POOR decision-making under pressure and basic skill errors cost the Sydney Swans victory against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Saturday, coach John Longmire believes.
In a low-scoring affair played in wet and slippery conditions for most of the match, the Swans' errors proved costly as the home side succumbed by four points.
Experienced defenders Rhyce Shaw, Nick Smith and Heath Grundy, plus fellow backman Dane Rampe, all made mistakes inside the Bulldogs' forward 50 that cost the home side goals.
“There was a 40-point differential on turnovers so in any conditions that’s tough, but particularly in wet conditions, it make it really difficult. We had some basic errors that they were able to turn into goals," Longmire said after the loss.
“Decision-making and execution, it’s a balance of both, you’ve got to get it right. If you don’t get it right, and you’re allowed a few a game, you just have to make sure it doesn’t become too often, particularly in those conditions.
“Their pressure around the ball has been really good, and they force you into that at different times. They’re confident and they’re playing well.”
The Swans also wasted plenty of chances in front of goal, with star forward Lance Franklin one of the culprits, despite finishing the game with three goals and two behinds.
Franklin was well on top of Bulldogs' defender Michael Talia in the opening quarter, but managed just 1.1 from four shots.
On the flip side, the Dogs kicked five straight goals to finish the term with a 14-point lead, before the rain came.
“We gave up some really easy goals and particularly early in the game, and we didn’t capitalise when we had the chance,” Longmire said.
“We kicked 2.5 from 19 entries (inside 50) in the first quarter and they were able to kick some really easy ones from a couple of basic errors from us."
On a down night for the Swans, Longmire paid tribute to midfielder Dan Hannebery, who did everything he could to drag his side to victory, and continued his stellar start to the season.
The 24-year-old had a game-high 37 possessions, 20 of those contested, laid 10 tackles, and looks back to be back in the form that made him an All Australian in 2013.
“He hasn’t had too many down weeks - he had a great off-season and got himself into great condition over the break and it’s showing," Longmire said.
“He’s been consistent every week and he’s got a good mix of inside and outside game, contested possession and uncontested possession football.
“He’s working really hard.”
