‘Football with a Globetrotter Twist’: Swans Legend Critiques Team’s Slow Start

Paul Roos, the premiership coach from Sydney, has scrutinised his former team for exhibiting a style of play that he deems “un-Sydney-like” following their defeat against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Currently sitting in 14th place on the ladder after six games, the Swans have managed to secure victories only against North Melbourne and Fremantle.

This year has proven to be tumultuous for the Sydney club, especially after enduring a significant loss in last year’s grand final, the exit of coach John Longmire, and grappling with injuries to vital players such as Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Errol Gulden, Joel Amartey, Harry Cunningham, and Taylor Adams.

Despite the challenges, Roos does not accept the explanation of personnel issues, instead critiquing the playing style adopted by new coach Dean Cox.

“I have a connection with many of these players,” Roos shared on ABC Radio. “However, I believe they are lacking a solid system right now. This is the same team that featured in last year’s grand final. I mentioned this at the end of the previous season; they seem to resemble a side that plays a free-flowing style akin to the Globetrotters.”

“With only nineteen tackles by half-time, this is very much un-Sydney-like behaviour, and I’ve had a few messages from past players of Sydney… it truly is un-Sydney-like,” he added.

“They need to return to more foundational systems. I’m not placing all the blame on Dean Cox considering the number of injuries, but we can’t ignore the consistent patterns here. A return to a structured approach is essential.”

“Relying solely on talent and playing a style reminiscent of Harlem Globetrotters just won’t cut it. Anyone can chase and tackle, and that’s been the cornerstone of Sydney’s game for over twenty years.”

Roos feels that the Swans are overly dependent on prominent midfielders Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner.

“I don’t believe there’s a team in the league that leans so heavily on just two players as the Swans do with Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner,” remarked the 2005 premiership coach.

“If Isaac Heeney is contained, it becomes exceedingly challenging for the Swans to secure a victory. When he is on form, one can draw comparisons with (Marcus) Bontempelli and (Nick) Daicos; I truly believe Isaac’s influence on the Swans is unmatched in the league.”

The Swans’ challenges continue as they prepare to head north to face the Gold Coast in round seven, followed by a clash with GWS in round eight.