Ugly ducklings look to take flight against Hawks
Swans players leave the SCG field after defeating the Kangaroos during their round four AFL match on April 22.
Once a side that operated around the whims of its flashy owner and a tight-short wearing full-forward, the Sydney Swans of today are the antithesis of bling.
Sometimes scrappy, occasionally just crappy and without the big names that prop up lists such as Carlton and Hawthorn, the Swans aren’t exactly the entertainers of the AFL.
Indeed, ‘The Bloods’ didn’t receive a great deal of love from Sportingbet’s tipping panel – of our three experts in Sportingmail’s March edition only one could find a place for Sydney in the finals. Even that was down in sixth spot.
But after four rounds of the AFL the Swans find themselves as one of just three teams without a loss. They’ve moved in a little from $36 at the season start to be $19 for the flag. It still suggests the big end of town doesn’t have much faith in them.
There’s some logic in that thinking given they haven’t tackled any of the heavy hitters but there’s plenty to like here nonetheless.
The premiership favorites ($4.25 for the flag) have split their matches in season 2012 but don’t bother reading much into a two-point loss to Geelong and a bizarre five-point defeat to West Coast in Perth where both sides only managed five majors for the night.
The Swans will be without improving small forward Gary Rohan who broke his leg against the Kangaroos on Sunday but in the returning Adam Goodes (suspension) they are more than compensated. The two-time Brownlow Medal winner will get to break Michael O’Loughlin’s club record of 303 games when he steps out on Aurora Stadium.
Big hearts they may have, but a big beating for the Swans will again have people talking about them as scrappers as opposed to top four contenders. A win or even a close loss will certainly help with their ugly duckling image.
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I’m not ready to give them a flag yet, but I think they can challenge anybody if they can avoid more injuries (and suspensions).
They’re working hard and sprinkle in a little flair (Jetta) and it can take them at least to the finals – top 4? It’s not out of the question. Who in the comp can be trusted at the moment? Pies and Cats and Tigers have had inconsistent starts. Essendon are answering questions as well. West Coast has had a soft start.
Swans stand as good a chance as anyone…