At just 22-years-old Chad Warner will play in his third consecutive finals series come Friday night. According to the exciting midfielder the Sydney Swans are confident heading into an elimination final against Carlton, noting their team-first mentality.
“I think everyone is gelling at the moment and the boys are confident in what we can do. I’m very keen to see how far we can go,” Warner told journalists in an open media session last week.
“When things were getting tough in the last couple of weeks, we reverted to team – helping your mate out. Hopefully it can take us far.”
In reflecting on the season, he recalled a conversation he had with senior coach John Longmire.
The Swans were sitting 15th on the overall ladder at the time and a winning streak would be needed to secure a spot in the finals, according to the star player.
“At that point it was seven in a row. We had the chat with everyone and said, this is the reality of it,” Warner said of his discussion with Longmire.
“Everyone clearly relished it…we got there in the end.”
Sydney finished the regular home-and-away season eighth after six wins on the trot, before a loss to Melbourne. Similarly, Carlton enjoyed nine wins in a row before it was dismantled by GWS in the final round.
The team isn’t underestimating Carlton ahead of Friday night’s clash at the MCG however, with Warner expecting the likes of Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps to come out firing.
“It’s going to be massive challenge for us and in front of their crowd,” the midfielder concluded, “But we can’t wait to do it.”
Visit our Finals Hub for everything you need to know ahead of Friday. First bounce is 7:50pm.
