Senior coach John Longmire spoke in a press conference on Monday (13 March) ahead of our Round One clash with the Gold Coast Suns.
On the experience of the squad
“It’s about getting better every day. Last year we were able to do that and be better most weeks and this season has been no difference as far as our attitude. We’ll have some experienced players that are out this week and that’s a great opportunity for our younger players to keep improving and keep developing. I feel we have a strong young core of players that are really important to us and carrying a fair load.”
On injuries
“The players that are ruled out at the moment are Hickey, Fox and Clarke. Konstanty, a first-year player, won’t be available and one or two others.”
On Lance Franklin
“He saddles up for his 19th season of AFL which is extraordinary and at 36 years-of-age. We’ve managed him over the off season, he had a bit of a calf over Christmas, but he’s been able to do a fair bit of training since then. He’s come back and played half to three quarters of practice games. He had a really good training session last week, last Thursday was a really solid hit out for him, so hopefully he’s available for this week.”
On managing experienced players
“I think every team is a bit different. We don’t have too many older players to be fair whereas Geelong had an extended list of those older experienced guys. Our guys are important for our younger team. Every squad manages the team according to how they pull up, where they sit on the ladder – all of those things come into it.”
On Errol Gulden
“We’re obviously pleased… we expect Errol to be a really good player for us. He prepares so well, he trains so hard, and he runs so hard. That type of two-way midfielder is what we enjoy coaching. He’s one of a few that will come through. They’ll have their ups and downs as all young players do but we’re confident in the direction they’re heading. He’s a good young player and we’re confident he will be for a long time.”
The Sydney Swans will kick off the season with an away game against the Gold Coast Suns, before returning to the SCG for our first home game, a Sunday afternoon clash with Hawthorn.
The team will be announced via sydneyswans.com.au and our social media channels at 6:20pm, Thursday, March 16.
Click here to view the Match Day Hub.
