Is the Premiership window still wide open for Sydney to defend their title?
The Swans are on track to make a good fist of defending their 2012 AFL Premiership following a gutsy victory over Hawthorn on the final day of last season.
John Longmire has a bunch of committed, courageous and disciplined players on his list and I cannot see much altering in 2013, which gives Sydney every chance of repeating their success.
The ‘Bloods’ have been able to keep hold of all their key contributors which is vital and they will get promising forward Kurt Tippett into the action midway through the season which should provide plenty of added depth.
But his arrival is not an overriding factor in whether or not the side can push for another top-four finish and have a crack at another Grand Final decider.
A lot of that relies on the second tier pushing through and developing rapidly enough to add to the star performers that are already present.
The likes of Tony Armstrong, Andrejs Everitt, Luke Parker, Sam Reid and Nick Smith will need to give a bit more in order for the Swans to really be a genuine threat.
In saying that, there is enough star quality and experience in the Sydney line-up through the likes of Ryan O’Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh, Adam Goodes, Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack and Jude Bolton.
Add to that the largely underrated assets of Ted Richards, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Malceski and Martin Mattner and there is recipe for further triumphs for the red and white.
Producing winning scores is not too much of a problem with the competent goalkicking abilities of Lewis Jetta, Goodes, Reid, Ben McGlynn, Kennedy, Jack and Roberts-Thomson – plus the addition of Tippett – placing Sydney in a solid position in the forward 50.
The back half is not too shabby either with the Swans able to negate their opposition into kicking the fewest points against them in the entire competition last year.
A lot of that stems from the midfield being able to win the ball at will through Kennedy, O’Keefe and McVeigh’s envious hardball work-rate which is boosted by the delivery of Jack, Jetta and Malceski. The former trio are also very adept at that particular part of the game making life as a Sydney forward relatively cushy.
There are so many superlatives to throw around when describing a team such as the Swans with their closeness as a unit, willingness to work for each other, determination to win and desperation to put their body on the line standouts as to why they were such a hit in 2012.
The familiarity and know-how of last season will only bode well for the playing group in Sydney and I feel they will give themselves every chance of pushing for another bout of silverware to add to the SCG trophy cabinet.
Key players
Jarrad McVeigh – Co-captain who is as good in the tight situation as he is running free with the ball. Continues to rack up possessions and sets such a good example with his workrate.
Josh Kennedy – Stoppage expert who was brilliant in 2013 averaging 28 disposals a game.
Ryan O’Keefe – The heart and soul of Sydney, epitomised by his 15 tackles and Norm Smith medal in the Grand Final. Capable in the midfield or up forward.
Breakout players
Luke Parker – 32-game inside midfielder who loves a contest. Expect him play a lot more in 2013 after sustaining a broken jaw and collarbone last year.
Tony Armstrong – Speedy defender with good skills who could see more action in 2013.
Promising youngsters
Gary Rohan – A really bad leg injury has set him back but he is now like a new recruit for the reigning premiers.
Tom Mitchell – 2011 draft pick who is highly rated. Injured for most of last year but will develop nicely with some regular game time.
Tim Membrey – Has been given guernsey number one. Mature body and is a chance to play early. Medium-sized lead-up forward suited to SCG.
Key inclusions
Kurt Tippett – Athletic forward from Adelaide who will provide plenty of depth. Able to pinch hit in the ruck.
Notable departures
Trent Dennis-Lane – St Kilda
Predicted finish: Third
Worth a punt
Josh Kennedy to win Brownlow: $21
Sydney to win Premiership: $7
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