Every Tuesday on The Agenda Setters, AFL experts Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas reveal what they are buying, holding, and selling after the weekend's football.
In Round 7, the Sydney Swans boosted their percentage with another strong win over the wounded Western Bulldogs, while Port Adelaide shocked perennial flag contender Geelong.
Here is what the duo are buying and selling this week.
Thomas: Buying the Sydney Swans
Given they sit on top with a huge percentage, it is far from breaking news, but Thomas says the Swans are firmly in the premiership mix, with key numbers backing their rise. The Swans have piled on 100-plus points in six of seven games, won the inside-50 count in every match, and dominated tackles inside forward-50 in six of seven. Their forward trio of Charlie Curnow, Joel Amartey, and Logan McDonald is clicking, with marks inside-50 won in six of seven games. "When it gets in there, they either take a mark or wrap it up. They give themselves a chance to score," Thomas said. "If they continue that, they will be there on the last day in September."
Hodge: Holding Geelong
Geelong's defence was uncharacteristically poor in their shock loss to Port Adelaide. Hodge noted a "lack of communication" and "defensive intensity," highlighting a breakdown where Geelong was outnumbered 4-7 in defence during the third term. "I don't think Chris Scott would be happy about this," Hodge said. Another clip showed Port's Jase Burgoyne slipping Brad Close to kick a goal. "I'm not selling the Cats yet, but that's something for Chris Scott to focus on. You need to defend and attack for four quarters."
Thomas: Holding selfish acts inside forward 50
During Brisbane's clash with Adelaide, out-of-contract star Zac Bailey booted three goals and had 29 touches, but one moment saw him shoot under pressure instead of handballing to Levi Ashcroft. Thomas, a former high-flying forward, didn't mind Bailey's hunger. "I'm holding the fact that sometimes we are a bit selfish inside forward-50," Thomas said. "Do you give the handball, or if you don't, do you complain?" Ashcroft screamed at Bailey after the kick went nowhere. Hodge noted he had seen Thomas do that "many times" during his playing days.
Hodge: Selling Adelaide's pressure
Adelaide's pressure factor continues to dip in quarters this year. Against Brisbane, their fourth-quarter pressure slumped to 145, with the third quarter at 152—their second and third worst quarters this season. Their worst came in Round 6 against St Kilda (143 in the first quarter). "They went to Brisbane to unsettle the premiers, but if you challenge a premiership favourite, you need pressure, and they didn't bring it," Hodge said. Thomas noted the Crows had a challenging week after the death of captain Jordan Dawson's brother, giving them "a little bit of an out."
Thomas: Selling the ARC
The AFL's Review Centre had a bad week. In the St Kilda-West Coast game, a dubious mark on the goal-line was reviewed and called back about a minute later. In GWS-North Melbourne, Xavier O'Halloran's shot appeared touched by Griffin Logue, but the umpire didn't call for a review, and the ARC found insufficient evidence despite replays showing a touch. "I held it last week, but now I officially sell it. I don't know what's going on. Let's get AFL bigwigs into a boat and send them to Silicon Valley for technology that works. When it works, we don't waste 90 seconds and five days talking about it. Put the ARC in the bin."
Hodge: Buying tradies in Tassie
In the VFL in Tasmania on Saturday, Hodge spotted tradesmen taking time to watch the Tassie Devils vs Carlton game. "It's a Saturday. You're getting double-time-and-a-half on a public holiday, and you just sit back and watch footy," Hodge said. "That's a perfect role for me and Daisy when we finish at Agenda Setters." Thomas put on a high-vis vest and hard hat, saying, "I'm on the boat, brother. That's you and me sorted."
