As preparations continue for Round 14 against the Adelaide Crows, senior coach John Longmire appeared in a weekly press conference.

Speaking with the media he discussed our win against Geelong, Brodie Grundy and James Jordon. See what he had to say below.

On Round 13 against Geelong 

“Early in the game, we had more inside 50s in the first quarter. We just didn't convert those opportunities as well as what the opposition did. But what was impressive, probably about halfway through the second, we were able to start winning the contest. We started to transition strongly, and we were able to put the pressure on the opposition. Those things added up to a really mature performance.”

On first quarter performance

“We’ve still got some areas in our game we can improve on. Even though we've been really pleased with how we've been going, we take on Adelaide this week, who look really strong in a number of areas. They haven't had the results, but statistically some of their stats have looked really strong.”

On Brodie Grundy

“We've been really pleased with what he's brought to us. The thing that really stands out is how much of a competitor he is. He's just so competitive. His preparation from week to week is really high.

“He spends a lot of time analysing his craft and that flows into the game… He loves to compete and gets after the opposition and adds another big-bodied midfielder to our team. Our midfielders really understand and appreciate his presence around the scramble and that makes a big difference to them.”

On last week’s fourth quarter effort 

“When you get challenged, you've got to show the maturity and also the competitiveness to keep going. That was pleasing from the weekend. Chad and Errol were some of those guys whowere able to lift another gear and still with youth on their side - so they're learning in those moments.

“We've got Adelaide in a pretty tough environment over there that they'll keep learning and hopefully keep developing. Understanding the moments in games when we need to tighten up defensively, when we want to win our contest, when we want to be strong without the ball. And on top of that, when we can go and try and hit the scoreboard.”

On James Jordon

“He's wonderful to coach. He's just got a great temperament and that's the thing we've been really pleased with about him. He comes in and does any role. He's low-key. He just goes about his business and does it so well, does it so effectively and efficiently.

“He's really admired by his teammates because of how he goes about his business. He had a great pre-season. He’s done some midfield roles for us this season and been really good at it. And then when we've asked him to do forward roles on smalls or talls, like he did on the weekend, he's able to do that with a minimum amount of fuss.”

On the record SCG crowds

“It's been incredible. I've been here for a long time, and I've seen some wonderful crowds at the SCG, seeing some of the best players that we've had over a long time. And it's always been highly valued.

“This year, it feels like it's gone to another level. The number of sell-outs that we're getting, the supporters getting here so early to watch the game, their voice in the second quarter, even when we hadn't kicked a goal. I think we were 0 - 5 at one point in the second quarter, and they started roaring. Their sense of moment and what the team can do and how they can do it and how they can contribute to that has been noticeable this season. They've been unbelievable. The players have really appreciated our crowd.”

On the maturity of the group 

“We're learning still. We still have a large part of our team aged 24 and under. Sometimes they can be hard lessons, but you also need to be mindful that we are improving in that aspect.

“What I'm confident is, the longer the season goes, we're just going to keep learning, keep improving. Our younger players have been challenged many times and have been able to steady and come back, and that's been really pleasing. It’s important to say, that we're not going to get it right all the time and there'll be mistakes and we'll have to go back to the drawing board at different times. But during the games, we've been able to do that. We've been able to have our flexibility and have been able to adapt. That's been a good sign.”

On Robbie Fox a test to play

 “He's done all the running. So, it'll just be about how he goes in the contests, and we'll work that out at training tomorrow."