Played forward and while he didn’t have huge numbers, three crucial goals from seven kicks was a great return. Added his usual hardness, too.
Jude Bolton - 2
Hey Jude... don’t be so sad. There’s always next week. The Swans’ hardman, uncharacteristically, just couldn’t get into it.
Trent Dennis-Lane - 7
Only had six touches but when you boot 4.1 from those touches you’ve done okay. Made perhaps the game-winning play with three minutes left when he brought down Dennis Armfield and booted his fourth.
Adam Goodes - 8
Nearly his side’s best. Had an interesting duel with Bryce Gibbs but took the points as he proved too good in the air. Booted 1.4 and could have been far more deadly had he kicked straight.
Heath Grundy - 5
Did some okay things but was opposed to Jarrad Waite, who was a catalyst for the Blues’ fighting spirit all day. Lost contact a few times.
Dan Hannebery - 5
Not as prolific as recent weeks but hey, we can forgive him for still being a little hungover from celebrating his Rising Star win. Kept running and tackled hard.
Kieren Jack - 6
Was great early but went out of it the longer the game went on. Was on Chris Judd but had to be moved. Kicked the game’s first goal and laid 12 tackles.
Lewis Jetta - 5
Not huge stats but his run seemed important. Always looked capable of doing something, and finished with a goal.
Josh Kennedy - 9
Big game from a big man. His massive frame around the clearances was crucial as he helped his team try to break even in the midfield war. Had 29 touches and curbed Judd late.
Tadhg Kennelly - 4
Finished with 20 touches but didn’t hurt the Blues, who played defensive forwards on him, Marty Mattner and Nick Malceski to stifle their run. Had a couple kicked on him, too.
Brett Kirk - 8
Took Kade Simpson right out of the game early and picked up plenty of the pill himself to wind back the clock. Outstanding game from the soon-to-be retired Swan.
Nick Malceski - 6
Took until mid-way through the second term to get his first kick but finished with 27 touches. Not as penetrating as he normally is but worked into the game pretty well.
Martin Mattner - 4
Was mainly on Jeff Garlett who was quiet early, while he also had a brief stint on Andrew Walker. Had a couple kicked on him and wasn’t able to provide his usual dash.
Jarrad McVeigh - 5
Aaron Joseph did a pretty good job on the star Swan but McVeigh had his moments. Worked hard to get into it and was involved in some nice passages.
Jarred Moore - 3
Spent most of his time forward of centre and while he worked hard enough he didn’t hit the scoreboard.
Shane Mumford - 6
Mummy probably tired a little but he was fantastic early before Sam Jacobs helped the Blues get back into it. The big Swan’s first-term shirtfront on Richard Hadley was a highlight.
Ryan O’Keefe - 3
Soundly beaten by Jordan Russell but did kick his most important goal for the year in the final term - a great left-foot snap. Still looks a little sore.
Mike Pyke - 4
Pyke was okay when Mummy was off, and he had some important touches late in the game when the Swans were pressing hard. The big Canadian is definitely improving.
Ted Richards - 4
Super Ted wasn’t super but just okay. Spent most of his day on Lachie Henderson and did okay on him in their direct one-on-ones.
Rhyce Shaw - 6
Had a really interesting battle with Marc Murphy. Probably lost on points, but he did creep forward to boot two goals which proved pretty telling in the wash-up.
Nick Smith - 7
An underrated member of Roos’ younger brigade. Narrowed his sights on Eddie Betts, and the Blues’ dangerman was not so dangerous once Smith got hold of him.
Jesse White - 5
Just the nine touches and a goal but some of his bustling and bodywork was important deep in the Swans’ forward 50. Paved the way for a couple of goals.
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
