James Rowbottom registered no clearances at all last week in the close win over the Bulldogs, after a run of games averaging about four per appearance. It was the re-emergence of Errol Gulden from long-term injury that caused this, with Gulden taking many of his centre rotations while he played more of a forward defensive role. Perhaps this was partially due to coach Dean Cox addressing the particular strengths of the Bulldogs, with Bailey Dale getting more oppo analyst attention in recent weeks after posting 50 touches in one recent win. Rowbottom's stocks are lower, regardless.
James Rowbottom registered no clearances at all last week in the close win over the Bulldogs, after a run of games averaging about four per appearance. It was the re-emergence of Errol Gulden from long-term injury that caused this, with Gulden taking many of his centre rotations while he played more of a forward defensive role. Perhaps this was partially due to coach Dean Cox addressing the particular strengths of the Bulldogs, with Bailey Dale getting more oppo analyst attention in recent weeks after posting 50 touches in one recent win. Rowbottom's stocks are lower, regardless.
James Rowbottom is a defensive midfielder with not much more to his game, but that kind of big body is more and more crucial these days when playing against good midfields. Perhaps the Swans are not facing a good midfield tonight, as such. His talents will be more necessary next month when the top four fight for the biggest honours. His lack of flexibility doesn't matter as much since Chad Warner, Luke Parker and Isaac Heeney are just as dangerous forward as they are in the engine room. His role is to do the non-flashy things that don't win Brownlow votes.
Row to the bottom of packs
Slotting into the Sydney engine room with ease, James Rowbottom absorbed plenty of midfield minutes and gathered 14 touches a week. His pressure prowess ticked into overdrive against Carlton, notching up 12 tackles on his way to one of his five 70+ fantasy scores. With Sydney focusing on the next generation, Rowbottom has a date with extra game time and increased opportunity. A potential smokey should he break out; keep an eye on him as he lurks in the free agent pool.
Rowbottom starts from row Z
Recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers with Sydney’s second-round pick, James Rowbottom will be a welcomed addition to the Swans’ midfield brigade. The tough inside midfielder averaged 22 touches and 6.5 tackles in the TAC Cup, so there’s no question about his in-and-under ability. Rowbottom has been likened to a young Josh P. Kennedy and also touted as a potential tagger thanks to his excellent endurance, but will have to push the highly underrated George Hewett out of that role. Rowbottom will take time to break into the starting lineup, so keep him on your watchlist.
