The Sydney Swans are gearing up for their qualifying final against Greater Western Sydney with the anticipated return of key players, including Isaac Heeney, Tom McCartin, Justin McInerney, and Tom Papley. Heeney and McCartin were rested during the team’s recent win over Adelaide, while McInerney and Papley are expected to recover from injuries in time for the game.
Taylor Adams, who joined the Swans from the Magpies last offseason, has been a regular presence, playing 19 games this year after missing the first four due to a knee injury. However, his position on the team is now uncertain due to the strong comeback of Luke Parker, who has performed remarkably since returning from a lengthy suspension. Parker has scored 11 goals from just seven games, re-establishing himself as a vital part of the team.
Kane Cornes, a former Port Adelaide star, believes that the Swans face an “easy decision” between selecting Parker or Adams for the finals. Cornes argues that Parker’s versatility and consistent impact on the field make him the obvious choice over Adams. Parker, according to Cornes, not only adds flexibility by being able to play multiple roles but is also a crucial emotional leader for the team. Cornes further notes that Adams hasn’t made a significant impact in recent games, making him a less favorable option for the upcoming final.
Adams’ situation is reminiscent of his time with the Magpies last season when he played 23 games but missed the Grand Final due to a hamstring injury suffered during training. Now, he could be one of the unfortunate Swans players left out of the team against the Giants. If McCartin, Heeney, Papley, and McInerney are all cleared to play, players like Aaron Francis, Robbie Fox, and young talent Caiden Cleary might also find themselves on the chopping block.
Cleary, a promising player from the Swans academy and the 24th pick in last year’s national draft, has shown significant potential in recent games. He has impressed both fans and coach John Longmire with his ability to pressure opponents as a forward and his stamina in the midfield. Despite this, the return of the Swans’ more established stars could push Cleary out of the lineup.
In summary, the Swans face some tough selection decisions as they prepare for their qualifying final. The return of key players like Heeney, McCartin, Papley, and McInerney is a positive for the team, but it could mean disappointment for others like Adams, who might miss out on playing in the finals despite being a regular throughout the season. The choice between Parker and Adams, in particular, highlights the challenges of team selection during such a critical time in the season.
