Twitter erupted in the first quarter with fans calling for Michael Voss' head as his Lions put in a horribly inept opening term. Sure they were playing the premiers, but there was no excuse for the lack of effort and accountability to start an AFL game. The disposal count was 121-56, with the handball receives sitting at 45-9. Despite owning the football, the Swans still led the tackle count 20-16. For a coach coming off contract and expected to push for the finals this year, a 10-goal loss and 2-4 record through six rounds must be well short of expectations.
2. Lamb to the slaughter?
There was some discussion in the press box prior to the opening bounce about the benefits of using a debutant as a substitute. Is it more worthwhile to throw them into the fray early when the game is at its hottest and clear the nerves, or to bide their time on the pine as the action unfolds? Three years after he was drafted, the Swans used Jed Lamb as the sub for his long-awaited first game. Thankfully for him, by the time he was injected into the contest in the final term, the Swans led by 53 points. On this day at least, it was the ideal time for a talented youngster to take his AFL bow. He managed seven touches and two marks in his limited time on the ground.
3. Where does the Swans' midfield rate?
Despite claiming last year's premiership, the Swans still rarely find themselves in the discussion when the competition's truly elite midfields are discussed. Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood typically enjoy that status, with many opining that Essendon and Richmond are knocking down the door. But the Swans are more than happy with their brigade, which includes Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Ryan O'Keefe. The first three are in career-best form and helped their onballers amble past the Lions in the middle of the ground.
4. Is big, big Jonathan Brown the saddest man in Brisbane town?
The Lions' co-captain appears to have conquered the worrying head knocks that were blighting his career and was building some form early this season, including a five-goal haul against Gold Coast in round three. But a man who played in three premierships must be wondering where the current list is headed. The 31-year-old often spruiks the young talent around him at the club, but it remains to be seen when – or if – it will graduate into a finals-bound line-up before he retires.
5. Injured Swans gradually on the mend
There was some encouraging news from Gary Rohan during the game, who was interviewed by an SCG official on the boundary line at halftime. Standing just a few metres from where he shattered his leg in round four last season, Rohan said he would start training with the main group in the next few days. "I get back into training with the boys this week," he said. "It's been a long time but I'm pumped and can't wait to get out there. I just want to be out there with my mates and teammates and do what I love doing." Still some way off an AFL return, it is an important step for the talented young Swan. Teammate Alex Johnson has also started some light training as he begins his recovery from a knee reconstruction.
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
