Overall mark: A-
Win-loss: 7-3-1 LWWWLDLWWWW
Ladder position: Fifth
Leading possession winner: Brett Kirk – 243 possessions
Leading goalkicker: Michael O’Loughlin – 28 goals
Season so far
After five gruelling seasons of finals footy, Paul Roos’ drained Bloods enjoyed three weeks extra rest in the off-season, giving the coach a chance to bring through some youngsters to a list many reckoned needed refreshing.
What’s more, key players Adam Goodes, Barry Hall, Tadhg Kennelly and Micky O’Loughlin have all profited from restful and recuperative off-seasons while new signing Marty Mattner has been a bonus.
A round one exit in the NAB Cup gave more time to prepare though Nick Malceski’s (knee) injury was a blow. A two-point opening day loss to the Saints was soon banished by three consecutive wins.
Hall’s suspension in round four and subsequent losses to Geelong and the Bulldogs were reality checks.
However, round-11’s stunning comeback win at West Coast was arguably the Swans’ best of the season, capping four consecutive victories.
And fans were delighted with the miraculous return in round eight of Malceski, who has gotten better each week, as has the remodelled, Hall-less forward structure including new signing Henry Playfair.
Jarred Moore, Kieren Jack, Ed Barlow, Jarrad McVeigh and Amon Buchanan have all stepped up this year and with Hall set to return there’s a quiet confidence.
Best win
Beating West Coast, the Swans' biggest rival after epic grand final clashes of recent years, is always sweet and two wins this season have been cherished by fans - particularly round-11’s thrilling come-from-behind win at Subiaco.
The experienced Brett Kirk (21 disposals), Tadhg Kennelly (25 disposals) and the rapidly improving Nick Malceski with 24 kicks proved the difference.
And Jude Bolton’s set shot in the shadows of the final siren showed he, and the Swans, have the temperament when it matters as they posted a rousing five point win.
B&F leader
Brett Kirk is having his customary influential season. The Swans’ co-captain has played every game and quietly and effectively has done what we all know he can: get his hands on the footy in the centre clearances, use the ball intelligently to set up goal scoring opportunities up the field and work relentlessly to keep the pressure on the man.
The 31-year-old averages 22 disposals per game (243 disposals in total) and has chipped in with eight goals and 34 marks.
Surprise packet
Kieren Jack’s performances in the centre of the ground have gone to another level. One good example is when he shut down Eagles’ midfielder Daniel Kerr in round four (winning him a NAB Rising Star nomination).
Playing every game this season, his ability to pressure the man, force turnovers and keep the Swans’ intensity up has been a delight to watch. The son of Balmain rugby league legend Garry Jack, Kieren is fast carving his own name in AFL with his assured performances under the mentoring of the Kirk.
Missing in action
Nick Davis’s season has yet to really fire, and it is testament to the forward structure that the goal sneak has not been able to force his way back into the side, despite some impressive performances in the reserves.
Coach's award (one-percenter player)
New club co-captain Craig Bolton’s stirring pre-season speech to the Swans’ faithful has been played out on the pitch with another dependable, 110 per cent effort from one of the most consistent defenders in the game.
With 75 marks and 197 disposals, Bolton has led one of the league’s stingiest defences and can be relied upon to man up and contest well with the best forwards in the league.
Second-half story lines
Can the Swans do better than their 2007 finish of seventh?
How much will Barry Hall’s return improve the well-oiled forward structure?
Will Adam Goodes be targeted on the park more often after the West Coast game in round 11?
Can Amon Buchanan and Jarrad McVeigh continue their handy goal contributions?
How good will it be when Nick Malceski and Tadhg Kennelly are fully fit and on the park at the same time as running defender Marty Mattner?
The run home:
Round 12 – St Kilda at the SCG
Round 13 – Melbourne at Manuka Oval
Round 14 – Collingwood at ANZ Stadium
Round 15 – Hawthorn at the MCG
Round 16 – Carlton at Telstra Dome
Round 17 – Adelaide at the SCG
Round 18 – Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval
Round 19 – Fremantle at the SCG
Round 20 – Geelong at ANZ Stadium
Round 21 – Collingwood at Telstra Dome
Round 22 – Brisbane Lions at SCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.
