Sydney Swans coach John Longmire spoke to the media ahead of training at the SCG on Thursday morning.
The Swans are preparing for a round-one clash with the West Coast Eagles in Perth on Sunday.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference:
McVeigh and Hannebery: Will they play?
"Both of them have been training at a really high standard. We know they’re quality players. They certainly trained well in the first training session this week and if they get through training today it absolutely puts them in the frame."
A fit and firing Franklin
"He’s had a really strong pre-season considering he had various operations before Christmas. He was able to get himself in good condition and come back and play throughout the JLT Community Series which was terrific for him. He really loves playing round one in good shape. He’s had a really strong pre-season but he’s also a professional so he knows the training is now finished and he actually needs to go to work now and get it done. Whether it’s Lance or any of our players it’s about making sure they get on the plane with a job to do."
New Perth stadium
"It doesn’t happen too often that you go to a ground that you haven’t seen before and let alone played at. It’s exciting and we feel very privileged to be able to get the opportunity to play the first AFL senior men’s home-and-away game at the new stadium. We feel very fortunate to be in that position but we have to understand what that situation will be like. There’s going to be a packed house, a big crowd, very exciting and we need to make sure we go and play some good footy."
Dean Tower’s 50th game
"He’s been fantastic as far as playing a number of roles for us. He’s been able to play half-back, he’s played half-forward, he’s played key forward, he’s played ruck for us last year at various times. He’s just got fantastic athleticism which gives him the flexibility to play a number of roles. He started the game a bit later than others so he’s a bit more experienced age-wise but not game-wise so it’s a great achievement for him."
