SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos preferred to focus on the positive side of Barry Hall after the fiery full-forward finished Saturday's game on report for striking.
Hall was again in the spotlight after going into the book for an off-the-ball incident involving Crow Ben Rutten after the three-quarter-time siren.
The Swans spearhead also kicked four goals for the match, including three in the first half.
"I must admit I didn’t actually see [Hall’s report] because I was on the bench, but I thought his football performance was really good," Roos said after the match.
"He kicked four goals and we know the way they play. They get a lot of numbers behind the footy and make it really hard so I thought his performance was good."
Roos was pleased with his side’s effort and commitment despite their being overrun by a more experienced Crows outfit after half time, in the end going down by 16 points.
“We were playing against a team that is pretty seasoned and experienced, and with six or seven kids it was going to be really hard,” Roos said.
“I was pleased with the way the guys fought it out, but there’s a fair level of fitness from the Canberra Football League to the AFL and in terms of fitness, the Crows are a very fit team and we just didn’t have enough legs.
“I thought our effort was fantastic considering the youth that we had in the team. It’s as pleased as I’ve been in a losing game.”
Roos was understanding of his young side’s mistakes, and although he feels they cost the Swans the game, their willingness was of far more importance.
“Some of our young guys made some really bad decisions, but that’s part of footy,” he said.
“Generally kids make mistakes and young guys make mistakes, but that’s part of learning and you’ve got to accept that as a coach.
“As long as they’re having a crack, that’s the main thing that we’re really looking at.”
Roos looks on Bazza's bright side
Paul Roos preferred to focus on the positive side of Barry Hall after the full-forward finished Saturday's game on report for striking