Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed the media at the SCG on Monday afternoon.
Sydney is set to face Collingwood in Marn Grook at the SCG on Friday night in the Indigenous Round opener.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference.
Zak Jones’ fitness
“He’s got a hamstring strain so he’ll be out for two to three weeks. Fortunately it’s not a bad one; it could have been a lot worse. While he’ll be missing for a couple of weeks, we expect him back in that two- to three-week timeframe. It was a lower-hamstring strain but it was only a minor one.”
Josh Kennedy’s availability for Collingwood clash
“Josh is feeling good. We’ll see how he goes at training on Wednesday. There’s nothing to update with them other than that we’ll see how he goes on Wednesday.”
Lance Franklin’s chances to face Collingwood
“Lance ran well today and we’ll see how he goes at training on Wednesday. He ran well, pulled up well and we’ll see how he goes on Wednesday.”
Facing Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in next three games
“There’s no question that we’ll get tested in the upcoming weeks and it starts this week. Collingwood were just a kick off winning last year’s Grand Final and they’ve been on fire this year. It’ll be a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to take them on here in a big game on a Friday night in front of our home crowd. We’re really looking forward to it.”
The importance of Marn Grook at the SCG
“It is an important game for us. We’ve got a strong relationship with this particular game and we’re very proud of our relationship with this game. It’ll be terrific to be at the SCG to start off the round and we’re looking forward to it.”
Goodes-O’Loughin Medal (awarded to best on ground)
“We’re very proud that two of the greatest Indigenous players to have played the game played for our club. To have the medal after those two guys, who are really close, is a great part of our history as a club. This week is another opportunity to play for that medal and it’s always a very important moment for Mick and Adam.”
Daniel Menzel’s injury progress
“He played last week, he got through the game pretty well, he played about 80 minutes, he trained on the weekend, he trained again today and we’d like to get some more training and game time under his belt. Hopefully he’s not too far away.”
