STRATFORD
Current position: Fourth
Points: 32
Strengths: Strong across half back where Harry Langford and Jack Rietschel have dominated all season. Any side with the dangerous Jack Bacon and Lachie Channing running forward is dangerous, while Ryan Thatcher continues to emerge and give them plenty of drive. Will Webb is a dangerous forward, while Jack Schultz, Rodney O’Keefe and Ryan Auld all look dangerous when the ball comes in quickly.
Weaknesses: Probably lack the depth of recent seasons, with a number of players promoted and demoted to the reserves on a weekly basis. Their key position backs could be challenged in big games when the ball comes in quickly and effectively.
Key player: Lachie Channing – still a running machine and sets the Swans alight with pace and long kicking.
Run home: Wy Yung (A), Lucknow (A), Lakes Entrance (H), Orbost Snowy Rovers (A), Boisdale Briagolong (H) and Paynesville Prediction: Tough run home, but should hang on to fourth spot. The Swans are youthful with plenty of run and enthusiasm. It will be interesting to see if they can entice Hayden Erfurth and Reggie Tait back into the fold. Good at their best, but maybe not seasoned enough to beat the three seeded above them.
IMAGE: Stratford’s Lachie Channing
