Senior coach John Longmire answered questions from the media on Tuesday, August 15, ahead of Round 23 against the Adelaide Crows. He discussed Paddy McCartin's retirement, Nick Blakey's 100th game and the Matildas visit to Sydney Swans HQ.
On Paddy McCartin’s retirement
“It’s disappointing for him. He understood that was probably the case for some time now. It’s disappointing that he’s had to conclude his career but he’s been grateful for the experiences he’s had and in particular last year. To come up here and play with Tommy and to play as well as what he did and to finish off by playing three finals games including a Grand Final.”
On the loss to the club
“He was fantastic last year. He had never played back before, and he took to it so well and was a really good player. At the halfway point he was probably one of the better defenders in the competition. He’s been a loss but that’s the way it goes, and we can’t do much about that. We’ve had to evolve our team. Players like Nick Blakey have had to take up some of the slack.”
On Longmire’s involvement with Paddy
“I’ve just been talking to him and we’re fortunate that we’ve known the McCartin family for a long time – we’re very close to all of them. One of the great thrills was watching him play with his brother over the last year and some of the moments with his family after the game… These things happen in sport and the priority is that he feels ok and there’s a lot of life outside of footy.”
On the Matildas visit to Swans HQ
“It was great. The players – both our men’s and women’s team – and coaches tried to give them space to come in and relax. It got the better of us towards the end. We’re like anybody else and we’re thrilled to see what they’re doing. It was terrific to have them in here. We wish them all the best.”
On Joel Amartey’s hamstring injury
“He’s ok – it’s not a tear which is a good thing. He’s had a bit of tendonitis there that he’s been managing. We’ll see how it goes. He didn’t do a lot today but it ramps up on Thursday so we’ll make a decision then.”
On Justin McInerney and Dane Rampe
“McInerney is a no. Rampe’s a chance. He trained really well on Saturday and trained again today. We’ll see how he goes again on Thursday but hopefully he gets through training and will be available to play.”
On Lewis Melican in the VFL
“He got through it well. When he initially did (the injury) we were a bit concerned that it might have been the end of the season for him, but he’s been fantastic with his rehab and it’s not as bad as we first thought. He was able to get through the VFL and he pulled up well. He was able to do some training today which is a good sign for us.”
On Braeden Campbell’s return
“He’s been good for us. We have a really young midfield – Errol on one wing and Braeden on the other – so he’s been able to give us some real run. He’s very clean around the contest and he’ll come in this week and hopefully give us some run and hardness around the wings that we will desperately need against a really competitive Adelaide team.”
On the Adelaide Crows
“I think their last month has been super. Won two and lost two but those two have been against top four teams so their form is outstanding. They're a pressure team, they’ve got some experience through the middle of the ground, they’ve been able to handle some injuries down back and they’ve got a forward line that’s as good as any converting inside 50s. Their form stands up so it will be real challenge on their home deck.”
On Nick Blakey’s 100th game
“I’ve known him since he was born which makes me feel pretty old. We’re very fortunate to have the Blakey family close to us for a really long time. It’s been fantastic to see him come right through. He’s an important part of our team.
On and off the field he has great spirit, he’s a real character, loves being around the boys and an important young member of the group. What he’s been able to do on the ground is important as well. People talk about his run and carry which is terrific and important for us but last week in particular he was able to defend and get some intercepts and stop the opposition in their tracks a number of times. It’s good to see him play his 100th game.”
On Paddy leaving St Kilda for the Swans
“We took the advice at the time and now the AFL concussion experts are the best in their field – that’s all we can do. He went through an exhaustive process back then, got the all clear, and came in and was able to contribute and be fantastic for us. He was guided by the experts then and is guided by the experts now. That’s all we can go by.
“Absolutely not. You sit down with some of the best experts in the country and be guided by then. That’s all you can make the decisions off.”
