Football
16 April, 2025
Swifts go 2-0 against gallant Saints
The Swifts’ scoring prowess was on full display during its round two clash against Edenhope Apsley.
The Baggies boasted 36 scoring shots in the 22.14 (146) to 11.8 (74) victory against the Saints; however, coach Brett Hargreaves said there was plenty of room for improvement.
“We were happy with our score scoring heavily,” he said.
“But we let ourselves down in that third quarter. We let them kick eight goals… which we weren’t too pleased with.”
Playing at North Park in Stawell, the Swifts used the home-ground advantage, kicking five goals in the first quarter and seven more in the second quarter to take a 58-point lead at halftime.
With one eye on the scoresheet, Hargreaves said the players lost sight of their opponents.
“We got way too cute with our delivery,” he said.
“We got very careless; we turned the ball over in that third quarter, and then we weren’t prepared to run back and defend.
“When those turnovers happened, we were turning over at half forward… and they had a lot of blokes that were probably tired, so they were staying back and plenty of numbers.”
Despite holding a 41-point lead at the final break, the Swifts coach challenged his team to extend the lead and reestablish dominance.
“The message at the three-quarter time was that we needed to take care with the disposal and make sure that we’re pushing back hard to defend,” Hargreaves said.
“Good attacks always starts with a good defense.”
Hargreaves highlighted the strong play of former Horsham Demon Jordan Motton, who joined the club during the offseason.
The young forward kicked seven goals for the Baggies after a quiet start against Natimuk United in round one.
“Jordan marked absolutely everything,” Hargreaves said.
“He played midfield minutes too, which makes his seven goals look even better.
“He could have quite easily had 10 if he’d kicked just a bit straighter.”
While household names such as Ryan Folkes, Angus Murray and Kobe Lowe were named in the best, second-year Swift Chris Freeman was named best on ground for his efforts across the park.
“Chris was probably our main ball winner for the day, and then when he went forward, obviously was able to kick goals.
“He didn’t play for us a lot last year as he had a concussion and a few injuries, but when he’s right, he’s very good for us.”