Swans narrow focus as Bulldogs chew AFL finals hopes
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals.
After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley.
But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night.
It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17.
"I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said.
"We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs.
"They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy.
"So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after."
Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs.
They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest.
It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide.
"The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said.
"We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that.
"But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute."
Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness.
But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body.
There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April.
Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash.
"There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said.
"That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control."
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals.
After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley.
But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night.
It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17.
"I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said.
"We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs.
"They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy.
"So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after."
Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs.
They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest.
It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide.
"The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said.
"We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that.
"But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute."
Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness.
But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body.
There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April.
Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash.
"There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said.
"That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control."
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals.
After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley.
But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night.
It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17.
"I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said.
"We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs.
"They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy.
"So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after."
Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs.
They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest.
It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide.
"The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said.
"We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that.
"But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute."
Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness.
But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body.
There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April.
Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash.
"There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said.
"That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
30 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Arthur tips star for England recall ahead of Ashes
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur has backed Jake Connor to make his England return after the Rhinos half-back produced another dazzling display in the Rhinos' richly entertaining 48-30 win over Leigh at Headingley. Connor kicked eight from eight conversions and set up the final try for Mikolaj Oledzki just three days before Shaun Wane names his performance squad ahead of the Autumn Ashes against Australia. Despite stern competition from the likes of Wigan's Harry Smith and Hull KR hero Mikey Lewis, Arthur believes Connor ought to be in the reckoning for his first England appearance since 2018. The former Parramatta mentor said: "I think he's probably done enough to get a mention. We've got a quite a good representation in there and if the boys keep playing well it only enhances Jake's opportunities." Asked if the often confrontational Connor is the kind of player whom the Australians might fear having to face, the Sydney-born Arthur grinned before respoding: "I'm pretty happy with Jake's behaviour on the field. "He's been very discreet when he's having a little niggle, and he's doing a pretty good job of hiding it." Leeds' eight-try show was exactly what Arthur ordered after last week's painful loss at St Helens, and he conceded he was prepared to overlook some of the defensive frailties in a remarkably open 14-try affair. "You can sit here and be negative and talk about the defence of both teams but that sort of game is what the fans want to see, lots of tries and great skill on show," added Arthur. "We came here to have a response from last week and go after the game and we did that, so that's all I'm worried about. It was fourth versus third and we jumped a spot there. "We've done a lot of nice things. Overall we're trying to grow the game and it's what people want to see. I'll put it down to a nice win." Leigh's defeat came at a price as head coach Adrian Lam revealed full-back David Armstrong and winger Darnell McIntosh are set to miss the upcoming games against leading duo Wigan and Hull KR after aggravating knee injuries at Headingley. Armstrong, who started the game heavily strapped, required lengthy treatment after 15 minutes and was eventually withdrawn at half-time before McIntosh, who temporarily replaced him at the back, was struck by a similar problem. "(Armstrong) will be out for a couple of weeks now," confirmed Lam. "He's had a bit of a knee injury, and with McIntosh it's the same thing with the knee, and I think he'll (also) be out for a couple of weeks." Lam was less enamoured with the open nature of the game than Arthur, but conceded he could have expected little more after a gruelling week in the wake of last week's tiring win over Catalans Dragons in France. "It was a weird game - we looked lethargic from last week in that heat," he said. "It was a short turnaround and it looked like we hadn't played together at times tonight. "I think the fans got their money's worth (but) some of the things we were doing in the game were just uncharacteristic. Having said that, we scored some very good tries and didn't give up." Leeds head coach Brad Arthur has backed Jake Connor to make his England return after the Rhinos half-back produced another dazzling display in the Rhinos' richly entertaining 48-30 win over Leigh at Headingley. Connor kicked eight from eight conversions and set up the final try for Mikolaj Oledzki just three days before Shaun Wane names his performance squad ahead of the Autumn Ashes against Australia. Despite stern competition from the likes of Wigan's Harry Smith and Hull KR hero Mikey Lewis, Arthur believes Connor ought to be in the reckoning for his first England appearance since 2018. The former Parramatta mentor said: "I think he's probably done enough to get a mention. We've got a quite a good representation in there and if the boys keep playing well it only enhances Jake's opportunities." Asked if the often confrontational Connor is the kind of player whom the Australians might fear having to face, the Sydney-born Arthur grinned before respoding: "I'm pretty happy with Jake's behaviour on the field. "He's been very discreet when he's having a little niggle, and he's doing a pretty good job of hiding it." Leeds' eight-try show was exactly what Arthur ordered after last week's painful loss at St Helens, and he conceded he was prepared to overlook some of the defensive frailties in a remarkably open 14-try affair. "You can sit here and be negative and talk about the defence of both teams but that sort of game is what the fans want to see, lots of tries and great skill on show," added Arthur. "We came here to have a response from last week and go after the game and we did that, so that's all I'm worried about. It was fourth versus third and we jumped a spot there. "We've done a lot of nice things. Overall we're trying to grow the game and it's what people want to see. I'll put it down to a nice win." Leigh's defeat came at a price as head coach Adrian Lam revealed full-back David Armstrong and winger Darnell McIntosh are set to miss the upcoming games against leading duo Wigan and Hull KR after aggravating knee injuries at Headingley. Armstrong, who started the game heavily strapped, required lengthy treatment after 15 minutes and was eventually withdrawn at half-time before McIntosh, who temporarily replaced him at the back, was struck by a similar problem. "(Armstrong) will be out for a couple of weeks now," confirmed Lam. "He's had a bit of a knee injury, and with McIntosh it's the same thing with the knee, and I think he'll (also) be out for a couple of weeks." Lam was less enamoured with the open nature of the game than Arthur, but conceded he could have expected little more after a gruelling week in the wake of last week's tiring win over Catalans Dragons in France. "It was a weird game - we looked lethargic from last week in that heat," he said. "It was a short turnaround and it looked like we hadn't played together at times tonight. "I think the fans got their money's worth (but) some of the things we were doing in the game were just uncharacteristic. Having said that, we scored some very good tries and didn't give up." Leeds head coach Brad Arthur has backed Jake Connor to make his England return after the Rhinos half-back produced another dazzling display in the Rhinos' richly entertaining 48-30 win over Leigh at Headingley. Connor kicked eight from eight conversions and set up the final try for Mikolaj Oledzki just three days before Shaun Wane names his performance squad ahead of the Autumn Ashes against Australia. Despite stern competition from the likes of Wigan's Harry Smith and Hull KR hero Mikey Lewis, Arthur believes Connor ought to be in the reckoning for his first England appearance since 2018. The former Parramatta mentor said: "I think he's probably done enough to get a mention. We've got a quite a good representation in there and if the boys keep playing well it only enhances Jake's opportunities." Asked if the often confrontational Connor is the kind of player whom the Australians might fear having to face, the Sydney-born Arthur grinned before respoding: "I'm pretty happy with Jake's behaviour on the field. "He's been very discreet when he's having a little niggle, and he's doing a pretty good job of hiding it." Leeds' eight-try show was exactly what Arthur ordered after last week's painful loss at St Helens, and he conceded he was prepared to overlook some of the defensive frailties in a remarkably open 14-try affair. "You can sit here and be negative and talk about the defence of both teams but that sort of game is what the fans want to see, lots of tries and great skill on show," added Arthur. "We came here to have a response from last week and go after the game and we did that, so that's all I'm worried about. It was fourth versus third and we jumped a spot there. "We've done a lot of nice things. Overall we're trying to grow the game and it's what people want to see. I'll put it down to a nice win." Leigh's defeat came at a price as head coach Adrian Lam revealed full-back David Armstrong and winger Darnell McIntosh are set to miss the upcoming games against leading duo Wigan and Hull KR after aggravating knee injuries at Headingley. Armstrong, who started the game heavily strapped, required lengthy treatment after 15 minutes and was eventually withdrawn at half-time before McIntosh, who temporarily replaced him at the back, was struck by a similar problem. "(Armstrong) will be out for a couple of weeks now," confirmed Lam. "He's had a bit of a knee injury, and with McIntosh it's the same thing with the knee, and I think he'll (also) be out for a couple of weeks." Lam was less enamoured with the open nature of the game than Arthur, but conceded he could have expected little more after a gruelling week in the wake of last week's tiring win over Catalans Dragons in France. "It was a weird game - we looked lethargic from last week in that heat," he said. "It was a short turnaround and it looked like we hadn't played together at times tonight. "I think the fans got their money's worth (but) some of the things we were doing in the game were just uncharacteristic. Having said that, we scored some very good tries and didn't give up."
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Swans narrow focus as Bulldogs chew AFL finals hopes
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals. After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley. But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night. It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17. "I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said. "We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs. "They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy. "So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after." Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs. They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest. It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide. "The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said. "We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that. "But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute." Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness. But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body. There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April. Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash. "There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said. "That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control." Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals. After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley. But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night. It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17. "I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said. "We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs. "They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy. "So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after." Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs. They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest. It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide. "The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said. "We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that. "But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute." Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness. But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body. There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April. Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash. "There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said. "That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control." Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals. After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley. But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night. It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17. "I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said. "We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs. "They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy. "So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after." Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs. They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest. It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide. "The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said. "We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that. "But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute." Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness. But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body. There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April. Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash. "There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said. "That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control."
Perth Now
10 hours ago
- Perth Now
Swans narrow focus as Bulldogs chew AFL finals hopes
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes he can't look further than next week after the Swans were dealt a massive blow in their unlikely bid to gatecrash the AFL finals. After a horror start to the year, Sydney had looked to have revived their season this month with consecutive wins and the return of guns Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Tom Papley. But the resurrection was brought to a halt in a 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) defeat to the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Friday night. It left last year's beaten grand finalists nursing a 6-9 record ahead of another difficult home assignment against top-eight side Fremantle in round 17. "I can't look too far ahead at the moment," first-year coach Cox said. "We've got Fremantle, who are another team like the Bulldogs. "They've won five in a row ... they're playing some really good footy. "So we'll make sure that we get as much as we can out of learning from this game and then our attention will go straight onto Fremantle to try to quell their influence and get the result we're after." Set shot goal-kicking is bound to be on Cox's agenda after inaccuracy again plagued Sydney against the Bulldogs. They kicked 4.10 from set shots to the Dogs' 8.5, which proved costly in a tight contest. It came six days after the Swans posted a total of 9.17 (71) in a win over Port Adelaide. "The last two weeks it's been an issue. It's something that we need to train," Cox said. "We need to make sure that we're also having shots from decent spots on the ground to give ourselves the best chance to maximise that. "But having said that, when we do get our chance, we need to take control and execute." Sydney should regain Tom McCartin for the Fremantle clash, after the key defender was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs through illness. But there are concerns over Dane Rampe, who was subbed out with calf tightness, while Aaron Francis faces scrutiny over a swinging arm to Lachie Bramble's body. There is also a watch on the SCG surface, which has been below its best since a concert at the venue by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in April. Players repeatedly slipped over on the patchy surface at the Paddington end of the ground during the Swans-Dogs clash. "There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year, but I look in at other things," Cox said. "That's where I spend my time, things that I can try and control."
