Strong Swans still finding form

The Swans blew open the game in the second quarter, booting 23 goals to three after the first break to run out comfortable 26.26 (182) to 4.2 (26) victors.

Neeld said he was pleased to see his side produce four consistent quarters, but he was not completely settled with his group just yet.

“I thought we had four really good quarters of football, we’re playing good football so far this season,” he said.

“But we’re still at the stage that given we’ve only played nine games with a new coaching group and a lot of new players, so we’re still trying to establish what our brand of football is in all areas of the game.

“Every time we train and every time we get to play we have a chance to learn more about each other and develop our brand, whatever that might look like.

“Nine games isn’t a lot of footy, and we have a number of players who are performing consistently well each week in our 12pm side.

“Halfway through the season we’ve had 29 players play senior footy, and there’s probably eight or 10 that are playing regular good football at midday that are feeling unlucky they haven’t had their chance yet.”

Mathieson Medal fancy Fraser Fort booted five goals in a dominant performance through the midfield and forward lines, while Andrew Boseley and Lachlan Noble both kicked four majors each.

St Albans captain Jacob Russell was his side’s best player again, leading the way in trying conditions.

Neeld said Fort was having an outstanding season.

“He’s played a high level of footy before, the SANFL is a really good standard and he’s been a good player at that level for eight years, so to have him come back, we were really fortunate,” he said.

“Fraser is a natural leader and a very talented player, so far for us this year he’s played midfield, back and forward for us, he can play in the ruck too, he’s very versatile.

“I think anyone that’s seen us play would agree that he is having a very good season.”