Some will call it a bold coaching move from Swans mentor John Longmire. Some will label it a massive risk.
But selecting Adam Goodes in their team to meet Carlton in Saturday’s knockout semi-final at ANZ Stadium is a decision which has to be made.
The inspirational Swans leader and dual Brownlow Medal winner hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in the Round 13 game against Port Adelaide on June 22.
It was only around a fortnight ago Longmire dented the aspirations of Swans fans when he said that while Goodes was back running, he still hadn’t trained.
It appeared to even the most optimistic, Goodes wouldn’t be a part of Sydney’s finals campaign.
But after a taking part in a 75 minute training session in searing Sydney heat on Tuesday, Goodes put himself well and truly in the frame to be a major talking point when the Swans match committee met yesterday morning.
And they should pick, risk or not.
Apart from missing three consecutive games in his debut season back in 1999, the only other time during his incredible, club record, 331 game career Goodes has missed more than a single match was last season.
He injured his quadricep – ironically on June 22 – and missed five matches, and while his return against Geelong brought just a seven possession performance, his presence and leadership on the park was vital in Sydney’s win.
And it will be the same against Carlton. He won’t be anywhere near his top, there is obviously no way he can be, but what he will bring to the team on the field will be invaluable.
It was something they could have used last Friday night when Hawthorn got away from them in the third term.
Sure Goodes has the potential to be a match-winner, but this will be more about his leadership in a big game, and the settling influence he brings to the team.
Some commentators were critical of the Swans’ selection of Lewis Jetta last week.
After just one run in the seconds, Jetta was used as the sub last week against Hawthorn and looked like he was still trying to find his touch when he came onto the MCG.
It’s unlikely Longmire could use both Jetta and Goodes this week and, given the choice, he has to go with the veteran of 23 finals.
A lot comes down to how he goes at this morning’s final training session at the SCG. If there are no problems for Goodes, if he can complete exactly what is asked of him, his name will be one of the first put on the whiteboard for Saturday’s clash with Carlton.
Unlike the good old days which tantalised footy fans, this time around he won’t get the job on Chris Judd, but his presence up in Sydney’s forward line will be significant, and while not crucial, it will be important for a Sydney victory.
A risk? Of course, but that’s what finals are about. You need to take risks both on the park and at the match committee meetings.
The Swans could always leave Goodes out and save him for the preliminary final clash with Fremantle a week, but what a waste that would be if they don’t even get to Perth.
The bottom line though is this. Goodes is, and always has been, all about the team. He won the game’s highest individual award twice, but he won those awards while still playing his team role.
For Goodes, team is first, and it’s the same right now. If he didn’t think he was going to be able to get through a game and contribute, he would be the first one to put his hand up and say no, you can’t pick me.
He hasn’t, so you can guarantee, he is good to go.
Longmire took a punt – albeit after consultation with player and doctor – by leaving Goodes on the field after he injured his knee in last year’s grand final, and not only did he then kick a vital late goal, but his role was inspirational.
It can be again at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Daws
Guest
Looks like he's out. I'm sure Richmond were thinking that they could beat Carlton "fairly comfortably" too, so wouldn't be jumping to any conclusions in a hurry...
Slane
Guest
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/adam-goodes-left-out-of-sydney-swans-side-for-afl-finals-20130912-2tncy.html
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Poor old Judey looks to have gone a bridge too far. Goodesy will surely be ridiculously underdone.
Michael Cowley
Expert
It's looking like Rohan might be making way for Goodes after this mornings training session.
Rudere
Guest
I reckon the Swans all looked tired in the second half last weekend Can't see Goodes making a whole lot of difference
David
Guest
I barrack for Hawthorn and went to the last 2 games Rohan has been poor the last 2 weeks. He has been lucky to be on the end of some good play to kick 3 goals in the 2 games. Either Rohan or Bolton out. Bolton has looked slow in both games.
Gregor
Guest
Sydney are absolutely zero chance of beating Freo without Goodes being a factor, which he won't be without at least some match practice. Playing him this week is a no-brainer. He can't be any worse than Rohan was last week.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Goodes needs some game time before we play Fremantle. I think we can beat Carlton fairly comfortably so he should play and if necessary sub him off in the last quarter. Again they should use Jetta as the sub.
Livvi
Guest
@Michael, I could not agree more, In an era where we label players as champions all too cheaply, Adam Goodes is the true deal. He makes his teammates walk taller and dig deeper just through his presence. Players like that, for whom individual honours mean little and Team is everything are very rare and exceptionally valuable commodities, if he says he is ready to go, you pick him - simple as that. I believe he will be the difference between a fired up Carlton and our walking wounded cast of warriors. His sheer will is enough to drag us over the line and he must be picked. Whether he will be able to carry us through to the GF after a win against Fremantle the following week is problematic - I rate the Purple Haze highly and one man cannot defeat them alone, but I know this - if Goodes doesn't play against Freo (assuming we do defeat Carlton as anticipated) we CANNOT win. I hope me beloved Sydney picks Adam this week. Even if he only got five possessions he would be a worthwhile selection because of all the other qualities I mentioned. We may fall just short this year but, given a kinder run with injuries and the games we've gotten into our kids, watch out for us big time in 2014"
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Yeah, I'm not a fan of this move. Goodes has been steadily declining in ability for a good year or two, and the last time he came back from a layoff he REALLY struggled for a few games before getting back ANY semblance of form. Far better to leave him out and give him a full pre-season to prepare for next season. And I think Rohan is cooked too. Brilliant and courageous effort to get back for a few games this year, but leave him out and look to next season as well.
Winston
Guest
I'm sceptical. Everyone keeps takling about Goodes in the GF last year, but I don't think that's the right comparison. The better comparison is that Geelong game when he just came back from injury. And the 7 disposals stat is not a true reflection of how bad he was that day. He couldn't run, he couldn't bend down, fumbled EVERY time he got the ball, it was actually quite painful to watch. The only upshot is that Carlton isn't a team that tackles or pressures very well so hopefully if this is a free flowing game, he'll have a chance to get some touches and build his confidence. The alternative (ie assuming they can win this week without him, and then putting him straight into Perth) would be far worse as there is no way someone match unfit can stand up to the pressue of Fremantle.
David
Guest
I would play Goode's for a full game as a deep full forward leading out of the goal square. Carlton's defence is vulnerable to tall forwards and this would allow Pike to drop back in close to goal behind Goode's when he leads and expose Carlton's lack of tall defenders. Tippett could play as a more traditional centre half forward not crowding Goode's and Pike. The weakness with this plan is if Warnock dominates the hit outs the way he did after half time last week against Richmond then Pike/Tippett will have to spend considerable time in the ruck to combat Warnock's height advantage. Mumford is 12cm shorter than Warnock and may struggle because of Warnock's height advantage.