AFL finals series: Terry Wallace sees Swans stability as key in their elimination final battle with GWS
TERRY Wallace says the Swans stability should squeeze them past GWS on Saturday night but fears they concede too many inside 50s and could be vulnerable to a much improved Giants forward pressure.
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TERRY Wallace says the Swans stability should squeeze them past GWS but fears the Red and Whites concede too many inside 50s for his liking leaving them vulnerable to a much improved Giants forward pressure.
The Hall of Fame inductee has seen the two Sydney derbies and followed both teams closely this year.
SYDNEY MARKET: Swans still struggling to make inroads
WHY GWS ARE VULNERABLE
The Giants have brought back four stars who have played very little football this year. Zac Williams (Achilles) hasn’t played senior football at all, Toby Greene (foot and hamstring) has played only seven games, Brett Deledio (calf) nine and Matt deBoer (hamstring) 13.
Wallace says its about GWS taking a long-term view on the premiership.
“It makes them vulnerable but the Giants had to bring those boys in,” Wallace said.
“The Giants might have been able to get past the Swans by making just a couple of changes this week but they clearly think they can’t progress in the finals without these players.
“Even if it makes them lesser for this week they had to play them to have a role of the dice to win the premiership. The Giants might as well roll the dice with a view to getting better.”
SWANS’ INSIDE 50s CONCERN
John Longmire’s team are ranked third last in the AFL when it comes to conceding inside 50s. They have been able to get away with it during the season but Wallace says they are playing with fire having the ball in their backline for such a long time.
“It’s a concern when you leak that many inside 50s because it will catch up with you when you play a quality side” Wallace said.
“They were -13 for 10 weeks during the season. It’s a danger to have the ball inside your back 50 that much. The Swans have improved that in the last few weeks.”
GIANTS OUTGUNNED
The Giants and Swans are ranked one and two respectively at scores from stoppages. The worry for GWS is they aren’t as well equipped as Sydney to stop their stars but the Swans can.
“The Swans are best equipped to stop GWS,” Wallace said.
“Sydney will go after Coniglio. He had 17 touches in the first half and then 4 after halftime when George Hewett moved onto him. It had a huge effect on the game.
“Cunningham will go to Kelly, he had Isaac Smith against Hawthorn and did very well.
Robinson will do a similar job to the last time he played on Lachie Whitfield. Sydney can close down a few of the guns of GWS but I can’t see the Giants closing down Kennedy, Parker and Hannebery. Ward and Kennedy will go head to head and the best bull will win.”
GIANTS TALENT V SWANS SYSTEM
The Swans have won their last three against the Giants including the round three win at the SCG and round 22 at Spotless Stadium.
They have rested Lance Franklin and Luke Parker to be 100 per cent while GWS have picked four players with very little match fitness.
“If you went for pure talent you would have GWS in front but it’s the stability of Sydney that gives them the edge,” Wallace said.
“The Swans could have played Parker and Franklin against Hawthorn and grabbed a top four finish but they wanted to be as stable as possible to be cherry ripe for the first final. Even though the Swans are 5-6 at the SCG they can build some momentum at home.”
WALLACE VERDICT
Swans win by 14 points
TERRITORY BATTLE
Sydney GWS
Inside 50s #15th #5th
Inside 50 Diff #15th #10th
Time in FWD Half Diff #14th #9th
STOPPAGE KINGS
Sydney GWS
% of Score from Stoppages #2nd #1st
Points from Stoppages #4th #2nd
Points Diff from Stoppages #4th #1st
Clearance Diff #3rd #7th