The Fire-Starter – What Does Tom Papley Mean To The Preliminary Final?

When I look at the Sydney line up heading into the Preliminary Final this weekend, there are a couple of things that worry me.

Their three talls up forward are a mixed bag, and are prone to have quiet games. As the Swans dropped five games after Round 16, the combination of Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey, and Hayden McLean were not exactly lighting it up.

They combined for four goals in the loss to Freo.

They had two between them against the Saints.

Three goals came against the Lions.

Three again versus the Dogs.

And two came against Port Adelaide, however, they were without Joel Amartey in that one.

I’ll just get my calculator out… that’s 14 goals in five games from three tall targets. 2.8 per game. Not exactly anything to inspire confidence in the group. They desperately needed another option up there – a proven goal kicker and creator to draw fire and open up scoring opportunities, both for them, and their teammates.

And that’s what they get when Tom Papley finds form.

 

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