For the Swans to be competitive in the 18-team strong 2012 AFL season, there are many key factors that must be considered, before they can make it past the second week of September for the first time since 2006. The first is the veterans.
The veterans
The Swans’ ‘old boys’ finished 2011 on a high note.
They must take the form from the semi-final against St Kilda, which saw some career-best displays, into next season.
Premiership heroes and club veterans, Jude Bolton and Adam Goodes, had arguably their best seasons.
Goodes surpassed 300 games and Bolton is not far from being the third South Melbourne-Sydney player, to reach the milestone.
Both have treated their bodies well and full, and uninterrupted pre-seasons will see both stars surpass Michael O’Loughlin’s efforts in the inaugural 18-team competition.
Ryan O’Keefe was consistent as always.
As one of the most underrated players in the AFL, it is inconceivable he is rarely tagged.
Playing a pivotal role within the side, O’Keefe has the strongest hands at the Swans, behind Goodes and emerging star Sam Reid.
As a midfielder, he has competed with the best in the competition, however, like Goodes, he can play in any position and do any job for the coaches.
To reach new heights in 2012, O’Keefe must be utilised by John Longmire as a half-forward midfielder type, to providing an extra option in attack to add another dimension to the already dangerous threats that are Sam Reid and Adam Goodes.
Fellow premiership player, Paul Bevan had an interrupted first half of the season, with injury limiting his game time and his ability to regain selection, in the first grade side.
Tadgh Kennelly and Craig Bolton performed beyond expectation for the club and will be sorely missed by the club.
Emerging youngsters, Alex Johnson and Nick Smith have made the transition easy, towards the end of 2011, showing a bright future and hopefully assuring a rigid defensive structure to work the team around.
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