Young Bloods Pump Up Swans

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday April 7, 2008

Michael Cowley

Lions 10.11 (71)

Swans 13.10 (88)

SYDNEY midfielder Kieren Jack believes the opportunity to inject a group of youngsters into The Bloods in one big transfusion, instead of one at a time, has been instrumental in their transition to senior football, and has translated to some impressive team results.

After being crucified for their first-round performance against St Kilda, the Swans have since belted Port Adelaide by 11 goals last week, then on Saturday shut down a very good Lions outfit, in Brisbane, to continue to make their way up the ladder.

And while the likes of Barry Hall, Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe and Brett Kirk get the plaudits and accolades they deserve, it has been the ability of the younger brigade - Jarred Moore, Ed Barlow, Craig Bird, Heath Grundy and Jack - to slot so easily into the team, and maintain the level of ability, quality and Swans-like tenacity across the park, which has been just as important to their success.

"I think we've just all really gelled together," Jack said yesterday. "I know a lot of us all played in the reserves last year, and we do know each other's games pretty well, and there's just been a real enjoyment factor this year, and we've all come in and just really just had a go, and I think the older boys are really liking it, so hopefully we can continue."

On Saturday, the youngsters were great for the Swans, highlighted by Jack's job on star Brisbane midfielder Luke Power, and some fine skills shown by both Moore and Barlow not only in general play, but also when kicking some spectacular goals.

"Yeah, I've seen them do that sort of stuff for a couple of years in the reserves, so to see them do that in the seniors comes as no surprise for me," Jack said.

After Power averaged 25.5 possessions in the first two matches of the season, Sydney realised they needed to do a good defensive job on him at the Gabba, and Jack did exactly that. He kept the 198-game veteran to just nine touches.

"It was a really good experience playing on a quality player like that," Jack said. "It is going to be really good for my development and learning from the sort of things that he does as a midfielder."

Coach Paul Roos was very pleased with the effort of the team, both young and older players, but knows they must maintain that level week in and week out. Next weekend the Swans renew their rivalry with West Coast, against whom they played six successive games where the total margin added up to just 13 points, before a "blowout" last time when the Eagles won by 12 points in Perth.

"It's been a really good mix where everyone carries their load, the young guys have been really solid and some of the more experienced and better players, the last couple of weeks, have been super," Roos said. "So at the moment we're getting an even performance across the board which is really important for us.

"We always expect a good game against West Coast. They have still got some real quality players, a good forward line and a good defence and some young guys now coming though the midfield. They are still going to be ultra-competitive.

"The history between the two clubs means the guys know they will have to turn up to compete. There is no way known you can play substandard footy and expect to win against the West Coast Eagles ... They know that and hopefully they will prepare well during the week."

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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