“Today, win your own ball.”
I have no doubt Sydney coach John Longmire will write words to that effect on the whiteboard this week before Saturday’s match against an under-fire North Melbourne.
The Swans simply must win contested possession after copping a smacking in that area in last week’s loss to the Western Bulldogs, particularly early.
It remains one of footy’s most important statistics and is arguably barometer for finals success.
Longmire would know that better than most, given his team’s lost only once from 11 games since the start of last season when it wins more contested ball than its opposition.
The record is far murkier when Sydney fails to do so in that period: seven victories versus eight defeats.
Even Richmond, which hasn’t traditionally been strong in the clinches during the home and away season, became a force in contested possession and clearances during its premiership years.
Why not make it the cornerstone of your game style now?
Melbourne’s premiership coach Simon Goodwin said during the week his Demons don’t seek perfection and pride themselves on being a “blue collar” team that hunts the Sherrin.
The Swans need to roll up their sleeves and adopt a similar mindset to try to win the contest as often as possible, because your style becomes dysfunctional if you don’t.
The younger guys might have lighter frames but they have to compete.
This week’s clash with the Kangarxjmtzywoos provides a nice test, because they might not be the most fearsome rival on paper but they are actually quite good in the contest.
None of the clubs’ past five meetings, dating to 2018, was decided by more than 14 points, so this hasn’t been a straightforward match-up for Sydney, even though it’s won four of those.
A loss in this danger game spells trouble for the Swans, who would slip to 2-2 and back into the pack.
It’s only early in the season but they rank 12th or worse in the competition, with ugly differentials, in contested possession, clearances, inside 50s and time in forward half.
They are concerning numbers, especially if they become a trend as the year progresses.
Sydney’s fightback last week against the Dogs – which ultimately fell short – came off the back of it cranking up the pressure after being well-below league average in that category in the first term.
The Swans also scored 36 points from the defensive half in the final two quarters to slash the margin, and they rank fourth for points from that source this year.
But that’s not a sustainable formula.
There is plenty for Sydney to learn from the way Brisbane dismantled North Melbourne six days ago.
The Lions won contested possession by a whopping 38, which led to them having a record-breaking 38 more inside 50s than the Roos.
They also generated 65 more points off turnovers, the biggest differential in 14 seasons.
The blueprint is right there to see.
