Sydney Swans revamp midfield ahead of Fremantle game — ABC News Australia
Australian AFL club Sydney Swans have changed their approach in the midfield after five key players were suspended over an incident following a match at Melbourne’s Pullman hotel. After losing Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordan, the team has gone from an average league-level midfield performance to one of the best in this area over its past five games.
As ABC News Australia reports, the midfield changes began before the suspensions. Coach Dean Cox stressed system-based play and a clear division of roles throughout the season, and after the absence of leading players, the team tested new combinations directly in matches.
Roles instead of stars
James Rowbottom became an important figure in the revamped midfield. In addition to playing in the middle of the ground, he appeared as a high half-forward and winger. Over the past two weeks, Rowbottom recorded 56 pressure acts, the highest rate in the league during that period. He also ranks sixth in AFL history for average tackles per match.
After the round 20 victory over rival GWS, Errol Gulden again became one of Sydney’s key attacking players. The team aims to get the ball to him more often. Gulden ranks second among midfielders and sixth overall for metres gained while retaining possession.
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New players in the centre
Jai Serong, who was named in Hawthorn’s VFL Team of the Year last year, began playing as an inside midfielder from round 22. His involvement in contests for the ball gave Gulden additional protection and helped the Swans strengthen their play at stoppages.
Angus Sheldrick, who previously had limited playing time, has also established himself as a player capable of influencing contests in the centre. Billy Cootie, Tom Hanily, Jesse Dattoli and Caiden Cleary provide squad depth in outside positions. Together with the more experienced Tom Papley, Jake Lloyd, Braeden Campbell and Justin McInerney, who could potentially return, they help the team control the middle of the ground.
Sydney Swans’ next opponent on the way to the grand final will be the Fremantle Dockers, whose midfield is led by Caleb Serong, Jai Serong’s brother. For the Swans, the key task in this game will be the battle for territory through the centre of the ground.
