Search
Old Swans motivated by criticism: Barry
By Adrian Warren
23:36 AEST Sat Sep 6 2008


Sydney Swans co-captain Leo Barry took pleasure from the performance of the heavily scrutinised Swans veterans, as both young and old produced the goods in a 35-point elimination final victory over North Melbourne.

While the ageing nature of Sydney's list has been a constant reference point throughout the season, both fullback Barry and coach Paul Roos felt the performance underlined their belief the core of veterans was still playing good football.

Barry felt the constant scrutiny of the 30-plus brigade only served to motivate them.

Roos picked out Barry and hard working half forward Ryan O'Keefe as players whose intensity kept the Swans going in the first half, when they trailed for virtually the entire period.

Gradually returning to full fitness after being sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring strain, Barry thought he was getting back to full fitness and the Swans defence was gradually improving.

"We've been a bit up and down with intensity, but tonight we were a lot better," Barry said.

"We still conceded a couple of silly goals, but I think our improvement was there and we go into next week pretty confident."

At the other end of the age scale, Kieren Jack and Jarred Moore contributed three and two goals respectively.

No one was happier about Jack's treble than his famous father Garry, who enjoyed plenty of finals experience with the Balmain Tigers rugby league club in the 1980s and `90s.

"He hasn't kicked three goals in an AFL game ever, the whole family is excited," Garry Jack said.

"It's not everyday your kid kicks three goals in an elimination final."

Former Test fullback Jack, who played in two losing grand finals for Balmain in 1988 and 1989, offered his son just a little advice heading into his first AFL finals game: "All I said to him was don't leave anything in the tank."

SHARE:
MESSENGER
FACEBOOK
MORE
Blog on Spaces
Add to delicious
Add to Digg
Share on MySpace
?
Share, bookmark, and save your favourite ninemsn articles and features.  Learn more.
Wallabies' shock loss to Scotland Scottish side beats the Wallabies for the first time in 27 years. ... read more. Mariners show no mercy to Fury The Central Coast Mariners have demolished North Queensland Fury. ... read more Meares wins two more golds Three wins for Anna Meares caps Australia's dominant World Cup. ... read more Playing for my people: Preston Preston Campbell will be bursting with pride as he captains the Indigenous All Stars. ... read more. Who owns this famous mo? Take a look through some of the world's most famous sporting mos
... view gallery.
Harden up softees Cricketers spend too much time in the gym and at the physio, writes Steve Hitstirrer ...read more. Crashing out Champion V8 driver Greg Murphy will be on the lookout for another team next year ... read more. Front foot Cricket Australia is on the hunt for more pace bowlers to push for a baggy green. ... read more Sports pics of the week WWOS delivers the best sports photography from around the globe
...view gallery.
advertisement
Most popular articles
Premier LeagueTeam by team guide to the 2009/10 season.
Also on WWOS
Footy tipping$5,000 in cash to be won. A-League and EPL tipping now open!Sports videosCatch up with video coverage of your favourite sport.Photo galleriesThe best photography from across the Wide World of Sport.Winter chillWarm up for all the Vancouver action in our new winter section.

You need the latest version of Flash Player.
Enjoy the most vivid content on the web
Watch video without extra features
Interact with applications on your favourite sites
Upgrade now
Other ninemsn businesses: iSelect RateCity
© 1997-2009 ninemsn Pty Ltd - All rights reserved