The season so far
It's been a struggle for last year's losing grand finalists, with injuries to the likes of Dane Rampe, Isaac Heeney, Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Tom Papley, Gary Rohan, Kurt Tippett and Sam Naimsith, plus some poor form contributing to a six-game losing streak to start the year. The Swans did turn the tide with three consecutive wins with most of those players back, and their midfield returning to some dominant touch, but at 3-7 heading into this week's bye, they're long shots to keep their finals streak under John Longmire alive.
Quarters won: 17/40
Players used: 35
Yet to play: Darcy Cameron, Sam Fisher (rookie), Alex Johnson, Tyrone Leonardis, Jack Maibaum, Sam Murray (rookie), Colin O'Riordan (rookie), Toby Pink (rookie), Ben Ronke (rookie)
Stats leaders
Disposals: Josh Kennedy (291)
Marks: Lance Franklin (70)
Goals: Lance Franklin (32)
Tackles: Dan Hannebery (59)
Metres gained: Lance Franklin (avg: 463)
Score involvements: Lance Franklin (95)
Best win
Round nine against St Kilda. The Swans' big names all fired in a dominant performance that put the entire competition on notice that the Bloods were back in form.
One that got away
Round 10 against Hawthorn. After losing two players in the first half the Swans bravely fought their way in front in the last term, but gave up two late goals to lose another tight one.
Isaac Heeney and the Swans have dropped too many games this year. Picture: AFL Photos
Best and fairest leader: Josh Kennedy
Surprise packet: Lewis Melican
Who's struggling: Kurt Tippett, Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Gary Rohan, Sam Reid, Aliir Aliir.
Missing in action
Aliir Aliir - he looked like a rising star last year but the key defender hasn't produced this season, with an interrupted preparation, and some ill discipline seeing him play just three games.
The concern
The Swans' batch of big men have given them virtually nothing this season, with Kurt Tippett, Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair all struggling with injuries and form. Tippett (ankle/hip) has kicked three goals from five games, Naismith (knee) hasn't had an impact in the ruck, and Sinclair's lack of physical presence continues to let him down.
Pass mark
Push for the eight. It'll be tough to make the finals from here for the Swans, but they're still capable of producing enough quality footy to keep them in contention.
The coach
John Longmire has kept introducing youngsters this year with Will Hayward, Nic Newman, Lewis Melican and Oliver Florent all showing great signs, and Jordan Dawson and Robbie Fox also playing their first games. The coach might need to make some tough calls in the ruck with Tippett, Naismith and Sinclair all in need of a big lift in the second half of the year.
How the best 22 has changed
Heeney, McVeigh, Papley and Rohan have all returned from pre-season illness/injury and take their spots in the 22, with Melican, Newman and Hayward coming in after being extremely impressive since their debuts. Florent is the most unlucky to miss out, and the case could definitely be made for him to come in for Rohan.
B: Nick Smith, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican
HB: Callum Mills, Heath Grundy, Jake Lloyd
C: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Zak Jones
HF: George Hewett, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
F: Will Hayward, Lance Franklin, Kieren Jack
R: Sam Naismith, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney
I/C: Jarrad McVeigh, Nic Newman, Gary Rohan, Kurt Tippett
In from pre-season best 22: Isaac Heeney, Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Papley, Lewis Melican, Will Hayward, Nic Newman, Gary Rohan
Out from pre-season best 22: Oliver Florent, Aliir Aliir, Dean Towers, Dan Robinson, Jeremy Laidler, Harrison Marsh, Darcy Cameron
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
Swans fans: what's your mid-season verdict?
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Want more?
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• Andrew Mackie's hunt for a rare double ton
