Sydney has learned winning the first quarter could be the key to flag success
IF there’s one lesson the Sydney Swans have taken from Hawthorn it’s that fast starts win Grand Finals.
IF there’s one lesson the Sydney Swans have taken from Hawthorn it’s that fast starts win Grand Finals.
John Longmire’s men have been jumping out of the blocks as fast as Usain Bolt, winning 14 of their 19 first quarters this season.
In the past two weeks — against Port Adelaide and Fremantle — the Swans have taken it up a notch and will continue that game plan against St Kilda on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
Port didn’t get onto the scoreboard until midway through the second term — when the Swans were 50 points up. Against the Dockers, the Swans had 10 scoring shots to one.
It’s a lesson Sydney learned from their 2014 Grand Final beating when the Hawks led by 20 points at the first change and 42 at halftime.
Alastair Clarkson’s team followed the same script in their grand finals against West Coast last year and Fremantle in 2013.
The Eagles trailed by 19 points at quarter-time and by 31 at halftime, while the Dockers were down by 12 points and then 23 at the main break.
Swans great Jude Bolton played in three grand finals in his 325-game career, winning two (2005 and 2012) and losing one (2006).
“Once you’re on the back foot in a grand final it’s trouble,” Bolton said. “It’s especially true when you’ve got some guys who are experiencing their first grand final. Players then put pressure on themselves and go into their shells. That’s half of what winning grand finals is about.
“It’s about getting your opposition on the back foot.”
Last season the Swans had a 14-9 winning record in first quarters and Bolton said the reason they are on track to improve on that this year is their talented and stable midfield of Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Kieren Jack and Tom Mitchell.
“What you’re seeing with the Swans is a midfield which is able to get on top early,” Bolton said.
“They are so strong and versed in each other’s styles they can get the run and ascendancy early in games.
“It’s been evident each game that they’ve been able to take it away from the opposition early.”
The great starts have come despite the Swans playing seven debutants this year as well as Sam Naismith and Xavier Richards, who had played just one game each before this season.
“When you’ve got your best players playing well everyone gets on board,” Bolton said.
“Once your best six are playing well, everyone feels more confident and you look a better side. Seven debutants have been able to step in and feel comfortable because their best players are playing well.”
Originally published as Sydney has learned winning the first quarter could be the key to flag success