Tim Watson has asked whether Sydney’s midfielders have been worn down by the contested, crash and bash style that the Swans have played over the past few seasons.
Last year’s beaten Grand Finalists sit at the soot of the ladder, without a win after five rounds, and the spotlight is being shone on their band of star midfielders who aren’t having the impact they once have had.
Dan Hannebery is averaging just 22.80 – down from 30.85 in 2016, Luke Parker's disposal numbers have dropped by an average of four per game, while Kieran Jack, who will miss this weekend with a hip injury, is down seven.
Watson said that the way the Swans have gone about their football could be catching up with them.
“They are high-octane, energetic-type midfielders that work incredibly hard,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“We have all been absolutely amazed by their consistency over that period of time – I think they need a bit of a chop out.”
Former Melbourne skipper Garry Lyon added: “The game continues to evolve – I don’t think it’s getting slower, the game, so those weaknesses become more apparent quicker.”
Jack’s big drop-off in form, coupled with the loss of Tom Mitchell has played a part according to Watson, but despite sitting three games behind Fremantle, who currently sit eighth, he isn’t prepared to declare that they cannot make this year top-eight.
“We see what he (Mitchell) produces with Hawthorn – 30-plus possessions every game,” he said.
“(No), I’m not completely writing them off.”
The Swans head south to face a young Carlton team at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.