AFL: Football guru Mick McGuane reveals simple reasons behind Sydney Swans’ success under John Longmire

The Swans charged into the mid-season break with a pair of fighting victories over Richmond and Melbourne, but what went right?

Ollie Florent and the Swans are in a great position after consecutive comeback wins over Richmond and Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

Fail to punish the Swans at your peril.

John Longmire’s men came from a long way back in both games in the past fortnight, against Richmond and Melbourne, to score arguably their most important wins of the season.

They weren’t the first instances of Sydney showing significant resolve to overcome an early deficit, but the correlation in turnover differential to the Swans’ success is becoming abundantly clear.

They outscored both the Tigers and Demons in this key statistic, with the latter mustering a paltry five behinds off turnover last week.

They are the second-fewest points scored from that source on record, an extraordinary figure when you consider it is typically one of the reigning premier’s strengths.

Sydney is unbeaten across seven matches this year when it is in front in points from turnover differential, but just 1-4 when the opposite happens.

James Rowbottom (left) and Justin McInerney are playing integral roles in the Swans’ success. Picture: Getty Images

The best teams amass about 60 points per game from turnovers, so Melbourne would have been only halfway there even if it kicked perfectly from those five scoring shots.

The Swans might still field a lot of younger players but this has been a pretty settled squad for a while and, like all Longmire teams, it boasts excellent cohesion and synergy.

What I like most is their willingness to selflessly run and create for teammates.

Sydney’s pressure numbers went through the roof in the second quarter against the Demons and the players flicked the switch into offence instantly whenever they won the Sherrin back.

They not only run hard but with purpose and to the right spots.

Emerging quartet Justin McInerney, Ollie Florent, James Rowbottom and Errol Gulden all spring to mind when I think of the hardest-working Swans.

Swans coach John Longmire, pictured celebrating the Melbourne win with Errol Gulden, has a strong rapport with his players. Picture: Getty Images

Sam Reid’s 10 tackles were every bit as vital as his three goals, too.

The Bloods culture indoctrinates all players to have this mindset, and that much is obvious when I watch ruck recruit Peter Ladhams.

Ladhams illustrated his offensive talents at Port Adelaide but what’s struck me since he’s put on the red and white are his increased repeat efforts, follow-up work and gut running.

I judge much of a coach’s impact on how consistently his footballers perform and the effort they put in weekly.

When is the last time we questioned a Longmire-coached team’s effort? Even then, it’s not often. That tells me the players respect his messaging and have a strong rapport with him.

Sydney is thriving on the output of a strong batch of young players, including Logan McDonald. Picture: Getty Images

It would be remiss of me not to mention contested possessions, as I have repeatedly when it comes to Sydney.

As with the Swans’ turnover game, winning the hard ball is critical to them being able to make an impact in September.

If we break the past two matches down by quarter, on whether they won or lost contested possession – excluding breaking even with the Tigers in the second term – it paints a fascinating picture.

The combined scoreboard differential in that period when they win contested ball is plus-60 points, but slips to minus-25 points when they don’t.

Let’s never forget how simple the game of football can be.