Season preview in a pocket: Sydney Swans
Posted by Brent DiamondMar 21. 2012 5:09 pm
WE continue our season preview in a pocket series with the team that we predict will finish in ninth position this season. And that is the Sydney Swans.
Rising stars: Luke Parker is seen as a genuine replacement for Jude Bolton when he retires. The grooming process begins this year. Gary Rohan is certainly an excitement machine in front of goal. He has pace and tenacity and he’s a red-head which we love. He is certainly one to watch.
Key arrivals: Mitch Morton is a key recruit given that he potentially could be the leading goalkicker at the club this season. The ex-Tiger was starved of opportunities at Richmond but can definitely make or break a game; an ingredient the Swans badly need. Tommy Walsh was a superstar in the VFL ranks and was on the verge of playing regularly at the Saints – and they knew it; so much so that they didn’t want to let him go. He will be an x-factor this season for the Swans. Tom Mitchell, the father-son pick, may also get a taste of the action early.
In the firing line: Trent Dennis-Lane bobbed up on the forward line on a few occasions last season but was quite inconsistent. This season will be a very important season for the young talent considering the Swans will be impatient with some of their forwards. Hence, why Morton was recruited. But Morton may too be in the gun if he doesn’t make a rapid impression. The coach John Longmire, for the time being, is safe and can’t see that changing any time soon.
Best fantasy footy bet: Tommy Walsh is the one to go for. He’s excellent value at $113,200 and a genuine chance to play the majority of matches this season. Morton could be another to jump if he is on his game. He’s a proven match-winner. Shane Mumford and Adam Goodes are your good old reliable bets. They will get the big points.
Prediction: Ninth
And why?: They will be around the mark for finals and SCG will become a haven once more for the Swans. If they can win a few away from home, then they will scrape into the finals. This will rely on Goodes playing a starring role once more. He is their No.1 lethal weapon. That is not going to change at all this year. While they have a reliance on their few A-graders, they have a number of players that have yet to take the next step. They could finish anywhere from fifth to 10th.
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