Media Watch
Buddy almost missed Sydney’s derby win
The Daily Telegraph, Ben Horne
July 17
Revelations have emerged that Lance Franklin’s premiership-shaping performance against GWS was almost grounded by injury.
Franklin had been close to being ruled out of Sydney's momentous victory over GWS last Saturday night, only for him to rise from the canvas and deliver the epic four-goal knockout that has reshaped the entire landscape for the AFL finals.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Franklin damaged his knee at the Swans’ main Thursday training session last week and it’s understood there was initial advice from medical staff to keep him on ice for the derby.
However, in a sign that Franklin is as tough as he is brilliant, the influential forward convinced coach John Longmire to give him until match day to prove his fitness.
Swans hold off Giants as balance of power shifts east
The Age, Andrew Wu
July 15
Sydney is once again a red and white town after Lance Franklin turned in one of his best derby performances to continue the Giants' run of outs.
The balance of power in the city has shifted east after the Swans snapped a three-game losing streak against their crosstown rival with a thrilling 13-point victory.
A September rematch, however, remains on the cards with both sides appearing destined for another finals campaign.
Such a scenario seemed improbable after the Swans' 0-6 start to the season but they are now the form team of competition with nine wins from their last 10 games.
Three more years for Melican
sydneyswans.com.au
July 17
Emerging Sydney Swans defender Lewis Melican has been rewarded for his breakout season, signing a three-year contract extension.
The 20-year-old will remain in red and white until at least the end of the 2020 season.
Sydney recruited the late bloomer with pick 52 in the 2015 Rookie Draft from Birregurra in country Victoria.
The key defender had to bide his time in the NEAFL for his first two seasons on Sydney’s list, before getting an opportunity to make his debut in Round 5 this year.
Medical Report
Darcy Cameron (shoulder) Season
Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week
Oliver Florent (foot) Test
Robbie Fox (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Colin O’Riordan (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Sam Reid (
Fresh Faces
Young key defender Lewis Melican was rewarded for his strong season to date with a new three-year deal this week. After playing 11 of the past 12 games in the Swans’ defence, the former rookie has found a home alongside Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe down back. Rebounding defender Nic Newman has emerged as another draft steal, with the Mornington product debuting in Round 2 and averaging 21.5 disposals from 13 appearances.
Star
Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin nearly missed the Sydney derby last Saturday night with a knee
Stats that matter
John Longmire’s new look back six have conceded the second least amount of points this season, averaging a measly 80.2 points against after 16 games. After giving up more than 100 points in three of the first five games in 2017, the Swans haven’t conceded three digits since.
Team
B: D. Rampe, H. Grundy, N. Smith
HB: J. Lloyd, L. Melican, N. Newman
C: Z. Jones, J. Kennedy, C. Mills
HF: G. Hewett, L. Franklin, I. Heeney
F: G. Rohan, C. Sinclair, K. Jack
R: S. Naismith, L. Parker, D. Hannebery
Interchange: D. Towers, T. Papley, J. McVeigh, D. Robinson
IN: C. Sinclair
OUT: S. Reid (
