and their draw is pretty good from here. You’d expect them to finish with 15 wins at the very least. With probably 4 tough games left, how they fare in those will determine whether they can finish top 2. Split them 2-2 and they’re a massive chance at the flag.
June 23rd 2012 @ 1:46pm
Jonny G said | June 23rd 2012 @ 1:46pm | Report comment
As a Swans fan, I prefer it the way we sneak under the radar and aren’t rated outside of Sydney. I feel this year that they have exceeded expectations by being in the four.
June 23rd 2012 @ 5:00pm
Keagan Ryan said | June 23rd 2012 @ 5:00pm | Report comment
Certainly have. The way Roos then Longmire have kept Sydney competitive yet improving without bottoming out is impressive.
June 23rd 2012 @ 7:11pm
Nick Jungfer said | June 23rd 2012 @ 7:11pm | Report comment
Seems like the Swans are up there nearly every year, making it easier to ‘get used to them’ and/or overlook them. Rarely is it a wise move to write the Swans off.
June 23rd 2012 @ 7:16pm
Norm said | June 23rd 2012 @ 7:16pm | Report comment
What a gr8 game it was at the MCG tonight. 63,000 – mainly C/wood supporters. These are definitely the top 2 teams – & C/wood is now on top!