Senior coach John Longmire appeared in his weekly press conference on Tuesday, July 30.
Ahead of an away game against Port Adelaide on Saturday nigth, he reflected on what went wrong in Round 20, the challenges of a long season and the return of the James Rowbottom.
On Round 20
“It was obviously disappointing from go to woe really. As I said after the game, there wasn't really any aspect of the game that was recognisable to the way we like to play.”
On energy levels
“I probably don't accept that. Every team has that stretch of games where you've just got to get things done. And then you've got to come out and compete against the best.
“We're playing in form teams, whether they're Brisbane or the Western Bulldogs or this week with Port Adelaide. We've just got to find a way to get it done. The things that we're looking at are not necessarily the things that take the enormous amount of energy. They're just making sure that you're working together and you're doing things that we know creates a successful team.”
On the Swans ladder position
“I've said it before and most coaches do, but it is very much about your process and getting that right. You put the ladder position out of the equation, and you just look at your game. And every team goes through challenges during the year. Whether that's injuries, whether it's form individually or as a team. We're no different to any other team. We've just got to work our way through it.”
On Lewis Melican’s injury
“Yes, not as bad as what we thought. So, we're still hopeful. We'll see how he goes this week. But we’re relieved that he's actually not too bad. He's pulled up okay."
On Will Hayward
“He’s a little bit sore but once again we’re hopeful that he’ll be ok. We're mindful of the short turnaround.”
On keeping consistency throughout the season
“I think the game tells you that, doesn't it? Can you tell me one team that's able to do it. It's very hard. The whole competition itself is designed not to do that. The whole competition with the Draft, the salary cap, the reality of getting injuries. The fact that every team's in the hunt every week no matter who you play. Everyone's trying to win…
“The good thing is we've got plenty of evidence that we know what works. So, you work your way through it when it's your turn. And you try and get back as quick as you can.”
On James Rowbottom
“Yeah, he'll be back this week. It’s good to have him back. He's a crash and bash player. He'll train this week and come back into the team. He's a very important player for us.”
On Angus Sheldrick
“He’s had a foot issue. Unfortunately, he came back after his ankle and was sore again for another couple of weeks. Most importantly for him, let alone the team, we need to be making sure that he's got a lot of your work under his belt to give him the best opportunity to play well. That's what we're looking at.”
