The Sydney Swans have enjoyed a strong start to their 2024 campaign winning three matches ahead of Round 4. For senior assistant coach Mark McVeigh, the team can’t afford to release the pressure in coming weeks.  

Speaking in a Premiership Club exclusive this month, McVeigh emphasised the importance of bringing maximum effort to their Gather Round clash with the West Coast Eagles.  

“This game has the ability to grab you when you think you're going alright and bring you back down to earth,” the former premiership player said. 

Speaking of West Coast’s performance he added, “We know of their challenges over the past 18-24 months with injury and form. We can't take that lightly.” 

McVeigh admitted the likes of Eagles’ Jeremy McGovern, Jack Darling and Harley Reid are all threats heading into Round 4.  

The Swans will enjoy a bye in Round 5 before returning to the SCG. The team will be up against an in-form Gold Coast Suns on the Sunday afternoon before playing Hawthorn at the MCG the following week. 

The club has grappled with its own bout of injuries with Dane Rampe expected to miss several weeks due to a hamstring strain. Veteran Luke Parker remains sidelined with a broken arm while captain Callum Mills continue rehabilitation on his shoulder.  

“It'll be good to get a break for our players,” McVeigh noted.  

“Because when we come back, we'll play against a much-improved Gold Coast and an improved Hawthorn who are yet to win a game.” 

“For us we've got to remember that if we don't bring maximum effort every week the game's tough.” 

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