GVGjr
25-02-2007, 09:51 AM
Dogs shine to pluck Swans (http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,21985,21283420-11088,00.html)
SYDNEY'S pre-season competition losing record under Paul Roos remains intact, with the Swans again bidding farewell in the opening round, this time to the impressive Western Bulldogs.
While technically Roos wasn't in charge -- assistant coach John Longmire had the controlling headset on in the coaches' box -- his team has been a first-round loser each year since he took over in 2002.
The undermanned Swans were overwhelmed by the power-running of the Bulldogs, one of the bookies' favourites for the NAB Cup, on the wide expanses of Manuka Oval, losing 1.12.16 (97) to 1.9.7 (70).
Even though the Dogs rested nine from their best team, their depth of talent was clear, with the likes of Ryan Griffen, Lindsay Gilbee, Jordan McMahon and Sam Power all seeing plenty of ball.
A third-quarter fightback from the Swans made things interesting, but by three-quarter time the Dogs had responded with three of their own to have the biggest lead, 27 points, of the afternoon.
The only downside for the Bulldogs was the report of midfielder Farren Ray, booked for a charge on Sydney's Paul Bevan.
Fittingly the first touch of the game went to Bulldog recruit Jason Akermanis, although he was immediately gang-tackled by three Swans when he roved the opening bounce of the game.
Longmire clearly has a sense of humour -- he sent rookie Kieren Jack, the young Swan in the glare of the AFL betting scandal, to tag the former Brisbane champion.
It's not as if Jack needed to be the centre of attention, but he took his job to heart, scragging and hanging on to Akermanis wherever he went.
Akermanis spent much of the second half on the bench and overall made a quiet debut, picking up eight kicks and two handballs.
The Bulldogs' other experienced recruit, former Eagle Andrew McDougall, made a more impressive debut, looking good as a roaming centre half-forward.
After a scrappy start it soon became evident the Dogs were better prepared and the 23-point half-time margin didn't do justice to their dominance. The first-half highlights included a super goal from full-back Brian Harris and magic from lightning quick draftee Malcolm Lynch.
A fourth-round selection in last year's draft, Lynch produced a great left-foot snap seconds before the quarter-time siren to kick the first goal of his career. He finished the game as the Dogs' leading goalkicker with three.
Others to impress in the second half included rookie Jarrod Harbrow, Matthew Robbins (two goals) and Shaun Higgins, who moved nicely on the wing.
For the Swans, the display of Jesse White, a fifth-round selection from Southport, at full-forward was encouraging. The 19-year-old, who stands at 196cm and 98kg, looked the part, leading out and finishing with three goals.
Brett Kirk (24 touches) got plenty of the ball, while Adam Goodes did some nice things and All-Australian centre half-back Craig Bolton seemed to be in everything.
There were encouraging signs from youngsters Sam Rowe and Daniel Currie.
Bulldog captain Brad Johnson took himself off in the second term and went straight into the rooms. He re-appeared late in the third quarter and immediately kicked a goal.
Defender Cameron Wight hurt himself running back with the flight to take a courageous mark and corked a hip.
For the Swans, Nick Malceski limped off with an ankle injury in the final term.
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SYDNEY'S pre-season competition losing record under Paul Roos remains intact, with the Swans again bidding farewell in the opening round, this time to the impressive Western Bulldogs.
While technically Roos wasn't in charge -- assistant coach John Longmire had the controlling headset on in the coaches' box -- his team has been a first-round loser each year since he took over in 2002.
The undermanned Swans were overwhelmed by the power-running of the Bulldogs, one of the bookies' favourites for the NAB Cup, on the wide expanses of Manuka Oval, losing 1.12.16 (97) to 1.9.7 (70).
Even though the Dogs rested nine from their best team, their depth of talent was clear, with the likes of Ryan Griffen, Lindsay Gilbee, Jordan McMahon and Sam Power all seeing plenty of ball.
A third-quarter fightback from the Swans made things interesting, but by three-quarter time the Dogs had responded with three of their own to have the biggest lead, 27 points, of the afternoon.
The only downside for the Bulldogs was the report of midfielder Farren Ray, booked for a charge on Sydney's Paul Bevan.
Fittingly the first touch of the game went to Bulldog recruit Jason Akermanis, although he was immediately gang-tackled by three Swans when he roved the opening bounce of the game.
Longmire clearly has a sense of humour -- he sent rookie Kieren Jack, the young Swan in the glare of the AFL betting scandal, to tag the former Brisbane champion.
It's not as if Jack needed to be the centre of attention, but he took his job to heart, scragging and hanging on to Akermanis wherever he went.
Akermanis spent much of the second half on the bench and overall made a quiet debut, picking up eight kicks and two handballs.
The Bulldogs' other experienced recruit, former Eagle Andrew McDougall, made a more impressive debut, looking good as a roaming centre half-forward.
After a scrappy start it soon became evident the Dogs were better prepared and the 23-point half-time margin didn't do justice to their dominance. The first-half highlights included a super goal from full-back Brian Harris and magic from lightning quick draftee Malcolm Lynch.
A fourth-round selection in last year's draft, Lynch produced a great left-foot snap seconds before the quarter-time siren to kick the first goal of his career. He finished the game as the Dogs' leading goalkicker with three.
Others to impress in the second half included rookie Jarrod Harbrow, Matthew Robbins (two goals) and Shaun Higgins, who moved nicely on the wing.
For the Swans, the display of Jesse White, a fifth-round selection from Southport, at full-forward was encouraging. The 19-year-old, who stands at 196cm and 98kg, looked the part, leading out and finishing with three goals.
Brett Kirk (24 touches) got plenty of the ball, while Adam Goodes did some nice things and All-Australian centre half-back Craig Bolton seemed to be in everything.
There were encouraging signs from youngsters Sam Rowe and Daniel Currie.
Bulldog captain Brad Johnson took himself off in the second term and went straight into the rooms. He re-appeared late in the third quarter and immediately kicked a goal.
Defender Cameron Wight hurt himself running back with the flight to take a courageous mark and corked a hip.
For the Swans, Nick Malceski limped off with an ankle injury in the final term.
Also in Sport