The two teams competing at the MCG on Sunday afternoon have each traversed a long and arduous path since their previous encounter on a sweltering March evening in Sydney a season and a half ago. Both experienced periods of success at various times last year. The Demons ran out of steam in midseason while the Swans went on to narrowly miss the ultimate prize in the sport. Now, they find themselves outside of finals contention as the season approaches the halfway mark. 

The winner this week will remain in contact with the leading pack, while the loser may well find itself on a precipice, staring into the abyss. 

The current season has presented numerous challenges for most clubs, particularly those positioned in the middle tier. The Essendon experience in suffering a significant 91-point loss to the Bulldogs, just one week after defeating the Swans, may not be typical, but it illustrates the unpredictability of outcomes under the league’s present set up. 

Narrm travelled into hostile territory in Brisbane last week and demonstrated that, following a period of struggle under coach Simon Goodwin's revised game plan, the team has finally adapted, embracing the changes with renewed energy and enthusiasm, as evidenced by their accelerated ball movement and enhanced overall gameplay. 

All I can say is, “Vive la différence!”

That difference is between a style of play that had them among the bottom three or four clubs in the competition in the following statistical categories from Rounds 0 to 5 through an unbelievable transformation from Rounds 6 to 10 —

• Fifth in points for.

• First in contested possession differential.

• Second in inside 50 differential.

• First in tackling differential and

• Second in clearances differential.

These statistics provide a clear indication of the differences between the current combination and the one observed earlier in the season. Our visual assessment and intuition are confirmed by the data, highlighting the distinct characteristics of this team. 

Nevertheless, securing a victory over Sydney will be a formidable challenge, given their exceptional midfield including that mercurial duo of Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, who are both performing at an elite level. The Swans also possess ample pace around the wings and flanks, which has historically caused difficulties for the Demons. 

One of Narrm’s greats in Christian Petracca is likely to be matched up against one of the Swans’ gun midfielders in his 200^th game for the club. Not only will he be pumped up for action against the likes of Heeney because of his fantastic milestone, but to turn the tables on him for the ridiculously staged specky that Heeney took over him in that insufferable Colgate Ad!

The ruck division is also expected to be a fiercely contested area, with former teammates Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy facing off for the first time since last year's Round Zero clash, in which Grundy emerged victorious. Max Gawn, being a proud individual, will be determined to prevent a repeat of this outcome. 

With the anticipated return of Jake Lever and Jack Viney, the former of whom will be renewing his defensive partnership with Steven May for the first time since late last year, I believe that Narrm possess a new-found stability that the Sydneysiders will struggle to counter. 

I am therefore placing my confidence in the resurgent Narrm Demons, anticipating their continued success and a victory over one of last year's grand finalists for the second consecutive week. If the Dees can capitalize on their scoring opportunities, which they have been unable to do at all this year, let alone consistently, it could even result in a significant victory for them.

Narrm by 37 points.

THE GAME 

Narrm vs Sydney Swans at the MCG on Sunday 25 May 2025 at 3.20pm      

HEAD TO HEAD 

Overall Narrm 96 wins Sydney Swans 118 wins 2 drawn
At The MCG Narrm 51 wins Sydney Swans 47 wins 2 drawn
Last 5 meetings Narrm 2 wins Sydney Swans 3 wins 
The Coaches Goodwin 0 wins Cox 0 wins 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Sydney Swans 12.14.86 defeated Melbourne 9.10.64 in Round 0 2024 at the SCG

 The weather was hot and humid, the ground squelched under the players’ feet and the Demons had difficulty getting the ball through the big sticks against an improved Sydney unit.

THE TEAMS

NARRM

B J. Bowey S. May C. Salem

HB J. McVee J. Lever C. Windsor

C X. Lindsay C. Petracca E. Langdon

HF K. Chandler H. Petty T. Sparrow

F C. Spargo J. Melksham K. Pickett

FOLL M. Gawn C. Oliver H. Langford

I/C B. Fritsch A. Johnson T. Rivers D. Turner SUB H. Sharp

EMG J. Culley B. Laurie T. McDonald

IN J. Lever

OUT T. McDonald (omitted)

SYDNEY SWANS

B S. Wicks T. McCartin D. Rampe

HB M. Roberts N. Blakey R. Bice

C C. Mills I. Heeney J. Lloyd

HF Corey Warner J. Hamling B. Campbell

F W. Hayward P. Ladhams C. Cleary

FOLL B. Grundy Chad Warner J. Rowbottom

I/C O. Florent J. Jordon H. McLean A. Sheldrick SUB T. Adams

EMG N. Bowman C. Mitchell B. Paton

IN T. Adams H. McLean C. Mills

OUT J. Amartey (suspension) A. Francis (concussion) J. Mclnerney (suspension)

Injury List: Round 11

Jack Viney  — concussion / Test 

Marty Hore — calf / 3 - 4 weeks

Shane McAdam — Achilles / next season

Andy Moniz-Wakefield — knee / next season

5 hours ago, Demonland said:

The two teams competing at the MCG on Sunday afternoon have each traversed a long and arduous path since their previous encounter on a sweltering March evening in Sydney a season and a half ago. Both experienced periods of success at various times last year. The Demons ran out of steam in midseason while the Swans went on to narrowly miss the ultimate prize in the sport. Now, they find themselves outside of finals contention as the season approaches the halfway mark. 

The winner this week will remain in contact with the leading pack, while the loser may well find itself on a precipice, staring into the abyss. 

The current season has presented numerous challenges for most clubs, particularly those positioned in the middle tier. The Essendon experience in suffering a significant 91-point loss to the Bulldogs, just one week after defeating the Swans, may not be typical, but it illustrates the unpredictability of outcomes under the league’s present set up. 

Narrm travelled into hostile territory in Brisbane last week and demonstrated that, following a period of struggle under coach Simon Goodwin's revised game plan, the team has finally adapted, embracing the changes with renewed energy and enthusiasm, as evidenced by their accelerated ball movement and enhanced overall gameplay. 

All I can say is, “Vive la différence!”

• Fifth in points for.

• First in contested possession differential.

• Second in inside 50 differential.

• First in tackling differential and

• Second in clearances differential.

These statistics provide a clear indication of the differences between the current combination and the one observed earlier in the season. Our visual assessment and intuition are confirmed by the data, highlighting the distinct characteristics of this team. 

Nevertheless, securing a victory over Sydney will be a formidable challenge, given their exceptional midfield including that mercurial duo of Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, who are both performing at an elite level. The Swans also possess ample pace around the wings and flanks, which has historically caused difficulties for the Demons. 

One of Narrm’s greats in Christian Petracca is likely to be matched up against one of the Swans’ gun midfielders in his 200^th game for the club. Not only will he be pumped up for action against the likes of Heeney because of his fantastic milestone, but to turn the tables on him for the ridiculously staged specky that Heeney took over him in that insufferable Colgate Ad!

The ruck division is also expected to be a fiercely contested area, with former teammates Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy facing off for the first time since last year's Round Zero clash, in which Grundy emerged victorious. Max Gawn, being a proud individual, will be determined to prevent a repeat of this outcome. 

With the anticipated return of Jake Lever and Jack Viney, the former of whom will be renewing his defensive partnership with Steven May for the first time since late last year, I believe that Narrm possess a new-found stability that the Sydneysiders will struggle to counter. 

I am therefore placing my confidence in the resurgent Narrm Demons, anticipating their continued success and a victory over one of last year's grand finalists for the second consecutive week. If the Dees can capitalize on their scoring opportunities, which they have been unable to do at all this year, let alone consistently, it could even result in a significant victory for them.

Narrm by 37 points.

THE GAME 

Narrm vs Sydney Swans at the MCG on Sunday 25 May 2025 at 3.20pm      

HEAD TO HEAD 

Overall Narrm 96 wins Sydney Swans 118 wins 2 drawn
At The MCG Narrm 51 wins Sydney Swans 47 wins 2 drawn
Last 5 meetings Narrm 2 wins Sydney Swans 3 wins 
The Coaches Goodwin 4 wins Longmire 8 wins 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Sydney Swans 12.14.86 defeated Melbourne 9.10.64 in Round 0 2024 at the SCG

 The weather was hot and humid, the ground squelched under the players’ feet and the Demons had difficulty getting the ball through the big sticks against an improved Sydney unit.

THE TEAMS (to be loaded when available)

NARRM

SYDNEY SWANS 

Injury List: Round 11

Jack Viney  — concussion / Test 

Marty Hore — calf / 3 - 4 weeks

Shane McAdam — Achilles / next season

Andy Moniz-Wakefield — knee / next season

5 hours ago, Demonland said:

That difference is between a style of play that had them among the bottom three or four clubs in the competition in the following statistical categories from Rounds 0 to 5 through an unbelievable transformation from Rounds 6 to 10 —

• Fifth in points for.

• First in contested possession differential.

• Second in inside 50 differential.

• First in tackling differential and

• Second in clearances differential.

These statistics provide a clear indication of the differences between the current combination and the one observed earlier in the season. Our visual assessment and intuition are confirmed by the data, highlighting the distinct characteristics of this team. 

Nevertheless, securing a victory over Sydney will be a formidable challenge, given their exceptional midfield including that mercurial duo of Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, who are both performing at an elite level. The Swans also possess ample pace around the wings and flanks, which has historically caused difficulties for the Demons. 

One of Narrm’s greats in Christian Petracca is likely to be matched up against one of the Swans’ gun midfielders in his 200^th game for the club. Not only will he be pumped up for action against the likes of Heeney because of his fantastic milestone, but to turn the tables on him for the ridiculously staged specky that Heeney took over him in that insufferable Colgate Ad!

The ruck division is also expected to be a fiercely contested area, with former teammates Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy facing off for the first time since last year's Round Zero clash, in which Grundy emerged victorious. Max Gawn, being a proud individual, will be determined to prevent a repeat of this outcome. 

With the anticipated return of Jake Lever and Jack Viney, the former of whom will be renewing his defensive partnership with Steven May for the first time since late last year, I believe that Narrm possess a new-found stability that the Sydneysiders will struggle to counter. 

I am therefore placing my confidence in the resurgent Narrm Demons, anticipating their continued success and a victory over one of last year's grand finalists for the second consecutive week. If the Dees can capitalize on their scoring opportunities, which they have been unable to do at all this year, let alone consistently, it could even result in a significant victory for them.

Narrm by 37 points.

THE GAME 

Narrm vs Sydney Swans at the MCG on Sunday 25 May 2025 at 3.20pm      

HEAD TO HEAD 

Overall Narrm 96 wins Sydney Swans 118 wins 2 drawn
At The MCG Narrm 51 wins Sydney Swans 47 wins 2 drawn
Last 5 meetings Narrm 2 wins Sydney Swans 3 wins 
The Coaches Goodwin 4 wins Longmire 8 wins 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Sydney Swans 12.14.86 defeated Melbourne 9.10.64 in Round 0 2024 at the SCG

 The weather was hot and humid, the ground squelched under the players’ feet and the Demons had difficulty getting the ball through the big sticks against an improved Sydney unit.

THE TEAMS (to be loaded when available)

NARRM

SYDNEY SWANS 

Injury List: Round 11

Jack Viney  — concussion / Test 

Marty Hore — calf / 3 - 4 weeks

Shane McAdam — Achilles / next

5 hours ago, Demonland said:

The two teams competing at the MCG on Sunday afternoon have each traversed a long and arduous path since their previous encounter on a sweltering March evening in Sydney a season and a half ago. Both experienced periods of success at various times last year. The Demons ran out of steam in midseason while the Swans went on to narrowly miss the ultimate prize in the sport. Now, they find themselves outside of finals contention as the season approaches the halfway mark. 

The winner this week will remain in contact with the leading pack, while the loser may well find itself on a precipice, staring into the abyss. 

The current season has presented numerous challenges for most clubs, particularly those positioned in the middle tier. The Essendon experience in suffering a significant 91-point loss to the Bulldogs, just one week after defeating the Swans, may not be typical, but it illustrates the unpredictability of outcomes under the league’s present set up. 

Narrm travelled into hostile territory in Brisbane last week and demonstrated that, following a period of struggle under coach Simon Goodwin's revised game plan, the team has finally adapted, embracing the changes with renewed energy and enthusiasm, as evidenced by their accelerated ball movement and enhanced overall gameplay. 

All I can say is, “Vive la différence!”

That difference is between a style of play that had them among the bottom three or four clubs in the competition in the following statistical categories from Rounds 0 to 5 through an unbelievable transformation from Rounds 6 to 10 —

• Fifth in points for.

• First in contested possession differential.

• Second in inside 50 differential.

• First in tackling differential and

• Second in clearances differentials

It's funny all those stats we have come roaring back into elie in are the ones we dominated in 2021 our premiership year.

As @binman (and i) have said repeatedly you need to play to your strengths and the new game plan is just another string to the bow not our solution.

We can't compete at elite and precision kicking there is no point taking on teams with that when we are not elite at it.

We can compete with our old strengths back, a little less predictability and a few kids like Langdon, X and Windsor who can kick.

That Colgate ad is all the incentive Tracc needs (as if he needs any) to crush Heenan.

Go Dees!

15 hours ago, Wrecker45 said:

It's funny all those stats we have come roaring back into elie in are the ones we dominated in 2021 our premiership year.

As @binman (and i) have said repeatedly you need to play to your strengths and the new game plan is just another string to the bow not our solution.

We can't compete at elite and precision kicking there is no point taking on teams with that when we are not elite at it.

We can compete with our old strengths back, a little less predictability and a few kids like Langdon, X and Windsor who can kick.

One man’s poor kicking ability is another man’s poor decision making.

Ours has always been the latter - our game plan for years minimised the clarity of where one would kick it so it has been a hard habit to shake.

For example and against popular opinion, Petracca is a fine kick - he hasn’t had to take the extra .5 of a second that players of his ilk should take to make a better decision and also lower his eyes when territory is not as important as it used to be. Now he is more inclined to take that extra time and deliver a better outcome.

On 22/05/2025 at 11:52, rpfc said:

One man’s poor kicking ability is another man’s poor decision making.

Ours has always been the latter - our game plan for years minimised the clarity of where one would kick it so it has been a hard habit to shake.

For example and against popular opinion, Petracca is a fine kick - he hasn’t had to take the extra .5 of a second that players of his ilk should take to make a better decision and also lower his eyes when territory is not as important as it used to be. Now he is more inclined to take that extra time and deliver a better outcome.

I'd argue Petracca is a better kick when he has less time to think about it. Look at his set shots, orr his famous goal from the the boundary line in the grand final.

He is the last player I want to have time to find an option or kick a goal. The quicker and more on instinct for him the better.

Why hasn't Tom McDonald been referred to as "managed" rather than "omitted"?

7 hours ago, Wrecker45 said:

I'd argue Petracca is a better kick when he has less time to think about it. Look at his set shots, orr his famous goal from the the boundary line in the grand final.

He is the last player I want to have time to find an option or kick a goal. The quicker and more on instinct for him the better.

Goalkicking is completely seperate to field kicking. They are different mindsets. Petracca - when he is dumping the ball out of a contest is a net negative. When he uses his feet or hands to get out and forward of the contest and takes a beat to hit an option - he is at his best.

42 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Goalkicking is completely seperate to field kicking. They are different mindsets. Petracca - when he is dumping the ball out of a contest is a net negative. When he uses his feet or hands to get out and forward of the contest and takes a beat to hit an option - he is at his best.

Absolute best i have seen at keeping his feet when getting tackled and feeding off by hands, it doesn't matter how many tackle him.

He is an ordinary kick though when he has time to think unless he is surging forward and kicking to someone running out the back. He always nails that with a thumping kick over the top of everybody

1 hour ago, rpfc said:

Goalkicking is completely seperate to field kicking. They are different mindsets. Petracca - when he is dumping the ball out of a contest is a net negative. When he uses his feet or hands to get out and forward of the contest and takes a beat to hit an option - he is at his best.

Bollocks.

Tracc's technique is woeful whether he us kicking for goal or his field kicking. Which us wh5 both is so poor. Nothing to donwirh decision making.

I just want to see 4 quarters from Trac at his best

On 21/05/2025 at 20:25, Wrecker45 said:

It's funny all those stats we have come roaring back into elie in are the ones we dominated in 2021 our premiership year.

As @binman (and i) have said repeatedly you need to play to your strengths and the new game plan is just another string to the bow not our solution.

We can't compete at elite and precision kicking there is no point taking on teams with that when we are not elite at it.

We can compete with our old strengths back, a little less predictability and a few kids like Langdon, X and Windsor who can kick.

Agree those stats reflect goody's focus on his fundamentals - pressure, contest and inside 50 tackling and pressure.

Bur we are definitely making some fundamental changes to our method, a process we began in the two thirds of last season

For example we are third in the AFL for uncontested possessions, a reflection of the way we are chipping it around to stretch opposition zones and maintain possession until we can find a path to attack and then press the button.

I reckon another factor in using the chip it around strategy is it helps to minimise turnovers and intercepts because there's less emphasis on getting it forward at all costs.

We're still turning it over too much (4th - Swans are number 1) but we're way better in terms of clangers. We are 14th for clangers, two spots better than the pies and just above Suns, Dockers, Dogs and Hawks - all teams that arw considered excellent kicking sides.

By the by the Swans are number one for most clangers, which bodes well for us if we bring the heat, which I fully expect us to do

I don't put much stock in the kicking efficiency stat, but for what it's worth we are above the Swans this season, 68% to 64.9%. In fact we are 2nd in the afl (behind freo), though that's probably a function of our chip it around strategy, which freo also use.

The Swans' clangers and key stats really show the impact if losing so many quality plsyers, Gulden being the big one).

Another change is how quick we are moving the ball. I'm not sure whete we're are at now but 3 weeks ago we were tp 3 for how quickly we played on after a free or mark.

We've still got a long way to go to get the transition game right- we're 18th for scores from defensive half for example.

Bur we're getting there - take that last stat. Yes we're nor scoring enough from our back half BUT we are actually 5th for transitioning the ball from our D50 inside our 50. We are one posiion above a hawks team many consider to be thevl best transion team and below other excellent transition team in the Dogs, Suns, (surprisingly) blues and Cats

That suggests that we are actually transitioning effectively but breaking down once we get inside our 50 (no shock to dres fans). If we can improve our last kick inside 59 and our forward line effectiveness more generally we can really improve our scoring from the back half very quickly, which makes us a big threat if we can maintain our contest and pressure levels.

4 hours ago, Freddy Fuschia said:

Why hasn't Tom McDonald been referred to as "managed" rather than "omitted"?

Because he was dumped, dropped and spat on……he was the obvious out, all is well, we have a little depth atm, enjoy it.

2 hours ago, binman said:

Bollocks.

Tracc's technique is woeful whether he us kicking for goal or his field kicking. Which us wh5 both is so poor. Nothing to donwirh decision making.

Jesus. Calm down.

He is a fine kick when he takes the time he can take.

Contrary to your disposition occasionally - people can disagree.

I have my view, and you have yours.

I think we have this one

Narm is the secret weapon these days.

51 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Jesus. Calm down.

He is a fine kick when he takes the time he can take.

Contrary to your disposition occasionally - people can disagree.

I have my view, and you have yours.

I wouldn't say he's a fine kick. Especially set shots. I would humbly suggest your on your own here.

But I defend your right to free speech comrade rpfc.

He is excellent around the body and the odd quick snap. But like his other partner in crime, Max, I'm sure that Benny Hill theme starts to kick into his mind, when he's starting to kick in.

Edited May 24May 24 by leave it to deever

2 hours ago, rpfc said:

Jesus. Calm down.

He is a fine kick when he takes the time he can take.

Contrary to your disposition occasionally - people can disagree.

I have my view, and you have yours.

Calm down?

All I said was bollocks, hardly an example of getting wound up or a furious repudiation of your opinion.

Jesus. Thin skin much.

6 hours ago, binman said:

If we can improve our last kick inside 59 and our forward line effectiveness more generally we can really improve our scoring from the back half very quickly, which makes us a big threat if we can maintain our contest and pressure levels.

Melksham is the key to that. He leads wide and never misses from either pocket. We have f50 options when he is playing

I saw Buckley and Jonathon Brown analyse the Brisbane game and they highlighted how Melksham was hiding behind Harris Andrews back so he couldn't watch player and ball at the same time and now that's the blue print for every other side.

There are a few things we are starting to do that make me think we are not followers in game style but leaders