The Swans start their AFL season on March 31 and, despite indifferent results in their pre-season matches, they appear to have allayed fears that they would struggle in 2007 to repeat their heroic recent feats.
Before the Swans took to the field this year, speculation was growing on whether the team could maintain its hunger after winning the flag in 2005 and coming within a single point of winning again in 2006. Could their established stars do it all again? Do they have sufficient reinforcements? Is coach Paul Roos as keen as he once was?
Over the past month, those questions have been responded to in a way that suggests the round one match against the premiers, West Coast Eagles, will have all the skills and thrills of the most recent half dozen or so clashes between the two teams.
The Swans have eased their senior players back into the fold smartly and, in the meantime, unearthed some fine young talent. In their most recent clash, a 56 point
thrashing of Collingwood in the NAB Challenge, Barry Hall returned to action with a bang, while Adam Goodes, having his second run around, kicked four goals. Hall
looked sharp and appears ready to bury the demons from what was a poor showing in the 2006 decider.
Hall and Goodes are crucial factors in the Swans’ fortunes. Ben Mathews, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh, Amon Buchanan, Michael O’Loughlin, Nick Davis and several other top
players on the team’s roster have proven in recent weeks that they are ready and hungry.
Peter Everitt has fitted in well culturally and on the field with his new club, while
youngsters lead by Jesse White have demonstrated that the senior players should not assume their position is forever safe.
There are some injury concerns, with Adam Schneider, young gun Heath Grundy and Lewis Roberts-Thomson sidelined. However, with one more pre-season hit out planned before the first four points come up for grabs, the indications are good. Speculation over the Swans’ potential this season has been eased and the club seems ready for a successful year.
Searly
Guest
From the dark, dismal and sometimes heady (Swannette) days of the 80s and 90s, the Swans have now become one of the most dependable teams of any winter code. These days it is almost unthinkable that they won't go about their business, racking up results when required and be there at the business end of the season. Is there a more professional outfit in Australia? They have also been blessed by a fantastic run with injuries over the past few seasons (or is it just that they always have someone waiting to fill a hole when someone does miss a game or two). If their luck turns this season, it could be a different story, but you won't see me putting my hard earned on them missing the finals. That said, I still hope they get done by the Mighty Pies!