The Swans edged the Giants just a fortnight ago to book their ticket to the finals, but Sydney defender Zak Jones says the team is only looking ahead as an elimination final draws near.
The Swans will face the Giants at the SCG next Saturday afternoon, clashing in Sydney Derby XVI within a month of Sydney’s 20-point win over GWS at Spotless Stadium in Round 22.
Coach John Longmire cleared the sleight earlier in the week, declaring a new season starts now for the eight finals-bound clubs – and Jones has drummed home the same message.
“It’s a different ball game now,” Jones told SwansTV.
“Finals are completely different to the regular season.
“They’re going to get a few players back, so we’ll have a look at them and hopefully shut down their good players and do the best we can.”
Star GWS forward Toby Greene (hamstring) and veterans Brett Deledio (calf) and Ryan Griffen (hamstring) are among a host of Giants firming in contention to return for the elimination final.
Former Western Bulldogs captain Griffen faced the Swans in Round 22 but hasn’t laced up the boots since.
Greene (seven games) and Deledio (nine) have banked little game time as they’ve battled injury-troubled 2018 campaigns, but the Giants duo will take finals experience into the Swans clash if called upon.
Jones says regardless of the line-up the Giants pick for the week-one final, the Swans will take plenty of belief into the game.
“We’re confident in what we produce each week and we back our system and really believe in it,” Jones said.
“We always have so I think that definitely gives confidence in finals football.”
Jones played plenty of football in the midfield early in the season but has since settled at half-back alongside Jarrad McVeigh and Jake Lloyd.
The 23-year-old is averaging 19 touches per game this season and has brought damaging run and carry to the Swans off half-back.
He said defence coach Rhyce Shaw had played a pivotal role in his strong season.
“I’ve used the leaders to find my feet at half-back, especially Shawy,” Jones said.
“I’ve been working with him a fair bit. The things I’ve had to work on during games are a bit different than in the midfield.
“I’ve been working with Shawy and Jarrad McVeigh and am hopefully getting things to a tip-top shape.”
