Preview 2024 Round 09 - Swans take on the Freo Footstools

[dosser]

I'm just patiently waiting for the Kings proclamation......

-----

Check post #50

 

[Jewelsbon]

Check post #50

Thanks Doss, missed that one completely! I feel far more relaxed now

 

[dosser]

Thanks Doss, missed that one completely! I feel far more relaxed now

It's the only post that I look for because it makes all of the others redundant

 

[Adnico26Parker]

 

[kelpie_X]

I always knew them as ottomans.

Although these days, you’d likely have to refer to them as ottopersons.

Aren't they the Turks?

 

[kelpie_X]

Thanks Doss, missed that one completely! I feel far more relaxed now

So does the little animation man in your post.

 

[Callipygian]

Review will be up today folks. It’s going to be a cracker.

Stay tuned.

[update]

OK:

Swans v Pouffes Preview

This Friday night lights up with an AFL clash that promises fireworks as the Fremantle Dockers host the Sydney Swans at the scenic Optus Stadium in Perth at 8:30 PM. Both teams are striding into this matchup with significant momentum, albeit draped in contrasting cloaks of concern due to a spate of injuries.

Recent Form & Team Analysis

Fremantle, fresh off a dazzling 54-point trouncing of Richmond, will be riding high on confidence. Their scintillating seven-goal final quarter in Melbourne was a testament to their lethal finishing abilities. Key players like Josh Treacy, who bagged a career-high four goals, and the midfield dynamism of Hayden Young and Caleb Serong, who commandeered the ground with authority, were instrumental in that victory. Another notable performance came from Luke Ryan in defense, making him a player to watch this Friday.

Conversely, the Sydney Swans carved out a solid 29-point victory over their arch-rival Greater Western Sydney in challenging wet conditions, displaying tenacity and strategic depth. Will Hayward was the star in the forward line with four goals, while the midfield pair of Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney controlled the tempo and exerted dominance when it mattered most. However, Sydney’s injury woes, particularly the uncertainty around Tom McCartin’s availability after a heavy hit, casts a shadow over their defensive lineup.

Injury Impacts

Fremantle’s lengthy injury list, including pivotal figures like Josh Corbett and Brennan Cox, poses questions about their defensive resilience and forward link-up play. The potential returns of concussion-trial duo Odin Jones, and Sam Switkowski could boost their roster, but their match readiness remains under scrutiny.

Sydney’s injury challenges are equally daunting. The absence of Callum Mills in the midfield and the uncertainty around Sam Reid’s forward presence could stifle their structural flexibility and depth, key components of their game plan.

Tactical Considerations

The game's location at Optus Stadium offers Fremantle the home-ground advantage, a factor not to be underestimated with the parochial Perth crowd behind them. Fremantle’s strategy against Richmond showcased their ability to control the game's tempo through meticulous possession and strategic positioning. This approach will be crucial against Sydney, known for their aggressive press and quick counter-attacks.

Sydney, on the other hand, must adapt to the expansive grounds of Optus Stadium, which suits teams that excel in endurance and wide play. The potential gaps left by McCartin could see Sydney tweak their defensive strategies, possibly pulling back a midfielder to bolster the backline, thereby increasing the onus on Heeney and Gulden to maintain midfield dominance.

Players to Watch

For Fremantle, keep an eye on Hayden Young, whose transformation into a midfield powerhouse needs to continue if Fremantle is to counteract Sydney's midfield might. Caleb Serong will also need to replicate his high disposal and high-impact game to outshine Sydney’s midfield.

Sydney will lean heavily on Isaac Heeney, whose form this season has been nothing short of stellar. His ability to turn games with his clearances and goal sense will be pivotal. Moreover, Will Hayward’s recent form suggests he could again be the key in the forward half.

Prediction

Expect a tightly contested affair with both sides grappling with significant absences. Fremantle’s home advantage and the confidence from their last outing might just tilt the balance in their favor, but Sydney’s resilience and structured gameplay under John Longmire should never be underestimated.

Ultimately, the game could come down to which team better manages their bench and adapts to the in-game dynamics. Predicting a thriller, Fremantle might edge out with a narrow win, perhaps by less than two goals, given their home advantage and recent explosive form.

As the Friday night spectacle unfolds under the Perth sky, it won't just be a test of skill but also of strategic acumen and depth, promising an AFL showdown worth its weight in gold.

Spoiler

This was entirely produced by ChatGPT4. It took in data from the last 3 games, injury lists, previous game reports and produced this independent prediction. How long did it take you to realise?

I picked this as a ChatGPT work. There were telltale signs. First, the prose. Second the references to McCartin, Reid and Mills were clearly not the work of someone from this board who knows what's what. That was enough to make me pretty sure.

 

[Swan_Lifer]

Aside from the name-calling, thats a pretty good preview SM_d.

If their Mids turn up, I see this is a 50/50 game.

Sportsbet have: Dockers 2.26 / Swans 1.64

A highlight will be seeing an in-form Nat Fyfe going up against our boys.

 

[Callipygian]

Strongly disagree about dropping Roberts unless he is unfit.

Either we bring Francis for McCartin or we bring Parker for McCartin and swing Fox back. Could be weather dependent. The rainier it is the less we need another tall (Francis). The other option is to drop Amartey for Parker which is more of a chance the rainier it is - but I note we didn't go down that path against the Giants when rain was forecast.

Assuming we do intend to bring Parker back into the team though, now is the time to do it. It's only going to get harder otherwise (barring injuries). Roberts and Jordon are really deserving their spots plus they're young and so deserve priority all other things being equal. Right now Fox is the last player picked and would be the first to make way IMO.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Strongly disagree about dropping Roberts unless he is unfit.

Either we bring Francis for McCartin or we bring Parker for McCartin and swing Fox back. Could be weather dependent. The rainier it is the less we need another tall (Francis). The other option is to drop Amartey for Parker which is more of a chance the rainier it is - but I note we didn't go down that path against the Giants when rain was forecast.

Assuming we do intend to bring Parker back into the team though, now is the time to do it. It's only going to get harder otherwise (barring injuries). Roberts and Jordon are really deserving their spots plus they're young and so deserve priority all other things being equal. Right now Fox is the last player picked and would be the first to make way IMO.

It's hideously difficult when form and history wise you could easily name 26. No-one deserves to be dropped. Campbell didn't. Sheldrick is good enough to be playing, Francis too and McCartin, Mills and Parker are not yet in the team.
Whoever misses is dead unlucky. Ask Adams.

 

[the hypnotoad]

Aren't they the Turks?

nah, it's the stoner school bus driver would-be rock star from springfield

 

[MF]

Makes little sense to bring him in as the sub if he’s in he plays and drop Amartey

They're not changing the 3 tall setup.

 

[Ticky009]

Strongly disagree about dropping Roberts unless he is unfit.

Either we bring Francis for McCartin or we bring Parker for McCartin and swing Fox back. Could be weather dependent. The rainier it is the less we need another tall (Francis). The other option is to drop Amartey for Parker which is more of a chance the rainier it is - but I note we didn't go down that path against the Giants when rain was forecast.

Assuming we do intend to bring Parker back into the team though, now is the time to do it. It's only going to get harder otherwise (barring injuries). Roberts and Jordon are really deserving their spots plus they're young and so deserve priority all other things being equal. Right now Fox is the last player picked and would be the first to make way IMO.

Dropping Roberts would madness. Our backline is going to be down a man already which impacts its cohesion. To drop out another is just out and out silly.

Fox out. Parker in.

 

[Punts]

They are not dropping Roberts

Fox deserves his spot to

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Do we rest Heeney? (ankle) dont know if we are good enough to confidently get a win without him.

 

[JackHiscoxWasFast]

Do we rest Heeney? (ankle) dont know if we are good enough to confidently get a win without him.

OK that’s it. Mods, please change user name to ‘2 Franklin”

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

OK that’s it. Mods, please change user name to ‘2 Franklin”

Taking into account the surface etc.

 

[JackHiscoxWasFast]

Taking into account the surface etc.

I know, i know, I try not to worry about it.

I just have this irrational thought that if we rest him, we may disrupt his flow and he may not come back the same lol

 

[Ticky009]

Taking into account the surface etc.

If teams gave every player 'a rest' for niggles on a particular ground - no one would be playing.

 

[sthmelb_dimmies]

nah, it's the stoner school bus driver would-be rock star from springfield

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Dropping Roberts would madness. Our backline is going to be down a man already which impacts its cohesion. To drop out another is just out and out silly.

Fox out. Parker in.

We need Fox this week he’s the one guy if things go pear shaped we can send back and he’d do a job in defence at worst he’s the perfect sub

 

[The King!]

Do we rest Heeney? (ankle) dont know if we are good enough to confidently get a win without him.

what the

 

[The King!]

Rest Heeney, drop Fox, drop Roberts wtf is this page

 

[swanssince2002]

Wouldn't blame them if they go unchanged, barring Francis being in for TMac. Parker first in for another game...

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Rest Heeney, drop Fox, drop Roberts wtf is this page

Is it that wrong i want Heeney nurtured and wrapped in a cotton ball as much as possible?