Swans reserves outclass Hawks
This article first appeared on sydneyswans.com.au
The reserves outshone the Hawks from start to finish and ran away with a 30-goal demolition, taking out the match 36.21 (237) to 6.5 (41).
Nine answered goals in the opening term set up the Swans reserves for the big win, with Mitch Morton (11 goals) and Tommy Walsh (seven) doing most of the damage up forward.
Swans ruckman Jesse White was also dominant throughout the match, winning the majority of the ruck contests and driving the ball into the Swans potent forward line.
In the midfield, Jed Lamb was a standout for the visitors, producing classy play across the ground and also presenting as a forward option.
Lamb’s only fault for the match was his inaccuracy in front of goal (three goals, five behinds), with the 20-year-old wasting a number of chances to add to the Swans’ goal tally.
Swans recruits Tim Membrey (three goals), Harrison Marsh (three), Brandon Jack (three), Dane Rampe (two) and Dean Towers (two) all made the most of their chances up forward, with Rampe also contributing down back with some solid work in defence.
Swans reserves coach Jared Crouch said he was pleased with the team’s overall performance, particularly up forward.
“It’s hard to find guys who didn’t replicate the type of game we wanted them to play,” he said.
“Mitch Morton up forward obviously continues to get plenty of the ball and plays his role and is also a bit of a senior player out there, so he works with the younger guys. He also kicked 11 goals, which was a fantastic return.
“Jed Lamb has been in great form and has had a lot of the ball and a lot of clearances and managed to get forward and kick a few goals.
“Tommy Walsh also took a countless number of marks and kicked seven goals.”
Despite the Swans’ dominant performance, Crouch said he was impressed with his players’ ability to play a team focused game against the Hawks.
“If you take the score aside, I think what’s pleasing is the form of our senior or more experienced reserves players,” he said.
“I’ve been in the situation when I’ve had to play reserves and you watch the seniors the day before and they have a good win, it’s then that mental challenge that you have to face knowing that it is difficult to break into a senior side that’s playing well.
“You’re playing down in Canberra and you can get a bit down and make it all about yourself and be very selfish, but the really pleasing thing was that all the senior players led the way and played our style of football and then the younger players just follow along.
“You don’t get caught up in playing ugly, scrappy football because your leaders are leading the way.”
Crouch added that the Swans reserves appreciated the support of local fans that made the trip to Greenway this weekend.
“The Swans Canberra-based supporters who came out to support us were terrific,” he said.
“There were a great number of them there and the boys certainly are appreciative of the support we do get down there.”
The Swans reserves will now turn their attention to the Sydney Hills Eagles, who they take on this Friday afternoon at the SCG as a curtain raiser to the Sydney Swans vs Geelong blockbuster clash.
Sydney Swans Reserves 9.7 16.10 28.16 36.21 (237)
Tuggeranong Hawks 0.2 3.4 5.4 6.5 (41)
Goal Kickers: M. Morton 11, T. Walsh 7, H. Marsh 3, T. Membrey 3, B. Jack 3, J. Lamb 3, D. Rampe 2, D. Towers 2, J. Lloyd , D. Robinson
Best: Lamb, Morton, Walsh, White, Lloyd, Rampe
Photo by Ben Southall