The Sydney Swans' coach, Dean Cox, has offered a candid assessment of the team's performance, particularly focusing on the development of key recruit Charlie Curnow. In a recent match against the Hawthorn Hawks, Curnow's impact waned after a strong start, raising questions about his consistency and adaptation to the Swans' playing style.
Curnow, a former Carlton key forward, showcased his potential early on, scoring two goals in the first quarter at the MCG. However, his performance took a downturn after that, as he was effectively marked by Tom Barrass, resulting in a lack of involvement in the game. This contrast with his earlier performance, where he kicked three goals in the season opener against the Blues and maintained his goalless streak in the subsequent win over Brisbane.
Cox acknowledged the ongoing challenges Curnow faces in aligning with the Swans' game plan, emphasizing the need for consistent performance. He stated, 'The ability for Charlie to perform consistently, he's still working his way through at our football club.' This highlights the ongoing process of integrating Curnow into the team's dynamics.
The coach also addressed the performance of ruck star Brodie Grundy, who faced challenges with the new ruck rules introduced this season. Grundy's tendency to give away free kicks by crossing the centre line before engaging his opponent sparked discussions with his coach during the match. Cox advised Grundy to be more decisive in his approach, emphasizing the importance of timing adjustments.
Despite the losses, Cox maintained a positive outlook, attributing the team's struggles to the absence of key players Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney, who were injured. He expressed confidence in the remaining players' ability to step up and contribute, stating, 'At times you're going to miss your players that don't play.'
Looking ahead, the Swans have a 16-day break before their next game, providing an opportunity for the team to regroup and address the identified areas of improvement. As they prepare for their upcoming match against West Coast, the focus will be on refining their strategies and ensuring a more cohesive performance.
