Mired in the lower regions of the ladder, it has been a difficult opening nine rounds for the Swans in 2020. Crisis is the mother of opportunity though and they have been unable to unearth some promising youngsters, and an enterprising game style. How has Bozza graded their first nine weeks?
Can’t get enough footy? Check out more of our Pinch Hitters Mid Season Report Cards here.
What’s gone right
Retaining Tom Papley despite the Blues overtures in last seasons trade period has been undoubted positive for the Swans in 2020. Sitting second in the Coleman Medal standings, the goalsneak has provided a much needed scoring outlet up forward.
James Rowbottom has been a ray of hope for the club as a result of their forced need to play their youngsters this season. With the likes of Oli Florent, Harry Cunningham and Nick Blakely also flourishing with their increased responsibility, the club has been able to discover their future looks bright.
What’s gone wrong
Being denied the services of your biggest superstar is one thing, being denied the next two aswell is unquestionably a monster blow. While it has offered youngsters the chance to shine, Lance Franklin, Josh Kennedy and Isaac Heeney are impossible to replace.
Everything about their Round Six clash with Richmond. Regardless of the fact they remained in the contest until the bitter end, three goals is never going to win you a game of footy. Nor will it keep those watching on awake.
While we feel that John Longmire was an innocent bystander in Damien Hardwick’s drive by post match, and that his response was justified, it is never a good look to see your coach in a stoush with a rival. Unfortunately for Longmire and the Swans, he was unwittingly dropped in another a fortnight later when Alastair Clarkson had another of his post game meltdowns.
Standout player
Tom Papley
Papley’s tally of 20 goals is enough to place him second in the Coleman Medal standings and also represents nearly 30% of his teams goals this year. Unquestionably the Swans most important player, with that percentage there is an argument to be mounted he is the most valuable player in the entire competition. To put this figure in perspective, Josh Kennedy, Charlie Cameron, Dan Butler and Charlie Dixon – who occupy positions 1, 3, 4 & 5 – represent 24, 20, 16 & 17 percent of their team’s goal tallies respectively.
Run home
| Rd 10 | Collingwood | The Gabba |
| Rd 11 | Bye | |
| Rd 12 | GWS | Optus Stadium |
| ? | Brisbane | ? |
| ? | Carlton | ? |
| ? | Fremantle | ? |
| ? | Geelong | ? |
| ? | Melbourne | ? |
| ? | Port Adelaide | ? |
With matches against Collingwood and four of the current eight to come, the run home is particularly treacherous for the Swans. Another bottom four appears unavoidable from here.
Final Grade
C-
Sitting in 17th position after nine rounds, with victories over teams 14, 15 & 18 all they have to show for their efforts, it is hard to suggest 2020 has been anything other than an unmitigated disaster for the Swans. That they have shown a lot more enterprise in recent weeks, and low pre-season expectations, enough to save them from a much harsher grade.
Can’t get enough footy? Check out more of our Pinch Hitters Mid Season Report Cards here.