The King!
Chosen One
**** it.
My thoughts on every Swan last night (except the few I thought had poor games, because who needs negativity this weekend?!)
Warner - Very good. He's looking more and more consistent with his ability to break tackles. Seeing less of his underwear as he's dacked in tackles and more just getting into the clear.
McLean - He's just enjoyable to watch. Has the turning circle of the QE2 one minute and then does some random spin out of trouble the next. I really think he is a small player trapped in a big fella's body, though his 2 contested marks was really pleasing to see.
Adams - Important early. Not doing anything special and doesn't even seem to have a clear, defined role (at least to the naked eye.) He just kinda runs around and makes contests with his physicality when it's his turn to do so. Wins those kinds of 50/50 balls in general play against opponents that we haven't won enough of in previous years.
Grundy - A quality tap ruckman, but an even better midfielder. A gripe I used to have with him at Collingwood was he'd try to do too much himself. He seems to be knowing his place and working in sync with our mids really well. And behind a certain other, he's become our most important tackler.
Heeney - There are no words.
Cunningham - Just another trusty, reliable performance with the rare scoreboard reward he so thoroughly deserved. Was so good to see him running and taking the game on as well, as his role can make it easy to forget how fast he actually is.
Rowbottom - There are no words.
Hayward - I think someone in the game day thread said it best. An 'almost' game. If these become his bad games then we're laughing.
Papley - His best showing for some time. Worked incredibly hard, was as selfless as I've seen him, and was unlucky not to finish with a mini bag for his efforts.
Wicks - Manic, in all the right ways. Buzzes around and gets from player to player so quickly to cause chaos in ways the stats sheet simply doesn't reflect. And that moment he flew for that mark with eyes only for the ball. Quietly amassing a number of incredibly brave moments as a Swan (which I'm sure Ralphyboy must watch through his fingers!)
Jordon - Just another solid outing, which he's producing with growing consistency. With Clarke there used to be the worry that if his negating role was worked around, he didn't offer much to the team. Jordon offers enough in other ways for that to not be a worry with him.
Rampe - We really need to embrace this man while we have him. He is an amazing defender and has been for a long time now.
Amartey - His game is something to be said for competing hard. I said before that his hands have two modes - vice-like grip or oven mitts, nothing in between - and I stand by it. But when he throws himself at every pack and gives his full reach for every ball, weight of numbers wins out and he can create enough opportunities for himself to put together a handy performance.
Fox - Sad about his shoulder/collarbone. Was going alright before it and I never have a problem with him being in the side.
Melican - Take a bow son. Has he ever looked this confident? Leaping for spoils, playing on from contested wins, pushing off his man to play from the front. A stellar effort considering the task he had without McCartin alongside him.
Lloyd - Along with Gulden & McInerney, quietly forming the best wing rotation we've had in many years. His overlap run and ability to direct play, while also holding his width, while still knowing when to get involved, is so valuable.
Great summary mate, I think Francis did enough to get in the mentions in the end.
agree on Rampe, early contests I was like shit he will be killed, but he just uses his smarts, a body nudge here and times his stuff so well, just a smart player. Get him coaching or teaching defence some where when he is done.
