Swans to play “their” game in finals return

FIRST-YEAR South Barwon coach Mark Neeld said his message to players ahead of his side’s return to the finals this afternoon was to focus on what they can control.

The Swans take on Colac for the second time in as many weeks in today’s (Saturday, September 2) First Qualifying Final.

South Barwon’s seven-game winning streak heading into Week One of the Geelong Football League (GFL) Finals Series is a good indicator of the club’s form, but Neeld said it was hard to attribute it to one thing.

Colac has not yet defeated South Barwon in 2023, suffering a home loss to the Swans back in Round Five by 52 points, and then again last weekend in Round 18 12.14.86 to 9.5.59.

Neeld said he had great respect for Tigers co-coach Rowan McSparron but his messaging throughout the week would be very much inward-focused on tactics.

“We can’t control what Colac does or what they’re going to think.

“I had a good chat with Rowan after the game last weekend, we’re both experienced people who have been around footy a long time and he has a tremendous record as a coach.

“He’ll take care of his side, and my role will be to look after South Barwon, we’re both hoping for a good, tight contest.”

Colac snagged the first two goals in the two sides’ meeting last Saturday in an early attempt to gain the front foot.

The Swans answered with seven straight majors to firmly grasp control of the game and ultimately secure a 27-point win, their 13th of the season.

The Swans will look to use star ruck Fraser Fort and forward Andrew Bosely, both of whom played a primary role in last week’s win with the pair combining for six goals.

Fraser Duryea, Lachlan Noble, Sam James, Jack Driver and Ben Kellett were also praised for their efforts last week and will potentially be major cogs in a win against Colac this weekend.

South Barwon missed out on finals in 2022 and Neeld said the group was excited to be back at the pointy end of the season, despite it not being a key objective at the start of 2023.

“We didn’t set goals of number of wins or making finals, we spoke about trying to identify a style of play and work towards that, which we knew would take some time.

“Once players and coaches felt relatively comfortable with that, we agreed to roll up our sleeves and get to work and see if we can get better each week. That remains unchanged.”

Colac and South Barwon begin GFL Finals Week One action at West Oval on Saturday at 2.10pm.

Leopold and Newtown & Chilwell follow up with their Elimination Final on Sunday at the same start time.

St Mary’s finished as minor premiers and will enjoy the week off.