I wrote an article last week casting severe doubt on whether the Sydney Swans had the ability to go back to back this year.
The Swans had been outmuscled at their own game in recent weeks and a few of their key players had been down on form.
When Rhyce Shaw, Nick Smith, Dan Hannerbury and Kurt Tippett were ruled out last Friday, I feared that the Hawks could demolish Sydney and further dent a side already down on confidence. I was regretting my decision to travel out to Homebush.
Instead, I emerged from ANZ Stadium with a renewed sense of belief and a quiet confidence that Sydney can go very close to repeating last season’s heroics.
The Hawks fielded a near full strength side, Cyril Rioli being the only notable omission. The Swans fielded four players in their rookie season, one of whom was making his debut.
Their defensive resources looked very thin against arguably the most potent and dangerous forward line in the competition. This, combined with perfect football conditions, suggested to me that the Hawks could pile on a cricket score.
From the first bounce the Swans appeared hungry, enthusiastic and determined to win the one percenters. Their superstar midfield was leading by example. Keiran Jack, in particular, was enormous.
The Swans tackle count was up, they were winning the contested footy and distributing the ball effectively; a stark contrast to their performance at Simmonds Stadium six days earlier.
Most encouragingly, they kicked 16 goals without Tippett, something that has seemed impossible since his arrival on the scene.
The Swans dominated the contest for the first three quarters and the statistics that matter most to coaches. Although the Swans didn’t win, they shouldn’t be discouraged, instead approaching this week’s rematch with a real sense of confidence. They have appeared to have rediscovered their mojo.
The Swans have far greater upside than the Hawks do leading into Friday night. Arguably the Swans’ two most influential players this season, Daniel Hannerbury and Kurt Tippett, will return. Nick Smith will bring stability to the defensive unit. Most exciting of all Lewis Jetta should make his return. He is the X-factor the Swans have been so desperately craving.
On the flip side, Cyril Rioli’s return is almost certainly cancelled out by Lance Franklin’s omission, following his brain fade last weekend. Buddy is a big game player but his game is littered with ill discipline and it could cost the Hawks the premiership this season.
‘Cheer, cheer the red and the white’ will be echoing around the home of football after the final siren on Friday night.
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