Can Sydney rebound after their GF debacle?

[Kummerspeck]

The persecution complex is strong with you Swans supporters.

You are the biggest of two teams in the biggest city and you are whining that you are disadvantaged?

If you are so disadvantaged, then how did you win the premiership in 2012?

The size of the team and the size of the city is irrelevant, and if you think that winning the 2012 premiership means that having to travel twice as much and import the vast majority of the list aren't hindrances then I don't know what to tell you. Does not winning the premiership in other year mean the COLA wasn't actually an advantage?

 

[B4Bear]

The size of the team and the size of the city is irrelevant, and if you think that winning the 2012 premiership means that having to travel twice as much and import the vast majority of the list aren't hindrances then I don't know what to tell you. Does not winning the premiership in other year mean the COLA wasn't actually an advantage?

Tell that to Freo and West Coast. They travel the most out of anyone; but accept it as part of being in the comp.

As for importing the list, all teams 'import' players into their list all the time. Your outstanding 'bloods culture' should ensure they stay.

Or do only the highly paid mega-stars buy into the culture, and the rest are there to support them?

 

[crazywildhorse]

I'm serious, you can't underestimate the power of the Franklin. He can drag that team into the GF, and he will definitely drag them into the top 4. The only thing that I've come to realise is that his magic powers don't work quite as well on GF days.

 

[Kummerspeck]

Tell that to Freo and West Coast. They travel the most out of anyone; but accept it as part of being in the comp.

As for importing the list, all teams 'import' players into their list all the time.

Yes, clever boy, you've noted that one set of teams travels more and all teams bring players in from interstate. Which teams have to travel interstate for 10 or more rounds a year and bring in 75% of their playing list from out of state? The way the competition is structured inherently disadvantages the teams in the northern state because it puts two sets of circumstances on them that no other set of teams in the competition faces.

 

[B4Bear]

Yes, clever boy, you've noted that one set of teams travels more and all teams bring players in from interstate. Which teams have to travel interstate for 10 or more rounds a year and bring in 75% of their playing list from out of state? The way the competition is structured inherently disadvantages the teams in the northern state because it puts two sets of circumstances on them that no other set of teams in the competition faces.

My o' my, we are being condescending today.

The eight non Victorian teams all travel more, so it is not a 'Northern' problem. However, it is offset in other ways. Some with membership, stadium deals, sponsorship and the like. In your case you get to play GWS twice a year, which for the foreseeable future is an eight point head start on the rest of the competition.

My team has to travel an extra three times for a total of eight just to make ends meet, without the benefits like you lot have.

Sorry but my sympathy quotient for recent premiers is non existent. You got the biggest name in the game, arguably two years in a row, and they cost you a ton of cash for a long time into the future. How do you expect to recruit and retain quality players in the years to come when over ten percent of you wages bill is for one player?

 

[Tedeski]

I think the loss of Malceski will make it a bridge to far for them. Their defence was already suspect, and he for me, was their best player on the day out of the backs. Who/how are they going to replace him will be interesting.

They will be in the eight, but I think that is about it.

Mal got plenty possessions but was the main culprit down back when trying to clear out of defence, often under pressure but he definitely missed many targets.

That's not to say we won't miss him but the next crew down back are going to need to be found.

 

[Kummerspeck]

My o' my, we are being condescending today.

You not only didn't answer my question, you also posted a whole lot of irrelevant noise. The business operations and membership numbers of clubs have nothing to do with the structure of the competition.

 

[Randy Campbell]

The problem is that most Vic, SA and WA based people don't understand that junior ALF in NSW and Qld is way behind that in the AFL states. Therefore the quality and quantity of players available in the draft from NSW and Qld is poor. I apologise if this is insulting to your intelligence but some of the posters on here are insulting ours by their ignorance or choosing to ignore that simple fact.

This year the Swans have benefited from getting one player 'cheap' but then paying overs for another. Overall the Swans have been winners from that but this is not going to happen every year.

In my opinion when 4 of the first 18 players drafted are coming from NSW and Qld for a few years then you get rid of the Academy bidding system. In the meantime I think they will introduce some other system where players are graded and other picks or next years picks get combined or moved later to balance any perceived unfairness.

Here's a few points:

• It's probably too late now (and unfair) for the AFL to change the Academies.
• It is better for the Academies to have a state based brand rather than a national one so Swans or Suns Academy is more meaningful than AFL Academy.
• The Academies draw on the resources of the clubs including players, coaching staff, management, contacts and sponsors. It is therefore cheaper and easier than if the AFL were to try and recreate that. Consider the money QBE had pumped in over the last five years and how would they feel about it suddenly being the Toyota AFL Academy. How much can the AFL get out of Toyota to replace the money being put in by QBE and the other clubs' sponsors?

You can argue over all of those but in total I think it means what has been created will not get changed too much.

Isaac Smith, Cootamundra
Matt Suckling, Wagga Tigers
Taylor Duryea, Corowa
Luke Breust, Temora
Will Langford, Eastern Suburbs (Sydney)

These guys play alright.

 

[B4Bear]

You not only didn't answer my question, you also posted a whole lot of irrelevant noise. The business operations and membership numbers of clubs have nothing to do with the structure of the competition.

And if you are unable to see that everything is related, then our discussion is done.

 

[Kummerspeck]

And if you are unable to see that everything is related, then our discussion is done.

No, it's just a terrible argument when talking about advantages and disadvantages inherent in the competition. If I tried to argue the way the competition was structured disadvantaged Sydney because it's the country's most expensive city and interest in the AFL in far lower than in football states, you wouldn't accept it, yet you're trying to argue the same.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Yes, clever boy, you've noted that one set of teams travels more and all teams bring players in from interstate. Which teams have to travel interstate for 10 or more rounds a year and bring in 75% of their playing list from out of state? The way the competition is structured inherently disadvantages the teams in the northern state because it puts two sets of circumstances on them that no other set of teams in the competition faces.

Obviously not aware of Isaac Heeney? Getting the best kid in the draft for what, pick 17, because you're from a northern state. COLA... from a northern state. Massive ambassadorial payments... from a northern state. Soft fixture... from a northern state.

I'd suggest 50% of Hawthorn's list is not from Victoria. Need to get over the persecution complex. The northern state clubs get far better looked after than the poorer struggling Victorian ones.

 

[ScrewInStuds]

I think the loss of Malceski will make it a bridge to far for them. Their defence was already suspect, and he for me, was their best player on the day out of the backs. Who/how are they going to replace him will be interesting.

They will be in the eight, but I think that is about it.

McVeigh was AA playing off halfback in 2013. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't go back there, with Jones to take Shaw's spot by the end of the year. Our KPD succession plan is a much more pressing issue, but if stories of AJ coming back from injury sooner than expected are true we might be looking ok by the end of 2015.

 

[democritus]

I have my doubts over their back-line

They need to uncover another elite user of the ball to replace Malceski, or send McVeigh back there full-time. Rohan has shown glimpses down back, but can make some shocking decisions. Smith is more of a lockdown player, absolutely elite in his role but offers little rebound. Rampe is a decent third tall, can't be relied upon too heavily however. Who knows where Alex Johnson is at, knee recons and persistent infections, seriously unlucky and might not make it back at all. Shaw has had his time, should be phased out. Richards and Grundy can occasionally be exposed and are aging, but are generally quite consistent so next year should be fine, it's the following period that raises some concerns as far as KPD's are concerned. Not too sure what's in the cupboard aside from these blokes. Laidler is depth and the rest are young guys unproven in these roles.

Midfield is good, need Jetta to return to 2012's form. Just one line-breaker can really make that midfield all the more dynamic.

Ruck department is lacking. If Pyke goes down it could all go pear-shaped. Nankervis needs time and Derickx and Naismith would be seriously stretched to shoulder the ruck duties by themselves.

Forward line has star-power, but in reality isn't that functional. Reid needs to go back, he honestly offers very little up forward. Let Towers/Goodes/Rohan play the third forward role. It'll bolster both defensive and offensive lines. Still need to unearth that small forward to capitalise on the spoils of Buddy/Tippett. Imagine the havoc a Betts/Ballantyne/Thomas/Walters/Breust character could wreak with that set-up. Maybe there's a kid on your list I'm unaware of that offers that skill-set.

Still think Sydney will dominate in a big way next season, but when it comes to big matches, these deficiencies can see them exposed again.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

I'm serious, you can't underestimate the power of the Franklin. He can drag that team into the GF, and he will definitely drag them into the top 4. The only thing that I've come to realise is that his magic powers don't work quite as well on GF days.

The platform was there had we at least broken even in the middle Franklin would of had a huge game.

 

[MinerBoy]

Sorry, deliberately elbowing multiple players in the head is not in the rules. I'd rather massive brawls than see my team let that shit happen again.

Haha. Oh lord. **** me dead.

 

[SilentHunter_]

Haha. Oh lord. **** me dead.

ewww why would the lord do that?

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

It's not all doom and gloom there was a analysis on our board that we were on average 2yrs younger in the guts than Hawthorn(dont bash me if this is not correct)

We are potentially adding a top 3 prospect this year and next year along with a promising F/S defender our midfield and forward are all in their prime ages.

For all the gloom on our defence it was still statistically the best in the league overall.

Hawthorn have us by the balls no doubt.

 

[CharlieMortdecai]

Has any team rebounded from being flogged in any final to go all the way?

Obviously the later the better as it means you've won 1 or 2 finals (unless you are straight setted), but being flogged in finals can mean you get found out in major areas.

Haven't read the whole thread so it may have already been mentioned, but North were flogged by an all-conquering Carlton in the prelim in 1995 before winning the 96 GF (against Sydney). Think it was a similar margin to what Sydney did us this year, 10 goals or more.

 

[Forward Press]

Haven't read the whole thread so it may have already been mentioned, but North were flogged by an all-conquering Carlton in the prelim in 1995 before winning the 96 GF (against Sydney). Think it was a similar margin to what Sydney did us this year, 10 goals or more.

More recently, Geelong were thumped in the prelims in 2010 (Collingwood won by 7-ish goals after they eased up in the last quarter, they were 10 goals up at 3/4 time). Ablett and Bomber left and people wrote off the Cats, and the rest is history.

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Sorry, deliberately elbowing multiple players in the head is not in the rules. I'd rather massive brawls than see my team let that shit happen again.

That was brilliant. It's a Grand Final, no tomorrow, Lake made sure buddy earned that kick.

In the lead up mmm guys were discussing how to play on buddy. Spud Frawley said he would try and get a nice elbow in the back of the head early. Half joking/half deadly serious. He is a bit dense spud, but he does know defending better than most and he was spot on there.

I think I see what you're saying though, if I was a sydney fan the hit from lake wouldn't bother me, the lack of any team mates getting into lake straight away, would.

 

[dipper86]

Sorry, deliberately elbowing multiple players in the head is not in the rules. I'd rather massive brawls than see my team let that shit happen again.

Oh dear...you have completely and utterly embarrassed yourself.

 

[Roddy]

Oh dear...you have completely and utterly embarrassed yourself.

Must be a soccer fan...

 

[blue harvest]

I think I see what you're saying though, if I was a sydney fan the hit from lake wouldn't bother me, the lack of any team mates getting into lake straight away, would.

I guess the choker hold finally paid off. I thought Lake was a dick for doing it but as it turns out it was brilliant, all part of his master plan that came to fruition on GF day.

 

[bkozican]

They will be up again...Still think Hawks are better

 

[Nuggets73]

I'm worried about their defence.
They have lost Malceski who sets their play up.
Richards is 33, Grundy is 28/29.
Rhyce Shaw is done as a player.

Malceski was their best defender ... always fronted up against the Hawks.
... I don't think people realise how hard he will be to replace