It has been such an intriguing exercise so far trying to determine a favourite for this year’s flag. So intriguing, in fact, I hadn’t found the time to consider who it was I wanted to win it.
But yesterday, while the team sitting on the top of the ladder was being criticised for operating above its station, and a newspaper article bemoaned its cost-of-living salary cap concessions, I made a decision.
I want the Sydney Swans to win the Premiership.
If it can’t be the poor Western Bulldogs ,who I have a weakness for, then let it be the maligned and unfashionable Swans.
I didn’t see this first expansion team as a “foreign” enterprise. I watched on with interest throughout the slightly grotesque carnival of its early years with helicopter arrivals, poaching of star players, and the blond mulletted bogan in pink boots. Also, I didn’t feel threatened when it prospered, as it was a validation of the game in the non- AFL State.
It didn’t rely solely on Victorian recruits either. One of its most celebrated players, captain and Brownlow medallist Paul Kelly, was a New South Welshman. Also they were good enough to give away an even better one, to North Melbourne in 1987. Wayne Carey, the boy from Wagga Wagga, would go on to become probably the greatest footballer ever.
During those early hedonistic days it would have been hard to imagine the side becoming the dowdy consistent one of modern times.
To supporters of teams with stronger rosters, or flashier styles, the arrival of Paul Roos’ mob put a damper on things. Missing the finals just twice in the last decade they have stifled, smothered and flooded the life out of teams with better premiership credentials.
In their “dominant” period of 2005 and 2006 they won a grand final by a paltry four points and lost another by a mere behind.
The newspaper article I referred to talked of the Swans “splashing” money around thanks to the extra $800,000 they are granted to cover the higher cost-of-living expenses of Sydney.
The truth is many of the Swans players are rejects from other clubs, recruited to fill holes in the outfit but also providing the compelling spectacle of players out to prove a point.
Its reliance on the other States is still enormous with only 7 of its 39 listed players coming from NSW which means the vast majority of its young draftees will be without the comfort of family and friends when they embark on their arduous AFL journey.
The Melbourne clubs have a huge retention advantage simply by being located near the homes and families of most their players.
Much has been said about the Swans’ ultimate lack of class, and over reliance on Adam Goodes and the resurrection of Lewis Jetta.
But two important things have changed. Firstly, they’re on top of the ladder. Who saw that coming? They could only manage third in their premiership season. And secondly, they are currently the best team for forcing and punishing turnovers as well as being a more offensive team than in the past hence the whopping percentage of 146. In 2005 they finished with 116%.
In such a tightly contested season, I’m hoping the tough and dowdy Swans – now with a bit more pizazz – will be capable of stealing the show.
Mitch
Guest
Not true at all. While he was going to play second fiddle to Ottens at Geelong he had plenty of opportunities (beginning with all of the times Ottens was injured). He played pretty much all of 2009 bar the finals series when he had already said he was going to Sydney IIRC. The Cats who were already facing pretty severe salary cap constraints with most players already earning substantially less then they could get at other clubs in order to keep the team together and they simply couldn't match the amount of money the Swans were offering him. Anyway I'm not sold at all on the Swans. Premiership teams don't give up 8 and 6 goal margins in consecutive weeks and bearly got across the line after the Dons put in three of their worst quarters in a while and the Cats put in their worst half for the best part of a decade. Credit where credit is due for the Swans putting the Cats in that position, but Essendon was unusually woeful at kicking which had more to do with themselves then the Swans. I just can't see Sydney beating Collingwood at the G when it counts. The Pies are fairly clear favourates at this point and they'd beat interstate teams far more often then not at the G when it really matters. The only team that I think would stand a chance against them (going by current form at least) is Hawthorn due to the pain of losing last years PF. I rate Adelaide (if only for the fact they'll likely be top 2 due to their easy run) and West Coast as ahead of them too.
Smokey
Guest
Goodes played against Adelaide. Admittedly if he had not gone off early in the fourth quarter they probably would have won given they only lost by 5 points...
Brasso
Guest
Well done JVGO. To be prepared to go back 8 years for that shows real perserverence! I salute your determination.
Stewie
Guest
Yeah, I know, I said that to support the argument. Only places it seems we can't play are in Melbourne, which is infuriating as they are the only games I can go to...
Ray
Guest
Where was the article criticising the swans?
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Still Hawthorn's own ground that they've played a significant number of games at.
yewonk
Guest
well of course you can caught with drugs twice with out anyone but the team doctor knowing. certainly helps keep a low profile.
JVGO
Guest
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/21/1079823236759.html
Reece Jordan
Roar Pro
I read the same article and am glad to someone else write this. The paper unfairly painted the Swans as a team of poachers who can afford to get players other teams can't afford to keep. They even said the cost of living bonus is what lured Shane Mumford from Geelong, when in reality it was the lack of chances he got at Geelong - like most players coming from other clubs. Here's to the Swans!
Bozo
Guest
When a swans player has an indiscretion, it doesn't get reported because no one cares, certainly not any one in Sydney any way.
John
Guest
Barry Hall had a few incidents on the field but nothing off it. That's as close as I can think of. I used to hate the Swans with a passion despite them being my local team growing up. I happily became a GWS supporter but have developed a soft spot for the swans this year. I hope they win the premiership. It may lift the Giants up a notch if they do.....
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
It'd be a great cue if they could but i think this year the Pies will win- the Swans will have their time, its just not now
Stewie
Guest
In Launceston
Davyn
Roar Rookie
Not wrong about the Swans and there ability to revamp players. It seems struggling players find good touch up in Sydney. I'd like to see them in the finals, but as we all know finals footy is very different. Thing is anyone could finish top from 6 clubs. Sydney may not even finish top 4. ( they more than likely will)
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Collingwood just got done by Carlton and Swans have already beaten Hawthorn.
fieldy
Roar Rookie
Swans will not win, the post above is correct: Collingwood vs Hawthorn
Strummer Jones
Guest
Yes totally agree. His form this year has been disappointing. I think he is currently a little immature perhaps, and maybe figured things would just fall into place. Needs a good wack around the ears from his mum and a good "stop it" when he does something stupid.
Ads
Guest
They'll have to beat Collingwood or Hawthorn in Melbourne to win it. Good Luck.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Greetings Strummer Jones, Add Hannebury to the list. He does some knuckleheaded things when not under pressure. Stop it. yours sincerely Headon Simonon
Matt F
Roar Guru
Reid's drastically improved his accuracy over the last few weeks. I think he's kicked 16.3 over the last 6 weeks. Apparently he's been working with Nick Davis on his kicking which is a good move. TDL has great potential but there is a feeling that he doesn't work hard enough without the ball. it's also the reason why Morton can't get a game despite kicking stacks of goals in the reserves. Parker apparently played in the reserves last week and it wouldn't surprise me if he replaced Bird for Sunday. He's a very tough kid. Gets a hairline fracture in his jaw in Round 1 and doesn't miss a game then picks up what is supposed to be a 6 week shoulder injury and is playing after 4. He probably would have played seniors last week if we weren't on a bit of a hot streak like we currently are.