Sydney are hopeful of repatriating key players for this weekend’s derby against GWS as they plot to bounce back from their darkest loss in recent memory.
Close to 1000 games of AFL experience watched on as Geelong handed the Swans a 93-point hammering – the biggest defeat of John Longmire’s 13-year coaching tenure – in the grand final rematch at Kardinia Park last weekend.
Veteran forward Lance Franklin (knee) and important defenders Dane Rampe (neck) and Tom McCartin (concussion) have missed the past two weeks and already one of the youngest lists in the AFL, the Swans cried out for their experience in round six.
But co-captain Callum Mills confirmed the trio are a chance for Saturday’s clash against the Giants, where pride is once again on the line.
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“They’re not ruled out, we’ll see how this weekend goes but we can’t say they’re definitely playing as well,” Mills said.
Paddy McCartin of the Swans receives attention from a trainer. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )
“We’ll see how this week pans out and what happens there.”
Ruckman Tom Hickey is in line for his first game of the season after shaking off a calf injury and making his return via the VFL last week but there is still no update on Paddy McCartin, who is recovering from the 10th concussion of his AFL career.
“(Hickey) will put his hand up for selection,” Mills said.
“Paddy’s one of my good mates so my care goes out to Paddy. His health is the main priority at this moment and we’re all behind him.”
The Swans meet a Giants side battling personnel issues of their own, but they could welcome veteran Phil Davis back for his first senior game of the year.
“He put his hand up. He’s, I think he’s still a bit sore, though,” captain Toby Greene said.
“He hasn’t had a whole lot of footy in the last six to eight weeks so it’s sort of a wait and see at training.”
All-Australian defender Sam Taylor (hamstring) and foundation Giant Adam Kennedy (knee) became the latest additions to the GWS casualty ward last weekend, while Callan Ward misses through suspension as the latest victim of the AFL’s tackle crackdown.
“It’s a massive blow, no doubt (Taylor) probably is the best key defender in the competition,” said Greene.
“Adam Kennedy as well has done his ACL, which is super disappointing. Both frustrating injuries and part of footy but it’ll give opportunities to a few others as well this week. We still feel like we’ve got a bloody good team.”
Greene, known for playing a passionate brand of footy, insisted players knew where the line was after the usually scrupulous Ward found himself sanctioned for his sling tackle on Brisbane’s Lachie Neale.
“We all know that if you put yourself in that situation, you’re going to be in trouble,” Greene added.
“Everyone knows what it is and isn’t acceptable. It’s probably changed in the last six weeks but you do know.”
Bulldogs star Smith looms as Liberatore replacement
Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith is poised to return from injury against Hawthorn to offset the loss of fellow midfielder Tom Liberatore through concussion.
Liberatore will miss at least one match after he was concussed in a collision with Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw during the Bulldogs’ 49-point win in Perth last week.
Fellow gun Smith looms as a capable replacement, having resumed training with the Dogs’ main group as he nears a comeback from a calf injury that has kept him out of action for two weeks.
Smith was involved in a lengthy discussion with coach Luke Beveridge after Wednesday’s training session.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontemelli said his teammate is refreshed after a stint on the sidelines and excited about a possible comeback against the Hawks at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
“Missing Tom with a concussion is a downer but to bring someone in who is going to be really physical and really want to impose himself on the game pretty quickly is a big positive,” Bontempelli said.
(Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“He was moving pretty well today so he’ll definitely be right in the frame if things all go well.”
The Bulldogs are hopeful Liberatore will be available to return in the round-eight meeting with GWS in Canberra.
“At this stage I’ve seen him do a few things (at training) and I think that means he’s progressing quite well,” Bontempelli said.
“It takes time to fully assess and get over the (concussion) symptoms but from what I can tell from speaking to him so far, it’s in a pretty good space.
“We’ll let it play out as the days unfold but hopefully get him back as soon as (possible).”
Cancer survivor Hill thrilled to be in Anzac Day classic
Less than a year after a cancer diagnosis, Bobby Hill could only pinch himself about playing in front of a record Anzac Day crowd at the MCG.
The dynamic small forward has experienced a rollercoaster 12 months, but hearing the roar of 95,179 fans during a classic Collingwood comeback was a definite high. Last May, Hill underwent surgery for testicular cancer and did not play another AFL game for the season.
During last year’s trade period, the 22-year-old got his wish and moved from GWS to the Magpies.
It was Hill’s desire to be closer to family in Melbourne after partner Georgia gave birth to the couple’s son, Bobby Jnr, in December 2021.
Hill would have been forgiven for easing into life at Collingwood given his setbacks, but instead he has played all six games this season and kicked 10 goals.
Like most Magpies players after Tuesday’s epic victory over Essendon, Hill was buzzing from the experience.
“It was very loud out there,” Hill told AAP in the Collingwood rooms. “Such a privilege to play on a day like this, Anzac Day, and it was an unbelievable win as well.
“Coming from the Giants to the Pies, to play in a game like this with where I’ve come from and all the setbacks, I really have just got to pinch myself. Just looking around before the game, I just had soak it all in. What an unbelievable feeling.
“That minute of silence and then the crowd just roaring is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life and cherish for the rest of my life.”
Exhilarating comebacks have been a trademark of Collingwood since Craig McRae took over as coach ahead of the 2022 season.
Hill said there was a genuine belief the Magpies could win from any position.
“As a group, we just stay positive and focused; everyone’s still smiling even though we’re down,” he said.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
They were winning ball fine earlier this year and for most of last year. I don't think your boys are as bad as you think.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
Joey was a star. He gave the Swans team the hardness and authority that Dangerfield gives Geelong. That only comes with experience (and a lot of hard tackles) and we lost a lot when he finished
Dingo
Roar Rookie
No arguments there Roger but sadly all those champions were not there to help out last Saturday. When a tough battle hardened Geelong outfit puts the pressure on the young fellas don’t compete as well. I love watching Warner, Gulden, Rowbottom etc but they really looked like rabbits in the headlights on GF and last week. Hopefully experience and more gym work might help because they have the talent
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
But at their peak Joey Kennedy ruled the AFL midfield clearance and contested ball numbers for a decade. The Swans don't have that type player now. Luke Parker, for the timeless bull he is, just doesn't win many centre clearances, nor does Chad Warner, Callum Mills or James Rowbottom (who is listed as 186cm when he's more like 178cm). It amazes me how Sydney just can't win centre clearances. It's like their midfielders have no clue how to win these most important of balls ...
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
The Swans aren’t a crack outfit, but a relatively young outfit with lots of cracks. And I’m a lifetime Bloods supporter …
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
Dingo, For the record Geelong would not have run through Kennedy, Goodes , Bolton or Kelly. Heeney used to tackle beyond his size but no more, we have a serious hole in our midfield, would almost play rampe there when needed
Ace
Roar Rookie
Yes Doc..it was good when they stopped to have a second look at us before going on with it
Ace
Roar Rookie
I agree Dingo although Brett Harvey must have wondered where he went wrong :laughing:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Love having Bobby at the club. A couple of years back he wanted Essendon, so could have been on the other side on Anzac day. Yet another bloke who shows up people who only look at stats instead of watching games. So young too, hope he has a long career at the Pies.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
Agree Doc. It’s such a physical game now, the bigger boys will always intimidate. Not too many smaller midfielders left. The really good mids ie Bont, Oliver, Cripps etc are all 100kgs
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I’m not gonna lie, I’d prefer the big bulls. I was an 81 kg winger who felt far more comfortable when a brawl broke out (and they always do) when the big boys arrived to save the day.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
I agree with a lot of what is said here but one thing that concerned me were that lessons were not learned from the Grand Final. Cats midfield smashed us that day so surely the way forward was to challenge them better in that area. Mills was needed in the midfield playing on Danger and others. Without him the Swans looked just too small to contest. I really like James Rowbottom but Dangerfield needs a big bodied mature player like Mills or Parker. Cameron and co will score against the best but denying them the ball is the only way to beat them. Just hope for a big improvement on Saturday then Pies at MCG which is another huge test.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Maybe, but historically the Swans haven’t fielded a large midfield. Look at the player profiles for the past 20 years and you’ll notice most of their mids aren’t that big or small. The list management probably values a more versatile approach with players often having an average weight in the 85kg range, rather 90+ kg beasts we see in other teams. I don’t think that’s a bad thing necessarily.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It is, and it's good to acknowledge this rather than the outs. The Swans are a crack outfit. They didn't make the grand because they're bad. This is an area I expect them to improve in significantly. It's easier said than done, though. Winning the ball is generally what all teams want to do.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Hill should frequent the tennis, they have new balls all the time. Seriously I'm glad he's good to go.
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
And why didn't they win the contested ball against Geelong again? Because Sydney's mids are too small! This fact has been well and truly exposed since the demise and eventual retirement of clearance beast Joey Kennedy, yet Kinnear Beatson and Simon Dalrymple continue to recruit small, light midfielders. Swans list needs a good overhaul, including the current list managers ...
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
McDonald has not dominated a quarter like Van Rooyen did last weekend in his 3 seasons. He just doesn't present enough, get to enough contests, is not an aerial threat, and just doesn't get enough ball overall. But they need to persist with him in his third year to see what he's actually got. McLean is a one trick pony (marking high balls) but is as slow as a wet week once the ball hits the ground. I'd trade him. He just does not have enough upside to stay on the list. Crazy how the Swans traded out Nankervis and Cameron to persist with a perennially injured Sam Naismith, who is now gone whilst the other two are still playing. Joel Amartey has heaps of upside but his dodgy hammys are a worry. Sydney should go hard for Ben King, and stop recruiting small midfielders and get some height, size and strength on the list ...
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
Doc, Can't disagree, putting Mills in defence a big mistake but we still got run over. I am sure they will bounce back but our centre got slaughtered again, that's a problem
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Swans will be fine - thrashings down at Kardinia Park happen. Horse is a quality coach. He’ll acknowledge his mistake with their midfield setup and get this right against the Giants. They didn’t lose because of their backline. They were thrashed because they couldn’t win the ball. Win the ball and it’s amazing how your backline deficiencies go away.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
Gee the Swans need something and although Buddy is not the answer, at least he can stick a tackle. Rampe and MaCartin is huge but what has been disappointing is Logan McDonald and McLean, can't see either being the next dominant player. But Amarty , I think he is the real deal. Best case for Swans this year is to make the finals and then they need some big boys for next year like Doedee or the like.