What follows are some random thoughts, which may or may not be of interest to anyone (including me).
The 2006 premiership was a special occasion, as I'm sure it was for many others, as it was the first premiership in which I was old enough to understand, appreciate and savour the moment of victory. I was semi-cognisant at the time of the 94 victory but I remember going to the Show on the day of the game. Then when I was told the Eagles won I was like "Good". Silly boy...
But beyond reliving the great emotion of 2006, it's also interesting to compare and contrast our current team and the 06 side. The difference in personnel, our strengths and weaknesses and the game plan are quite stunning. One thing remains the same though. Robert Walls hated the Eagles then (and had a massive boner for the Swans) and still does now.
...
The game started well for the Eagles, with Beau Waters (playing up forward) kicking the first 2 goals of the game. The Swans then proceeded to kick the next 5 to the delight of the Commentary team: "You've got to admire Sydney" gushed Wallsy. Adam Hunter, my favourite swing-man, was being the most annoying man in the world; continually bumping O'Loughlin who was attempting to stretch his groin. Mr O. ended up touching Hunter's neck and giving the free away...resulting in an eruption from the Swans Cheer Squad at Network Ten. Honestly though, I find it hard to believe that Walls was allowed to commentate on Swans games. Throughout the entire game he lavishes praise upon them whilst constantly criticising us and jumping on any error our players make. I considered muting the TV, but the crowd was electric.
But I digress...
Initially, I was struck by how young everyone looked (understandable given it was 6 years ago). Lecras was actually playing then, but wearing number 19 and looking like a 7 year old (except less effective). Jamie Graham (there's a name for you) seemed to be a surprise inclusion as an extra tall. Other interesting names include Steven Armstrong (who kicked that massive goal in the GF), plus some player wearing number 3. I thought it might be a guy named 'Chris Judd' who allegedly played a few games for us earlier in the decade, but that guy was always bald right? Or does playing for Carlton do that to you?
Although we still view Cox's work around the ground as impressive it is nothing like it was in 06. The man was seriously quick and mobile. He also did it all on his own on this occasion with the Seab omitted. Still, longevity as a ruckman isn't something to easy to attain. He is still probably the best in the competition today.
Our midfield also looked...well amazing. It was one of the best of the modern era, but it really is striking compared to the lack of power in the centre of the park today. Kerr didn't play in that game, I'm not sure why but the commentators didn't even mention him. Embles was also missing. But the tandem of Judd and Cousins; their workrate, ability to win clearances and to kick clutch goals was something special. It makes watching this a rather depressing exercise, knowing what was to come for both stars, but we did get a Cup out of their time together. You can't take the memories or the silverware!
Yet, on the other hand, it's interesting to hear the commentators note the lack of 'marking power' of the Eagles up forward, something which is a massive strength today. It really is the greatest contrast. Tim Lane: "The Swans have 2 key forwards, the Eagles have none" and Walls "The Eagles haven't had a Centre Half Forward since Mitchell White in the early 90s". To be fair though Ash Hanson was missing.
But It was a little frustrating to watch our inability to get a mark inside 50. Woosha resorted to his standard move of throwing Hunter forward (and he kicked 2 in the third) but it was such a struggle. The Big Q had a great season that year, but he didn't have a great game. Though he did kick a 60 metre bomb in the third, which he just poked at. I think in recent times he might be trying to kick the ball too hard, he doesn't need to.
I would even argue our backline is better and deeper today. No Wirrpanda, Hunter, Brett Jones or even Chick. But the presence of Hurn today is huge. In Glass and E-Mac we also have two excellent key defenders. I think our gameplan also facilitates a more effective backline in that the coaches are more willing to send extra help when necessary.
Anyway, the Swans maintained a 2-3 goal buffer into the third when the Eagles sprung to life and hit the lead. Chick absolutely demolished Malceski (aka the Bionic Man), which was something of a turning point. Still, I'm not sure whether he gets suspended but it was a little reckless. Although some of those Eagles have had well-known off-field issues, I think Chick's a couple of years ago is the one that is a little off-putting. Irksome even. Still, his hard work and determination were critical to that team, exemplified by 'that' smother in the GF.
Enter the 4th and the Eagles are down by 2 points. Hall and O'Loughlin had superb games, as much as I hate to admit it. They both were also rather knackered in that they seemed to suffer (minor) injuries throughout the game. Every time the Swans went forward they looked dangerous as they isolated their two stars. Conversely, literally half of each team were crammed into our forward line making it nigh impossible to score. But, three fantastic efforts from Judd, Cousins and Armstrong gave us a shot to win. I have to hand it to Armstrong, he kicked a great roving goal deep in the last and really played well.
Interestingly, that final Micky O. goal was actually complete luck. The ball gets kicked in, old man Banfield (what a legend) punched the ball it flies off towards the goal square and the ball sits up for O'Loughlin. Then, of course, the epic moment with the rather hefty Eagles die-hard.
Overall, what I gathered from this game is that if we could somehow 'merge' the 06 team's midfield and the rest of the current team we would be...unbeatable! Still, the current team (midfield aside) compares very well. The discipline of our current team is also far better than it was in 06. Our gameplan and the execution is also far more successful. Plus, I really do think we have more depth than we did then and a style that doesn't rely too heavily on stars.
Despite the fact we lost (it really could have gone either way) and the commentary, it was a great game to rewatch. It was especially nice to be able to appreciate Judd again...for a couple of hours at least.
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