Interesting note on the late-season move toward control when a lot of sides are going more to a chaos style. I hadn't really picked that up but it's a good theory; will be interested to see how it plays out.
Sheldrick is a puzzle because he's undersized in an undersized midfield but a proven ball-winner. More of a Tom Mitchell or Lachie Neale than a Cripps or a Bont. I think this lack of size hurt in the most recent grand finals when both Geelong and the Lions were too strong at it and Swans couldn't win it back, but Swans haven't recruited bigger bodies. Relying on turnover/pressure/agility rather than raw power for first use?
Having said that, all recruits this year much more promising than in the past few years. Serong might prove even more important than Charlie, given the defence looks vulnerable (Rampe on last legs, another concussion for McCartin puts him on very shaky ground, etc).
But hoping this season will be different to last year. Go Bloods! ❤️🤍
Yeah, the undersized element compared to some other AFL midfields could hurt them, especially their ability to win first possession. It's not everything though. This is obviously a massive oversimplification, but Sydney's midfield is closer to the size of Brisbane's than Carlton's.
Reckon Serong will be a good get. Was always pretty impressed when I saw him in a similarly organised backline at Hawthorn.
How are you able to put in so much work into this Mateo? These previews are phenomenally better than anything on afl.com.au or Code. And it’s the AFL’s loss if they don’t give you press credentials for the season coming up.
Will you do a ladder prediction after all the team previews are done? Really enjoying reading your work 👍
Interesting note on the late-season move toward control when a lot of sides are going more to a chaos style. I hadn't really picked that up but it's a good theory; will be interested to see how it plays out.
Sheldrick is a puzzle because he's undersized in an undersized midfield but a proven ball-winner. More of a Tom Mitchell or Lachie Neale than a Cripps or a Bont. I think this lack of size hurt in the most recent grand finals when both Geelong and the Lions were too strong at it and Swans couldn't win it back, but Swans haven't recruited bigger bodies. Relying on turnover/pressure/agility rather than raw power for first use?
Having said that, all recruits this year much more promising than in the past few years. Serong might prove even more important than Charlie, given the defence looks vulnerable (Rampe on last legs, another concussion for McCartin puts him on very shaky ground, etc).
But hoping this season will be different to last year. Go Bloods! ❤️🤍
Yeah, the undersized element compared to some other AFL midfields could hurt them, especially their ability to win first possession. It's not everything though. This is obviously a massive oversimplification, but Sydney's midfield is closer to the size of Brisbane's than Carlton's.
Reckon Serong will be a good get. Was always pretty impressed when I saw him in a similarly organised backline at Hawthorn.
Thanks for reading!
Great stuff, I look forward to these every year.
Thanks very much, Alex! Really appreciate that.
How are you able to put in so much work into this Mateo? These previews are phenomenally better than anything on afl.com.au or Code. And it’s the AFL’s loss if they don’t give you press credentials for the season coming up.
Will you do a ladder prediction after all the team previews are done? Really enjoying reading your work 👍