Getting the job done

Coach John Longmire’s relief was evident following Saturday’s narrow win over North Melbourne.

“I think you just have to find a way,” he said in the post-match press conference. “North played pretty well and we needed to keep going and persisting. Sometimes you’ve just got to find a way to get over the line.”

With a lot on the line for both sides in Round 22 clash in Hobart, the Sydney Swans did what was needed to hold off North Melbourne and take top spot on the ladder, strengthening their claims over the minor premiership and an advantageous home final.

Getting the wins under your belt becomes far more important at this point in the season compared to how you win or by how much.

Longmire will be hoping his charges will be able to tick another box again, this time on Saturday against the Tigers at the SCG.

The bogey side

Richmond has had the wood over the Sydney Swans in recent times, winning the past three encounters.

All three would leave a bitter taste in Swans supporters’ mouths given two have come at the SCG while the last, in Round 8 earlier this season, was won after the siren.

What is it about the Tigers?

Whether they’ve been hungrier or the Swans’ have been below their best, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason.

One thing is for certain…

“We lost the game so it certainly hurt," Kieren Jack said on Tuesday. “We didn't play to the level that we wanted so we think we need to get one back on them.”

Sam Lloyd and Richmond celebrate the last gasp goal back in Round 8.

Tippett’s timing

Kurt Tippett’s comeback could not have come at a better time for the Sydney Swans so close to finals.

But can the big man find the same level of form reached before his eight-week injury?

Some say, yes. Some say, no. Either way the Sydney Swans are a better side with Tippett roaming around the ground.

As Dan Hannebery said after Tippett’s return on Saturday: “It was awesome having him back out there, he's just a big presence and even if he doesn't do a lot he gets the guys up,”

What is for certain, Tippett “hasn’t left any stone unturned” in his quest to before an integral contributor to the Swans’ finals campaign.

Kurt Tippett showed promising signs in his return from injury.

Is Jack back?

John Longmire expected his co-captain to miss only one game when breaking the news of Kieren Jack’s omission from last weekend’s side in Centrum Team Selection.

The outlook hasn’t changed with Jack likely to retake his place in the senior team for Saturday’s final-round clash against Richmond at the SCG.

Even Kieren Jack believes he’ll be right to go: “The ankle is OK. I've got a training session today (Tuesday) and a few boxes to tick, but I'm pretty confident I'll be 100 per cent right.”

The 29-year-old’s inclusion will be a boost for a side looking to finish the regular season on the best possible note – the minor premiership and home final sealed with a win.

Kieren Jack looks likely to retake his spot in the side for Saturday's clash with Richmond.

Jodie Lee Foundation

Bowel cancer prevention charity The Jodi Lee Foundation will launch its Behinds Matter campaign with the Sydney Swans on August 27 at the SCG, to raise awareness of Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.

Founder and CEO of The Jodi Lee Foundation Nick Lee said: “The more people talk about bowel cancer, the more lives will be saved. We hope that as Swans fans cheer every goal, they can also pause with every behind, to reflect on bowel cancer prevention and the concept that behinds really do matter.”

In Australia, bowel cancer claims a life every two hours – that’s around 80 people every week or more than 4,000 people each year. There are often no symptoms until the cancer has spread, which is why regular screening is so important. If detected early up to 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated or even prevented.

Sydney Swans player Isaac Heeney has also thrown his support behind the campaign: “My family has been touched by bowel cancer and it’s something I would hope no family has to go through. I hope our match prompts people to get tested because early detection can save lives,” Heeney said.

#BehindsMatter