With the AFL preseason in motion, multiple predictions have been made about who will pry the premiership away from the Bulldogs’ tight grasp, with both Sydney teams considered contenders. So who will reign, the old or the new?
The Swans finished first and the Giants sixth at the end of the 2016 regular season, with the Swans playing one game more than the Greater Western Sydney during September.
When comparing stats, it is clear how close these two teams are.
Last year, the Swans averaged a 396.5 disposal rate per game compared to the Giants’ 389, however GWS averaged a 73 per cent disposal efficiency rate to the Swans’ 71 per cent.
In terms of the two midfields, the Swans averaged 164.2 in contested possessions compared to the Giants’ 150.2, whereas the Giants’ topped all teams for clearances, with an average of 41, with the Swans second, with 39.
With little difference offered in these stats, it comes down to the players and coaches’ game style.
In 2016, John Longmire looked to increase the fast and precise ball movement throughout the ground, beginning from his back line with the likes of Dane Rampe and Callum Mills. This allowed the team to challenge the Dogs and although success was not achieved, it is something Longmire will look to expand on.
Leon Cameron’s focus in 2016 was contested ball, in order to fuel his decorated forward line, a game plan that carried them to the finals. In 2017 this style will be expanded as this young team develops.
So, who will be Sydney’s shining light in 2017 – will the eighth year of the young Giants life bring them their first flag, or will the Swans reign?
Cat
Roar Guru
I've 'heard' it said before, but no one has ever provided any source or evidence, or even where the rumor began.
Reservoir Animal
Guest
Jim- the articles below are just the start of it. If you disagree with me that the Swans disapproved of COLA's abolition, please provide YOUR evidence. http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/swans-boss-andrew-ireland-slams-criticism-of-sydneys-cost-of-living-concessions/news-story/ad51f6cabcf4d8a7dfff155a60304090?nk=5919d93612295962f9c3e025db53542e-1486027220 http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-04/afl-to-scrap-cola
James
Guest
Thanks for the update
Cat
Roar Guru
If one club can spend money and develop talent only for themselves, then all 18 clubs should have that option but they do not.
jim
Guest
I've heard it is indeed the highest in the league, but as you say its hard to accurately compare all clubs. You need to also remember Cat several of those Melbourne clubs, including Hawthorn, have substantial revenue from pokies - which will take away the need for some of them to push as hard for sponsorship dollars.
jim
Guest
You may be right about Papley James, but I'd be exceptionally surprised about Aliir - that kid is seriously talented and will only get better from here.
jim
Guest
Show me where exactly the Swans as an entity have 'whinged' since the COLA phase out? As usual, evidence in such arguments is well and truly left out of the picture...
jim
Guest
The point Antony made is valid though Aransan - if the AFL wants to pay for the academies, then the players should go into the main draft as per any other player. But if clubs are expected to spend $1m+ developing talent, then they should get some sort of return for investment.
jim
Guest
Yet you have to add the caveat Pumping that Heeney and mills would unlikely be playing the game without the Swans academy either - so its a bit rich to call them 'gifts' per say, as they wouldn't have been there in the first place without the academy system (assuming of course that the AFL would have continued on its merry, dreadful approach to development in NSW that preceded for the 20+ years before the academies approach).
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Yeh, it's often hard to make straight comparisons because there are no standard categories, so some clubs will have a straight merchandising category of revenue, while other clubs might mix merchandising with another sub-category (as a hypothetical example). Anyway, the Swans sponsorship revenue is definitely right up there
Cat
Roar Guru
is it really that different than other clubs? I wouldn't think Geelong would be high on the list but their sponsorship's totaled $16 mil in 2016 on a total revenue of $54.6 mil. Hawthorn apparently only has $10.5 mil in sponsorship on $69.7m revenue Would be interesting to see all 18 clubs in a chart ... though looking at the Pies and Dogs report they don't break down sponsorship separately.
Sydneygirl
Guest
Look forward to seeing Bell. I gather he came from the Shellharbour Swans?
Cat
Roar Guru
Oh so it's the 80's again and buying players is okay? Must be nice to be able to do it outside the salary cap ... again.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Just looking at the Swans finanical results for 2016: Total Revenue: $48.9 mill Of that, sponsorship revenue is now at $18.5 mill, which would be pretty close to the highest in the league.
joe b
Guest
the comment was made in an AFL article, not in the streets of Sydney. I don't think you give enough credit to Association Football fans to be able to determine which code of football is being referred to. Calling AFL 'football" in Sydney does not mean you will necessarily get "strange looks".... no more than referring to other codes as football... it depends on whose company in which you say it.
Sydneygirl
Guest
Hardly gifts when they shelled out heaps of money to train them through the academy!
clipper
Guest
I agree that, as it's the AFL tab, it's clear that Football is the correct usage. However, I do agree with Josh. The AFL have marketed the game up in Sydney as AFL, not Aussie Rules or Australian Football, but AFL.I think it's a smart move, so as not to annoy the Soccer fans, especially as they're both growing while the Rugbies are going backwards.
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
James, he was only 16 at the time and thus ineligible for the Draft, he *will* be eligible in 2017 and wants desperately to be a Swan and the club will sell a grandstand if they need to, to get him. Lock him in to your 2018 Fantasy Team right now
Joe B
Guest
This is the AFL tab Josh, football refers to aussie rules (AFL).... not league, rugby, or soccer.
James
Guest
I think the Swans fringe players may be found out this year - Papley, Aliir and some of the good frustrated youngsters may go home..but hopefully they will get good picks in return. Funny Bell want mentioned in reports on the swans academy for this year or were they hiding him (unlikely)