The Sydney Swans have narrowed their focus on “a real test” as an elimination final clash with Sydney University draws closer.
The Swans will look to keep their season alive as they meet the Students at Giants Stadium on Saturday.
The cross-city rivals will square off after the Swans finished fourth and the Students fifth, and Sydney development coach Jeremy Laidler says his team is anticipating a fierce encounter.
“We really look forward to playing finals no matter what level it is,” Laidler told SwansTV.
“It’s great for our young group to play in finals games, it’s going to be a real test and Sydney Uni are playing some really good football.”
The Swans grabbed victory in their only regular-season match against the Students this year, staving off a fast-finishing opposition to pencil in a 22-point win at Henson Park in Round 6.
While promising ruckman Sam Naismith didn’t face Sydney University amid back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, the 27-year-old is ready for a third outing of 2019 in Saturday’s must-win duel.
The 206-centimetre giant, who ruptured his ACL on the cusp of the 2018 season, tackled limited minutes against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Laidler is thrilled that Naismith is back in action.
“We’re just really rapt that Sam Naismith is back on the park and getting some continuity going with his body,” Laidler said.
“It’s taken a while for him to get his body right but I think he’s seen the light now which is pleasing. Like any kid he just wants to play footy and have fun out there. He’s a quality player, he’s a quality person and he’s really good to have around such a young group.”
A horde of Sydney fans turned out for the Swans’ last two games of the home-and-away season, which pitted them against the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane at Moore Park.
Laidler called for Swans supporters to again show their passion in Saturday’s elimination final.
“For all the Swans fans, we’d love you at the game,” Laidler said.
“We enjoyed seeing so many fans out there at Tramway Oval on the weekend. We’d love to see you out there at Giants Stadium at 11:30am on Saturday.
“Even though the seniors aren’t playing we’re still the Sydney Swans Football Club. We’ll represent this jumper and this footy club as best as we can.
“The players really got a kick out of how many people were at Tramway Oval on the weekend, and hopefully we can get some even more people out there on Saturday.”
Who: Sydney Swans v Sydney University
Where: Giants Stadium, Homebush
When: Saturday, 11:30am
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