Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed the media at the SCG on Monday.
Sydney beat Collingwood on Saturday and is now set to meet Melbourne at the MCG this Sunday.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference.
Reviewing the win over Collingwood
“It was important for the team to play a bit better brand of football. We wanted to go in with putting more pressure on the opposition and we were able to double our tackle total from the week before. If you look at the best teams in the competition that’s what they do – they put enormous pressure on the opposition and win the contested ball. Melbourne this week are top three in tackles and number one in contested ball. They play a really good, strong brand of football that generally stands up over a period of time. We’ve got to make sure we don’t stray from that and we need to make sure we get back to that. From the weekend there are still things we can work on and get better at – we know that. But if it’s on the back of strong pressure on the opposition it allows you to be able to make those tweaks and it’s certainly something to work with.”
Alex Johnson’s return
“It was great for Alex. There was obviously a lot of build-up leading into last week’s game. He was able to contribute, get through the game and pull up quite well, so that’s a good sign. Hopefully he’s able to build on that performance.”
Lance Franklin’s six goals
“The reality is some weeks you feel better than others, both during the week and on match day. That’s every play, whether you’re a young kid playing or whether you’re Lance Franklin. Some weeks you’re just going to feel better than others. That’s what you have to deal with over a period of time when you play AFL footy – just making sure you smooth out those highs and lows. But sometimes you just simply feel better on match day.”
Injury front
“Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh both pulled up quite well, which was good. Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan are both training well and we expect them to be available for selection this week. We missed Ben Ronke for about a quarter-and-a-half on Saturday with a bad migraine, but he’s pulled up okay. We lost a couple of players in the NEAFL, so it’s good to have a couple coming back this week in Dan and Gary. If they’re able to get through training this week that’s a really good sign."
