Swans wary of Fevola's mood - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Swans wary of Fevola's mood

By Greg Buckle and Robert Grant 19/07/2008 02:33:30 PM Comments (0)

Carlton is hoping for one of two options against Sydney on Sunday - either full-forward Brendan Fevola regains form or Plan B works.

The Blues admit they are Fevola-reliant, a fact highlighted last week when the controversial spearhead struggled to kick a big number against St Kilda, which cruised to victory.

But they are trying to address the problem urgently to cope with Fevola's ups and downs, according to assistant coach Gavin Crosisca.

Crosisca says the Blues' coaching panel has been working to develop a multi-pronged attack to give the side more versatility.

"We've been working on it. We know it's an issue for us, we don't want to be Fev-oriented and we know that we can't be completely successful if he's the only target up there," Crosisca said.

"There's an imbalance. We know that. We don't tell the boys to kick it to Fev seven times out of 10, put it that way, but he presents well.

"We've been working on a longer kick to the top of the square if Fev isn't in the best position but we've got to get our other forwards to get into a position to create a contest at the top of the square as well."

Swans assistant coach John Longmire says Carlton is inspired by Fevola and he is praying the forward won't be stung into action by last week's poor performance in a loss to St Kilda.

Fevola was also strongly criticised by media commentator Nathan Buckley for hugging St Kilda opponents after the siren.

"I hope not. I mean, he's such a great talent," Longmire said.

"The whole team feeds off his energy as well so it's important that we restrict him and stop the midfield supply and get the ball moving our way."

The Swans are also keen to try to shut down Blues midfield star Chris Judd, who almost single-handedly brought the Blues back to within striking distance of St Kilda last weekend.

Longmire says it won't be an easy task after getting a first-hand view of the 2004 Brownlow Medallist's ability to inspire his new team-mates.

"I certainly hold Chris Judd up as high as anyone in the football world.

"We were making a comment as it was going that he just seemed to be getting clearance after clearance, just through his will," he said.

In a match-up that would please all footy fans, the Swans are tossing up sending dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes into battle on Judd.

"We've got a couple of different options. Goodesy has played on him when he played for West Coast," Longmire said.

The fourth-placed Swans desperately need a win at Telstra Dome against the 10th-placed Blues as Sydney attempt to regain momentum for a top-four push after losses to Collingwood and Hawthorn.

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