Sydney
Coach – John Longmire
2017 –
Points For – 5th
Points Against –1st
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Luke Parker
- Lance Franklin
- Jake Lloyd
- Josh Kennedy
- George Hewitt
2017 Rising Star Noms
Lewis Melican (Round 18)
Will Hayward (Round 23)
Ins – Matthew Ling, Tom McCartin, Ryley Stoddart, Angus Styles, Joel, Amartey, Alex Johnson, James Bell, Jake Brown
Outs – Brandon Jack, Tyrone Leonardis, Michael Talia, Alex Johnson, Sam Fisher, Jeremy Laidler, Shaun Edwards, Sam Murray
My Prediction
The whole competition thought maybe the Sydney reign was over last year. A month and half into the season and they had not registered a win. They came home well and despite a 10 goal touch up by Geelong signaled that they are not finished yet.
Calling the Swans the best performed defense in the competition may be statistically correct but their home ground being Auskick sized certainly makes that job easier. They have ample KP backs with Grundy, Melican and Rampe. Aliir Aliir looked real promising in 2016 and they will be hoping for more from him this year. Lloyd, Mills and Jones are capable as far as run off HB goes but they tend to play more conservatively than most teams.
The midfield is consistent. Kennedy is a beast when he is on his game, Heeney is showing signs that he will keep improving. There is improvement in Hannebury after not playing up to his own standards last year. They have Parker who they rated their best player last year. They get the job done and defensively they stand up but I think sometimes they lack creativity and run when the game is going against them.
The forward line is dangerous. Franklin must always be respected and there were games last year we he looked like he was going to explode. Reid will be really important if he can stay fit. The small forwards have really improved over the past season or so, Papley is a ripper and I think Florent will start to flourish this year. Rohan is unpredictable but really needs to show some more this year.
I didnt rate the rucks last year but Naismith was good and when he was called upon, Sinclair was good as well. Makes it hard to see where Tippett is going to find a spot in the team.
The Sydney list hasn’t really improved on last year. I am not sure they are a legitimate challenger. Their home ground advantage is huge and they play the ground so well. They are going to make the finals again and come September they will be dangerous but I dont think they have the team to sneak a premiership. I think 4-6 is about their range.