Sydney enhanced their premiership credentials with an impressive 19-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, but David King has one “reservation” on the high-flying Swans.
The Swans, who have had to relocate to Victoria due to the COVID situation in New South Wales, occupy sixth spot on the ladder after their fifth win against a top eight opponent this season.
But King wants to see John Longmire's side improve in clearance and contested ball before being convinced that they can mount a serious assault on the flag.
“My only reservation is that they’re awful at clearance – they’re bottom four or five for clearance in the competition and they’re bottom two or three for contested footy,” North Melbourne champion King told SEN's Whateley.
“Can you live with being bashed up where it’s tough, which we’ve all historically said that’s finals footy, is your ball movement so good that it can overcome that?
“Because if it’s not on any given day, you’re gone. Because the ball is going to live in your defensive half.
“I’ve just got a little asterisk on them. If I don’t see an improvement in their clearance and contested numbers, then I’m not a subscriber.”
King identified Sydney’s efficient kicking game as their major strength, particularly when coming out of defence.
“Sydney is a beautiful team to watch because their kicking is elite,” the dual All-Australian said.
“They don’t give the ball back.
“The average team turns the ball over 70 times a game, they turned it over 54 times yesterday (Sunday). It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s 25 per cent better than the AFL average.
“It’s difficult to get the ball out of your defensive half forward of the centre, that’s the hardest part of the game. Yesterday (Sunday), they gave up two points on turnover bringing the ball out of their defensive half.
“The AFL average is close to four and a half goals.”
Saturday's Sydney Derby between the Swans (10-6) and GWS (7-8) will take place at the neutral venue of Mars Stadium in Ballarat.
