Captains: Leo Barry, Barry Hall, Brett Kirk
2006 season: 2nd – Won 16, Lost 9
2006 best-and-fairest: Adam Goodes
Games Record Holder: John Rantall (260)
Goals Record Holder: Bob Pratt (681)
Brownlow Medallists: 14 – Herbie Matthews (1940 tied), Ron Clegg(1949 tied), Fred Goldsmith (1955), Bob Skilton (1959 tied, 1963,1968), Peter Bedford (1970), Graham Teasdale (1977), Barry Round (1981 tied),Greg Williams (1986 tied), Gerard Healey (1988), Paul Kelly (1995), AdamGoodes (2003 tied, 2006)
Premierships: 4 – 1909, 1918, 1933, 2005
Home Ground: SCG
Website: sydneyswans.com.au2007 PREVIEWThe most engaging rivalry of the past two years came to a head last year when the Swans met the Eagles in the Grand Final for the second year running. This time Paul Roos' team came up one point short and the cup travelled west instead of habourside. The win-loss pattern between the two sides goes back to 2001, and in the past five matches the total difference between the final scores has been a mere 12 points.
So what was the missing ingredient for the Swans in last year's reversal of the 2005 decider? Many would say the retirement of Jason Ball placed too much pressure on Darren Jolly, and while the latter performed admirably throughout the season, he couldn't bring his A-game to the Grand Final and was run over by Dean Cox. Supporters will be hoping the acquisition of Peter Everitt will plug that gap while the emerging Stephen Doyle continues to learn the craft.
The 22 that contested the Grand Final remains intact while the side will regain the services of Jared Crouch early in the season. Fringe-dwellers Luke Vogels, Paul Bevan, Heath Grundy and Doyle have all shown improvement in the past few years, but they are all still learning what is required to play consistent senior football. The fact the Swans have former Hawk Luke Brennan – who boasts 19 senior AFL games – as a rookie in case they lose a player to injury does leave them with an insurance of sorts. But they still lack credible depth.
However, if they can keep their players healthy for another year, there is no reason why they can't have a third consecutive crack at ultimate AFL glory. They successfully reinvented their game for the 2006 season and their narrow Grand Final loss will make Hall, Barry, Kirk and co. hungry for revenge.2007 PLAYING LIST – COMINGS AND GOINGSADDITIONS:Exchange period – received: Peter Everitt (Hawthorn)
Rookie elevation: Simon Phillips, Jonathan Simpkin
Father/son selection: –
NAB AFL Draft: Daniel Currie (Northern Knights), Peter Faulks (Calder Cannons), Daniel O'Keefe (Geelong Falcons), Jesse White (Southport)
NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft: –
NAB AFL Rookie Draft: Luke Brennan (Hawthorn), Matthew Davis (Sydney), Matthew O'Dwyer (Calder Cannons), Earl Shaw (Sydney), Nick Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)
DELETIONS:Retired: Paul Chambers, Paul Williams
Exchange period – traded: –
Delisted: Matthew Davis, Andrew Ericksen, Earl Shaw, David Spriggs, Josh Willoughby, Paul Currie (rookie), Stefan Garrubba (rookie), Adam Prior (rookie), James Wall (rookie)
2007 BEST 22B: Crouch, Barry, Richards
HB: Kennelly, Roberts-Thomson, C Bolton
C: Fosdike, Kirk, Ablett
HF: Buchanan, Hall, O'Keefe
F: N Davis, O'Loughlin, Schneider
FOLL: Jolly, Goodes, J Bolton
I/C: Everitt, Mathews, McVeigh, Malceski
EMG: Vogels, Bevan, Dempster
2007 PLAYER PROFILESLuke Ablett – Broke away from his conventional role as a tagger to win more of the footy last year. Had a generally consistent season but a disappointing Grand Final in which he strained a hamstring in the first quarter. Missed just the one game with a back injury.Leo Barry – After taking the legendary Grand Final-saving mark in 2005, the full-back and joint captain was sixth in the best and fairest last year. Didn't have the same impact as he did in the premiership year and will be looking to rediscover consistency across four quarters.Paul Bevan – Premiership midfielder had a disappointing 2006, starting with a hamstring injury that hampered the first half of his season. Will be looking to recapture 2005 form.Craig Bolton – Defender who played every game bar one (owing to a hamstring strain), though he almost missed the Grand Final after again injuring his hamstring the week of the match. Fifth in the best and fairest and third in the best finals player award.Jude Bolton – Played every game last year after missing two in 2005, though he played the finals series under an injury cloud. Averaged 19 disposals and won the Swans' best clubman award.Ryan Brabazon – A wrist injury sustained while playing in the AFL Canberra league prematurely ended the 20-year-old midfielder's first season at the club. Set to spend another season developing in the reserves.Amon Buchanan – Missed only one game last year and placed seventh in the best and fairest. Averaged 18 disposals and improved his work-rate after shifting from the forward line into the midfield.Jared Crouch – Played only 12 games in 2006 because of chronic ankle problems before finally having surgery in September. Recently had an operation to remove a screw from the joint and will be aiming for a round-one return.Daniel Currie – The young ruckman was chosen with the Swans' second pick in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft but won't be starting at the club until 2008 as he plans to finish high school in Melbourne, where he will carry out individual fitness work.Nick Davis – The exciting goalsneak was dropped after round 14 and didn't return until round 21 after criticising the coaches for making him a “scapegoat”. Used the downtime to regain the club's respect and confidence and to work on his fitness.Sean Dempster – Midfielder who bounced in and out of the side early in the season but held on to his spot from round 13 and played in his second Grand Final. Aiming for a full season in the seniors.Stephen Doyle – A hamstring injury derailed the first half of the developing ruckman's season before he put in some good games in the reserves. Teamed with Darren Jolly in the remaining seven games and averaged 11 hitouts. Will aim for a more consistent season.Peter Everitt – The former Hawks ruckman managed only three games in the second half of last season owing to an ankle injury. He then became embroiled in several off-field issues and walked out of the club with six weeks of the season remaining. Seeking a new lease on life at his third club.Peter Faulks – The Swans' third pick in last year's draft can play at both ends and will benefit from some solid games in the AFL Canberra competition.Nic Fosdike – The pacy midfielder was consistent throughout 2006, missing only one match because of a calf injury and averaging more than 15 possessions. Aiming for a third consecutive strong campaign.Adam Goodes – The tall wingman had a tremendous 2006, winning his second Brownlow Medal as well as the club's best and fairest, the Paul Kelly Players' Player award and All-Australian honours. Averaged 20 disposals and was a key player in the finals.Heath Grundy – The tall defender (who can also play forward) made his senior debut in round 16 last season and added another five matches for the season. Expected to put his hand up on more occasions in 2007.Barry Hall – While the burly forward had a disappointing Grand Final, he finished 2006 second on the league goalkicking list (78), first for marks (216) and was named All-Australian for the third consecutive year. Expect more of the same from the inspirational leader.Darren Jolly – Played every game in 2006 and stood up as the club's premier ruckman following the retirement of Jason Ball. Averaged more than 24 hitouts in each of the 25 games he played and will be looking to forge a formidable partnership with Everitt.Tadhg Kennelly – Had to deal with the death of his father prior to last season, then missed the first three rounds the year with a shoulder injury. A tough competitor who provides solid run from defence. With a better pre-season and start to the year, expect this Irish import to perform well again.Brett Kirk – The determined and hard-at-it co-captain had another brilliant year in 2006. He was joint runner-up in the best and fairest and led the club (and finished second in the league) in tackles. Averaged nearly 20 possessions across 25 matches and his skill and inspiration will again be critical.Matthew Laidlaw – Spent his first year at the club in the reserves, playing in defence and through the midfield, as well as experiencing brief periods up forward. Will push for senior selection once his fitness has improved.Nick Malceski – The wingman came back into the side from injury to play the final 10 matches for a total of 17 in 2006 and won the club's rising star award.Ben Mathews – The reliable midfielder managed only 14 games in 2006 owing to hamstring and calf complaints. Having otherwise enjoyed mostly full seasons since 2000, will be looking to bounce back in 2007.Jarrad McVeigh – Talented midfielder who enjoyed his most consistent season at the Swans last year. Played every match, averaged 10 disposals a game and won the club's most improved award.Jarred Moore – Sidelined for 14 games with a thumb complaint in 2006, adding two senior appearances to his five from 2005. Has the ability but needs the fitness to challenge at senior level.Daniel O'Keefe – Midfielder from the Geelong Falcons and a third cousin of established Swan, Ryan. Will benefit from senior experience in the AFL Canberra competition but could push for selection later in the year.Ryan O'Keefe – Had an impressive 2006 when he won an All-Australian guernsey, was runner-up in the club's best and fairest award and named Australia's player of the series on the International Rules tour of Ireland. Will aim to further improve his fitness and consistency and top those achievements.Michael O'Loughlin – Played every game for the first time since 2001 and shone in the finals series. Kicked 47 goals for the year – second behind Hall – and remains an important part of the team's attack.Simon Phillips – Promoted mid-season to replace the retired Paul Williams and played four straight games. The small midfielder/goalsneak is working on adding bulk to his small frame to make a more consistent push for senior selection.Ted Richards – Found his feet at his second club towards the end of 2006 as his confidence grew. The former Bomber will look to continue to establish himself within the Swans' defensive setup.Lewis Roberts-Thomson – Established defender missed only one game last year. Notched some big scalps but the end of his year was hampered by a foot injury that will keep him from playing the first few rounds.Tim Schmidt – Midfielder entering his fourth season on the list. Made his senior debut in 2006, playing in rounds 17 and 18. Needs to take another step to get more senior opportunities.Adam Schneider – Played every match last year, figuring at both ends, after managing 16 in 2005. Kicked 22 goals and averaged 14 possessions, which earned him an International Rules debut.Jonathan Simpkin – Rookie-listed at the end of 2005 and promoted at the end of last year after being told mid-season to lift his training intensity. Will put his hand up for selection if he can continue to raise his fitness levels.Kristin Thornton – Spent his first year at the club in the reserves after arriving from Western Australia. The young midfielder showed good skills but needs to increase his strength and pace to push for senior selection.Luke Vogels – Burst onto the scene in 2005 with 11 games but struggled to break into the side last year and managed only three appearances, though he was an emergency 20 times and put together a strong season in the Canberra AFL.Jesse White – The former basketballer was picked up in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. The 196cm utility, a natural sportsman, was recruited from Southport and picked up at No.79 overall.Rookie ListEd Barlow – Tall winger retained for his second year as a rookie after impressing in the reserves. Has the potential to play senior football.Luke Brennan – Left the Hawks by mutual agreement at the end of last season and is looking for a fresh start on the Swans' rookie list. Has played 19 senior games.Matthew Davis – On the Swans' list for three years but has been hampered by injuries almost the entire time. Was delisted at the end of last season but given another chance as a rookie. Needs to get his body right and make the most of this opportunity.Kieran Jack – Did enough in his first year as a rookie to earn another. The small midfielder was tough at both the ball and the man while playing in the reserves last year.Matthew O'Dwyer – The small forward/winger has excellent pace and is a ball magnet, having amassed more than 40 possessions in round 18 of the TAC Cup last year. Taken late in the rookie draft, he will join the main group in early March because of his ongoing battle with patella tendinitis.Sam Rowe – Ruckman/key position player enters his second season as a rookie. A real competitor and bright long-term prospect.Earl Shaw – A rookie for the second time in his Swans' career after being picked up in the 2004 Rookie Draft before being promoted last year. Due to an injury-affected pre-season, he couldn't run out the season and was delisted. Will want to make the most of his second chance.Nick Smith – The left-footed former Vic Metro representative is athletic, courageous and versatile. Played for the Oakleigh Chargers and attended Scotch College in Melbourne.The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
