Sydney Swans coach John Longmire spoke to the media ahead of our season opener against Collingwood at the SCG on Saturday night.
We take a look at some of the key quotes from the coach leading into our first match of the home and away season.
On what position Lance Franklin will play
“It is fantastic we are playing Collingwood here at the SCG this week and we are really looking forward to that as a football club. We think the majority of time Lance will be spending forward. He will go in for occasional centre bounces as the situation permits or requires. That was the plan over pre-season, to give him a run in the midfield and get his match conditions up. There is no doubt once the season sharpens up he will be playing less time in the midfield and more time up forward.”
On whether he thought Lance would always play Round 1
“Towards the end of last year there were times we weren’t quite sure but in the end Lance has been able to work through those challenges in a really positive fashion. He has bounced back into training and from the moment he trained up on the first day of pre-season we knew he would be ready to go for round 1. He has done absolutely everything and then some so he is in great physical condition to attack the season ahead.”
McGlynn and Richards in line to play
“Certainly this week both McGlynn and Richards will play at what level we are not sure. We are going to make that decision later in the week. They didn’t play in the last reserves practice game so that will come into some consideration. We will have a chat about it later in the week in regards to what we do.”
Jarrad McVeigh’s fitness
“Jarrad will be training this week. He won’t be playing this week; we will see what happens next week. We are not sure about next week so we will make that decision next week.”
On potential of new faces
“One of the exciting things we have been able to trial over the pre-season is giving some of the younger kids a chance. Some of the younger kids played in the reserves on the weekend and some of them played quite well as well. We would expect some new faces this weekend regardless of whether they have been at another AFL club or not. We would expect it to be the first time a few guys pull on the red and white.”
Secure your tickets for our Round 1 blockbuster against Collingwood as we return home to the SCG!
