Sydney Swans defender Nick Smith has refused to use injuries as an excuse for Sunday’s disappointing performance against GWS.
The Swans were down two rotations going into the final term at Spotless Stadium after losing ruckman Kurt Tippett to a torn hamstring tendon in the second quarter and speedster Gary Rohan in the third with hamstring tightness.
The blows were compounded when Callum Mills (throat) and Isaac Heeney (shoulder) copped heavy knocks as the Giants pushed the margin out to 42 points by game’s end.
It wasn’t revealed until after the match that Harry Marsh had tweaked his hamstring.
Smith, speaking to SwansTV post-match, conceded that his side didn’t react and adjust quick enough, if at all, to the change in conditions.
“I think it’s a cop out to say that’s why we lost. That’s definitely not why we lost,” he told SwansTV post-match.
“Obviously it didn’t help that those guys went down but it was disappointing that those who could have done something, didn’t do enough.
“We needed more coverage from everyone.”
Smith give credit where credit was due, saying the Giants went unmatched throughout most of the contest.
They won the midfield battle through weight in numbers, collecting more disposals and the all-important contested possession count, while their run and carry was also superior.
Counter-attacks and foray forwards by the Swans were cut off and rebounded many times.
“We didn’t play as well as we would have liked,” Smith added.
“Credit to them, they played really well. They cracked in, we didn’t match it. We didn’t have the weight in numbers.
“In the end, when you play a good side and you don’t have everyone contributing, it’s hard to win.”
The Swans have another tough encounter coming up in the form of Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.
Like GWS, the Demons pride themselves on winning the hard ball while their pressure and intensity was again on show against Collingwood in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash.
It will be another intriguing battle as the third placed Swans look to get back on the winner’s list leading into the Round 14 bye.
“That’s the good thing about footy, we get to play again this week, address what we need to address, work on what we need to work on and hopefully improve in time for the next game,” Smith said.
“That’s all we can do.”
Scans on Monday confirmed that Tippett would miss up to six weeks, while Marsh will miss at least one week.
It’s better news for Rohan, Mills and Heeney who were all cleared of any serious damage and are expected to be available for Sunday’s encounter at the SCG.
