Melbourne midfield confidence grows

[Hannibal 5,814]

For me if I was picking a team and I had Swans players to pick from it would be Goodes, Jack, Kennedy and then the rest

Btw, I've harped on about the importance of big bodied mids all summer. I've talked about how they're just about every top sides best player (along with a dominant key forward). But I also acknowledge what Jetta has brought to that team.

Do you think it a coincidence that when Jetta lost form the Swans had their flat spot for the year ? I don't. Sydney lost 6 games for the year, 3 of them came between rounds 17-23 when Jetta was in his form slump.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,201]

You can rave about your midfields but I've always believed that defences win premierships and its no coincidence that the best defence in the competition won the flag in 2012 (Sydney - 1629 points against v Hawthorn - 1733 against). Jetta may well have been the icing on the cake but underneath they had the likes of Grundy, LRT, Richards, Shaw, Smith, Mattner and Johnson. I reckon we have the players who could match them among our list of defenders*.

Jack the best defensive unit cannot be measured just by points against as this is strongly influenced by upfield pressure. I believe the best measure is scores against inside 50s. I would actually take our back 6 over the Swans with an equivalent midfield.

[Hulett Packard III 166]

Jack the best defensive unit cannot be measured just by points against as this is strongly influenced by upfield pressure. I believe the best measure is scores against inside 50s. I would actually take our back 6 over the Swans with an equivalent midfield.

True to a point but it's still a very good indicator when you're comparing the good teams. We know that the figures are going to be skewed if we're comparing Sydney (1st) v Melbourne (16th).

Those players named in the Swans' defence would not have been in most people's top defenders list but as a unit they were not only sensational statistically but they really were a revelation as a defensive unit. I agree about the quality individually of our back six but you need them healthy and playing cohesively to succeed.

Leigh Matthews once said that his first objective with the Lions was to build a strong defence and that this was the building block for his premiership success at the club.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

Btw, I've harped on about the importance of big bodied mids all summer. I've talked about how they're just about every top sides best player (along with a dominant key forward). But I also acknowledge what Jetta has brought to that team.

Do you think it a coincidence that when Jetta lost form the Swans had their flat spot for the year ? I don't. Sydney lost 6 games for the year, 3 of them came between rounds 17-23 when Jetta was in his form slump.

It would be equally valid to argue that Jetta's form slump coincided with the Swans flat spot.

[Hulett Packard III 166]

Who knows what Dom Barry may become for us, but pace, endurance, evasiveness and great kicking skills are terrific weapons to possess.

I agree with this but it's going to take a while. We can't expect too much of Dom Barry fresh out of school and weighing 65kg. Jetta was almost 21 years of age on debut and was 23 when he became a true star for the Swans.

If we have a player with speed who you want to put in the same category for 2013 then Sam Blease might be your man.

[Hannibal 5,814]

It would be equally valid to argue that Jetta's form slump coincided with the Swans flat spot.

No, it was well documented at the time.

Watch more footy.

[angrydee 842]

It would be equally valid to argue that Jetta's form slump coincided with the Swans flat spot.

Having watched most swans games last season, I reckon it was a bit of both.

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

I do agree that the mid field is important.

But Neeld is trying to build a Fit, fast, strong well drilled & confident team all over the ground.

The confidence will come from playing with each other and knowing your roles.

I notice the good well drilled teams, when they break free the players immediately just move to planned areas,

it's just 2nd nature to them.