wubsy's Sydney thread

[Jimmy_041]

Tom Browne from channel 7 just tweeted that Kurt Tippet is retiring effective immediately. No confirmation yet though.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl ... d3a346b68b

Faggot

[am Bays]

Chances of coming back to Captain the Adelaide SANFL team?

Chances of being picked up in the 2018 PSD for North??

[bennymacca]

Kurt - you are 30 and shit and on 700k. That ankle is getting sore right?

[heater31]

Kurt - you are 30 and shit and on 700k. That ankle is getting sore right?

On one had I have sympathy for Kurt as I too have suffered through rehab of an ankle reconstruction. On the other it just sums up his playing career no fight at all just like his time at 2 AFL clubs....

[Brodlach]

Still be on the books for a few more years or a payout figure settled?

[Brodlach]

Chances of coming back to Captain the Adelaide SANFL team?

Chances of being picked up in the 2018 PSD for North??

Or Port, they seem to pick up unwanted “Stars”

[Jim05]

Hopefully it doesn’t come off the Swans books for cap relief

[Jim05]

Has a new job lined up at Berlei

[daysofourlives]

Hopefully it doesn’t come off the Swans books for cap relief

Pretty sure they have to include his salary in the cap for length of contract. I guess it depends on the AFL, wether they want to give Sydney another leg up like they have for the last 15 years or if they are still on the shit list for Lance.

[DOC]

Surely he is leaving Sydney to be closer to his family.

[DOC]

Hopefully it doesn’t come off the Swans books for cap relief

Pretty sure they have to include his salary in the cap for length of contract. I guess it depends on the AFL, wether they want to give Sydney another leg up like they have for the last 15 years or if they are still on the shit list for Lance.

Because the ankle reconstruction Tippett had in October wasn’t a career-ending injury, Swans football manager Tom Harley has been able to negotiate a reduced figure on his payout.

“We won’t have to carry his salary for the full term of his three years remaining,” Harley told SEN radio.

“He was contracted for three years prior to that so it certainly won’t be that.”

Had it been a career-ending injury, Sydney would have been forced to pay Tippett the full amount of his contract over the next three years.

“Injuries have played a part in his decision,” Harley said.

“He had a full ankle reconstruction last year. There are strict definitions around what constitutes career-ending injuries. It means you aren’t able to play and that isn’t what’s happened to Kurt.”

[Jim05]

Shocked to be sitting here

[woodublieve12]

Aliir may see new role in 2018
Aliir Aliir shapes as a possible replacement for retired tall Kurt Tippett, with the Swans considering trialling the key defender as a support ruckman.

After a breakthrough 2016 season in which he cemented a position in the Swans' defence, Aliir endured a tough 2017.

Dropped after the Swans' round four loss to West Coast, he did not play another senior game for the season.


Aliir had been recalled for Sydney's round seven clash against the Brisbane Lions, but blew that opportunity when he missed a training session the day before the game. Thereafter, rookie Lewis Melican's solid form alongside Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe in the Swans' backline kept him out of the side.

Swans coach John Longmire told AFL.com.au Aliir's difficult 2017 season could largely be explained by a case of turf toe he suffered during the pre-season, which prevented him from running for three months.

"It was a pretty significant injury and that really set him back a bit. Then when he started to get going, Lewis Melican had got a start in the team as a key defender, we were on a bit of a winning roll and it was hard for Aliir to get back in the team," Longmire said.

The Swans coach is confident Aliir can force his way back into Sydney's best team in 2018, but is keeping an open mind on where he'll be played.

"We think he can really add to our team but we're keen to get him back in that form he was in two years ago, whether that's down back or in other roles. We're keen to see Aliir really grab those opportunities," Longmire said.

"We think he can play as a key defender, but also a third tall role and give us some more rebound and punch from our back half. We think he can also play in the ruck as a second ruck and give us some real mobility around the ground.

"Ultimately, it will be determined by form and what roles are there – he just needs to grab them."

Tippett retired earlier this month after 178 AFL games because of chronic ankle injuries.

Longmire said the 30-year-old would be a significant loss, but was confident Sydney was well placed to replace him.

The former Crow played just nine games in 2017 and neither of the Swans' two finals, in which time Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair ably shouldered most of the Swans' ruck duties.

Longmire also has high hopes for untried West Australian ruckman Darcy Cameron, while pointing out the Swans also successfully used one specialist ruckman at times last season with Dean Towers and, to a lesser extent, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy all performing support ruck roles at stages.

[woodublieve12]

The Sydney Swans are excited to welcome Simon Dalrymple to the Club’s recruiting team.

Dalrymple joins the Swans from the Western Bulldogs, and will assume the role of National Recruiting Manager.

He joins the Swans with a wealth of experience and has a proven record in the field of talent identification, playing a major role in the establishment of the Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership team.


Dalrymple is joined by fellow new recruit Chris Keane, who is Sydney’s new Senior Data Analyst.

Keane comes to the Swans from GWS where he was Opposition Analyst.

Ross Monaghan, who’s been at the club for 12 months, will continue in his role as National Futures Coordinator.

While Kinnear Beatson’s title has been elevated to General Manager – List Strategy and Recruiting to reflect the significant contribution he makes to the Football Department and broader club.

Head of Football Tom Harley says he’s rapt with the Club’s recruiting team for 2018.

“We believe we have a fantastic team of people in place to take our playing list forward in 2018 and beyond,” Harley said.

“I’d like to congratulate Kinnear on his elevation and welcome Simon and Chris to the Club.”

[woodublieve12]

Buddy confident in longevity

Superstar Sydney forward Lance Franklin sees no reason he can't match the footy longevity of good mates Adam Goodes and Shaun Burgoyne and play into his mid-30s.

Franklin, 31, will enter his 14th AFL season in 2018 having played 271 games for Hawthorn and the Swans, and given the form he's showed over the past two years – he's kicked 154 goals from 50 games and polled 39 Brownlow Medal votes – few would bet against him slowing down.

The West Australian needs to look no further than former teammates Goodes (372 games in 17 seasons) and Burgoyne (341 games in 16 seasons so far) for inspiration, and with five more seasons on his nine-year mega-contract, he might have one more deal to negotiate.


The four-time Coleman medallist has been remarkably durable for a big man, but while he's had multiple surgeries on his shoulders, knees, and ankles, 2006 is the only year he's failed to play at least 17 games in a season.

Speaking at the Swans' community camp in Coffs Harbour, Franklin said that being meticulous with his training and recovery is paramount to extending his phenomenal his career.

"I'm young in footy terms, you look at the older guys that are still running around like Shaun Burgoyne, who is 35 going on 36," he said.

"The same goes for 'Goodesy', he got to 372 games from doing all the right things.

"It's about looking after yourself and preparing your body right to be able to train, and the club has been great with my management too.

"That's how you achieve longevity in football by doing everything right, because you can drop off pretty quickly.

"At this stage the body is holding up really well, my mind is feeling good, and I'm still passionate about playing."

Will Buddy see out the rest of his contract?

Rightly or wrongly, many have and will continue to judge the success of Franklin's move to Sydney on how many premierships he can win, and not surprisingly, his quest to add another flag to his pair of Hawks' medals is still what drives the game's best forward.

Franklin knows how valuable they are, and having played in three losing Grand Finals, he also knows how much it takes to feel the joy of premiership success.

"They're bloody hard to win there's no doubt about that," he said.

"You have to have everything go your way and everyone playing their part to win it on the day."

One of footy's biggest names might have the reputation to go with it, but in recent seasons, Franklin has become just as valuable as a mentor to Sydney's batch of young forwards as he has been with his own performances.

He quickly formed a tight bond with Isaac Heeney and has continued to have a major influence on Tom Papley, Will Hayward and Oliver Florent over the past two years.

"It's nice to be down there teaching them," he said.

"Them learning every day is a positive thing for me and as long as I can try and influence their career in some kind of way, I think that benefits everyone.

"They're so talented and they bring that enthusiasm to the group, and there's nothing better than running out with guys like that.

"I'm happy to educate them and give them feedback on their football any time they want."

Franklin drags thousands of fans through the gates and even more eyes to televisions around the country whenever he steps onto the field, and the man who sits 10th on the all-time goalkickers list with 860 majors, is happy with how the footy landscape is looking.

"I enjoy watching it, I think we've got a great game and so many great players," he said.

"There's nothing better than sitting back and watching a game on a Friday night.

"I think the game is in a really strong position and it's good to see."

[Booney]

Lance Franklin is confident of playing well into his mid-30's :

"Yeah, I'm pretty confident I can play well into my 30's. I have to. Jacinta and I have bought this mega joint down near Bondi and if I pull the pin and don't see out my contract I'll be ****** trying to pay the mortgage with no cash coming in. The way I see it I've got to play out the deal with Sydney" said someone who isn't Franklin.

[bennymacca]

He hasnt missed too many games in the past few seasons and doesnt seem to be slowing down. so you would think he has at least a couple of years left

[woodublieve12]

Still the best forward in the comp. barring injury, he should do it fine

[woodublieve12]

20180219_okeefe_hero.jpg
Ryan O'Keefe has inducted into the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame.
Dual premiership players Ryan O’Keefe and Lewis Roberts-Thomson and triple VFA premiership star Denis McKay have been inducted into the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame at tonight’s Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, held at The Star.

O’Keefe and Roberts-Thomson are among an elite group of just five players to have won two AFL/VFL premierships with the Swans, including Vic Belcher (1909 and 1918), Adam Goodes (2005 and 2012) and Jude Bolton (2005 and 2012).

O’Keefe, who hailed from Victoria, joined the Swans with selection No. 56 in the 1999 AFL National Draft.

Hard, tough and highly skilled on his trusty left boot, O’Keefe was an absolute professional in everything he did.

The dual premiership player enjoyed an illustrious career, playing 286 games, kicking 261 goals, winning the Bob Skilton Medal in 2009, claiming All-Australian honours in 2006, and he’s the only Swan ever to win a Norm Smith Medal (2012).

Sydney local Roberts-Thomson was recruited by the Swans with pick No. 29 in the 2001 AFL Draft – not bad considering he’d only picked up a Sherrin for the first time aged 14.

After an injury-interrupted first season in the AFL, Roberts-Thomson made his debut in Round 8, 2003 and was awarded an AFL Rising Star nomination in his 10th game of that season.

It didn’t take long for the shaggy-haired blond to make his mark at the elite level, playing a starring role in the Club’s 2005 premiership.

The man affectionally known as LRT by his teammates and supporters alike, again starred on Grand Final day in 2012, and after 179 AFL games decided to hang up the boots in mid-2014.

The crafty goal-kicker McKay joined South Melbourne in 1886 and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the VFA and the Colony of Victoria.

He went on to win three consecutive premierships with South Melbourne from 1888 to 1890, playing a total of 171 games and kicking 139 goals, including finishing as the club’s leading goalkicker in 1887, 1881 and 1891.

In 1897, McKay played in all of South’s first 14 games in the inaugural VFL competition and finished as the team’s leading goalkicker for the season.

Meanwhile, seven new players and their families were also officially welcomed to the Sydney Swans at tonight’s event.

This season’s draft class – Matthew Ling, Tom McCartin, Ryley Stoddart, Angus Styles, Joel Amartey, Jake Brown and James Bell – received their first official guernsey, while for veteran Jarrad McVeigh it was his 16th jumper presentation.

The Swans also added three items to the Club’s Heritage List at the Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, presented by Volkswagen.

The first item added was the 1918 premiership team that defeated Collingwood by five points. In Round 20 this year, the Swans play Collingwood at the SCG in a commemorative heritage guernsey to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Club’s second premiership.

O’Keefe and Roberts-Thomson weren’t the only premiership Swans to be recognised at the event, with Nick Malceski’s 2012 Grand Final goals the second item added to the Club’s Heritage List.

The half-back found himself in unusual territory in attack twice in the match – and made both kicks count.

The first was from an unlikely angle, deep in the left forward pocket – the wrong side for a left footer – that he coolly converted. The second was the most famous of his career, snapping truly from 20 metres out with only 40 seconds left on the clock to seal the 2012 premiership for the Swans.

The third item added to Sydney’s Heritage List was former Swans Chairman Jack Marks’ letter to members, dated July 17, 1981. This letter unanimously recommended the relocation of South Melbourne to Sydney.

Summary
Hall of Fame Inductee Ryan O’Keefe
Hall of Fame Inductee Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Hall of Fame Inductee Denis McKay
Heritage Listed 1918 premiership team
Heritage Listed Nick Malceski’s 2012 Grand Final goals
Heritage Listed Jack Marks’ letter to members

[woodublieve12]

Another pre-season is here, hence another opportunity to brush off the cobwebs in anticipation for the upcoming home and away season.

From what we saw last weekend and what we'll continue to see over the next fortnight, clubs will take this opportunity to put their summer plans into action, throw their young’uns into the fold and unleash (or nurse) their stars in readiness for Round 1.

For the Sydney Swans, it all starts this Saturday afternoon against Brisbane in Moreton Bay.


Ahead of the twilight clash from Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, we take a look at the numbers behind how the Sydney Swans have fared in pre-seasons gone by.

An overview of the pre-season/night series

The pre-season competition, as we’ve come to know it today, didn’t exist. In fact, the pre-season competition wasn’t a pre-season competition at all before 1988. At one stage, from its 1956 introduction to 1977 (save for a six-year hiatus), it was a post-season night series fixture and comprised of teams who finished outside of finals.

For more than a decade, between 1977 to 1988, the format was a knock-out series played from March to July featuring all VFL teams, plus sides from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL), South Australian National Football League (SANFL), NSW, ACT, QLD and Tasmania.

Player schedules were packed. With the night series played midweek, mostly on a Tuesday, there was a short turnaround before teams had to recover and back up for the regular season games the following weekends.

170214_preseasonjumper.jpg
The jumper worn by the Sydney Swans in the 1997/98 pre-season competition. Image: footyjumpers.com.au

Since then the competition has been altered and changed many times over – from a simple knock-out tournament (1988-99), to a round-robin format of four teams in different pools (2000-03), back to knock-out (2003-10), then to 40-minute lightning games in which six pools of three teams played each other on the same day or night.

In 2014, the competition element was abandoned all together in favour of three simple practice matches with no ranking system or no overall winner awarded. Today, we know it as the recently rebranded JLT Community Series.

This year's version will play out as a three-week competition of which clubs will play two scheduled fixtures.

Over the years, the competition’s sponsor has changed multiple times: Golden Fleece (1965-1969), Radiant (1970), Heinz (1971), Amco/Herald (1977-1978), Escort (1979-1982), Sterling (1983-1984), CUB (1985-1986), National Panasonic (1987-1989), Foster’s (1990-1994), Ansett Australia (1995-2001), Wizard Home Loans (2002-2005), NAB (2006-2016), JLT (2017-2018).

The Sydney Swans’ pre-season/night series history

South Melbourne enjoyed considerable success in the night series’ infancy, winning three of the first five premierships (1956-57 and 1960) against Carlton, Geelong and Hawthorn respectively.

They’d go on to reach three more grand finals (1967, 1982 and 1984), for one premiership (‘82) when Rick Quade’s Swans defeated North Melbourne by 32 points in front of 20,000 people at VFL Park.

Sydney, however, had been starved of success since the competition was moved to the pre-season timeslot, progressing past the first round only nine times during the 26-year period before the competition eradicated.

Semi-finals in 1995 and 2002 remain the Club’s best result in the post-1988 era.


AFL 2002 Wizard Cup Semi Final - Port Adelaide v Sydney
Champion goal-kicker Tony Lockett made a return to footy in the 2002 Wizard Cup. He's pictured here in a contest with Port Adelaide's Matthew Primus in the semi-final.

In 1998, Sydney helped take the AFL global by playing its opening round match against Melbourne in Wellington, New Zealand. The Swans were defeated by 12 points.

In 2011, Sydney and GWS’ rivalry ignited when the neighbours went head-to-head in a three-strong pool with Gold Coast. The original occupants of the Harbour City won the first ever battle – 0.13.5 (88) to 0.0.4 (4) – at Blacktown International Sportspark.

For the record

Overall
Games played: 113
Wins: 55
Losses: 58
Grand Final appearances: 6 (1956, 1957, 1960, 1967, 1982, 1984)
Premierships: 4 (1956, 1957, 1960, 1982)

Most games:
27 - Adam Goodes
26 - Heath Grundy
25 - Jude Bolton
22 - Kieren Jack
21 - Stephen Wright

Most goals:
34 - Tony Morwood
33 - Tony Lockett
29 - Fred Goldsmith
29 - Bob Skilton
27 - Bob McGowan

Lewis Jetta has kicked the most supergoals (3)

Last year’s results

Week 1
North Melbourne 0.9.11 (65) d Sydney 0.8.15 (63)
Supergoals: Nil
Goals: Florent 2, Cameron, Kennedy, Robinson, Hannebery, Fox, Foote
Best: Mills, Heeney, Jones, Hannebery, Hewett
Crowd: 3,040 at Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium

Week 3
Sydney 0.8.6 (60) d GWS 1.4.9 (42)
Supergoals: Nil
Goals: Franklin 2, Towers 2, Robinson, Tippett, D.Cameron, J.Kennedy
Best: Kennedy, Mills, Lloyd, Parker, Rampe, Hannebery
Crowd: 2,695 at Blacktown International Sportspark

Week 4
Sydney Swans 0.11.11 (77) d St Kilda 0.10.14 (74)
Supergoals: Nil
Goals: Franklin 2, Towers, Tippett, Parker, Cunningham, Hayward, Reid, Robinson, Cameron, Hewett
Best: Kennedy, Jones, Robinson, Parker, Franklin, Tippett
Crowd: 6,893 at Lavington Sports Ground (Albury)