Most will remember Armfield for being brought down by Trent Dennis-Lane three minutes from full-time. He did take the game on and run, even after that mistake. Was okay in defence on a few Swans, including Jarred Moore.
Eddie Betts - 2
Not Eddie’s best. Was well held throughout by the unheralded Nick Smith, failing to register a score.
Paul Bower - 3
Hadn’t been in great touch leading in and Sunday was another disappointing outing. Found Dennis-Lane a bit nimble early and wasn’t able to provide any run from the back.
Andrew Carrazzo - 7
Played a negating role early but when released in the third term he turned it on. Finished with 26 touches and was one of the Blues’ best.
Marcus Davies - 4
The youngster spent his time down back, switching between opponents who varied from Dennis-Lane to resting Swans midfielders such as Dan Hannebery. Did okay.
David Ellard - 5
No questioning Ellard’s endeavour. He started in the centre square, went onto a wing onto Nick Malceski and continued to be shuffled. Provided some grunt and won some footy without being too damaging.
Jeff Garlett - 5
Livened up after half time when the Blues came with their run, and ended the game with 2.2. Had a shot with 30 seconds left that could have tied the scores, although it was tough.
Bryce Gibbs - 5
Lost his duel with Adam Goodes but still provided some drive for the Blues. Looked nice when he got it, but simply wasn’t able to stop the Swans' champ getting it.
Richard Hadley - 5
What you see is what you get with Hadley, He’s tough in the clinches, as he showed by rebounding from a heavy first-term hit to gather 18 important possessions. Helped Chris Judd and Marc Murphy.
Lachie Henderson - 5
Looked lively early but then disappointed a little by fading out. Was opposed to the likes of Tadhg Kennelly at times and probably should have monstered him, but didn’t. Will learn from the experience.
Sam Jacobs - 7
A whopping 44 hit-outs against Shane Mumford and co is an enormous effort, and one of the reasons the Blues got back in it after the long break, winning most of the clearances.
Michael Jamison - 5
Pretty typical Jamison display. He minded Jesse White for the afternoon and didn’t do much wrong. Didn’t really run off and provide anything, but we’re not all Brian Lake and Matthew Scarlett.
Aaron Joseph - 5
Joseph didn’t get much of it but he ran with Jarrad McVeigh for much of the day and on that score, he did all right. Set up a goal for Robbie Warnock and was in the thick of it as always.
Chris Judd - 9
The champ had 10 third-term possessions and five clearances to single-handedly drag his side back into the contest. Missed a couple of kickable goals which would have been handy, but let’s not be too picky.
Marc Murphy - 7
Murphy was pretty good running opposed to Rhyce Shaw, who didn’t give him a lot of space. Ran and carried it and booted a goal when his side was making its charge.
Mitch Robinson - 4
Played the role of defensive forward pretty well on the Swans’ entourage of running backs, but didn’t win a heap of it or trouble the scorers.
Jordan Russell - 8
Russell was magnificent all day down back. Comprehensively beat Ryan O’Keefe in their one-on-ones, especially when the ball was in the air. Will only rue the fact the Swan booted a crunch goal late.
Heath Scotland - 5
Played that sweeping role across half back but didn’t really cause much trouble.
Kade Simpson - 4
Was soundly beaten by Brett Kirk early but did slowly work his way into the contest. Finished with three points - two of which grazed the woodwork.
Jarrad Waite - 6
Jarrad had again been on the angry pills as he did one or two silly things but was instrumental in the Blues’ fight back. Booted 3.2 but that should have been 5.0.
Andrew Walker - 7
Brett Ratten surprised many by playing Walker forward on Tadhg Kennelly. The Blue finished with 3.2 and showed he isn’t just a running defender, looking lively in attack.
Robbie Warnock - 5
Wasn’t as damaging as Jacobs or Mumford around the ground but went forward to boot two goals in the second term and provide some headaches for Paul Roos. Looks likely in attack.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
