Sydney Swans young gun Will Hayward addressed the media ahead of training at the SCG on Thursday.
Sydney is set for a clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference.
A strong Brisbane outfit
“They’ve obviously had a good win on Sunday and that just makes us a lot more hungrier and eager to get over there and get the job done. But they’re playing really good footy at the moment. They’re playing high-pressure footy and are moving the ball really well through the corridor, so we just need to make sure the things we put in place really come to light when we head over there.”
The Swans’ strong away form
“It’s just about playing consistent football whether it’s here or away. This year it’s been away where we’ve been playing our better footy. We’ve come off a win but we’ve moved on from that and it’s a new challenge this week. We’ll try to play our brand of footy wherever. We play our best when we have 22 contributors and hopefully that’s the way it is this week.”
Young forward line
“Having everyone contribute or every player playing their role makes it easier on everyone. When we’ve got a lot of young forwards playing – Benny Ronke, Tom Papley – and everyone getting a touch and a kick it really helps everyone around them. As a forward group we’ve been playing some pretty decent football. When we’ve got a forward line with a fair few first to four-year players, and with Isaac Heeney going down there a bit as well and Ronke kicking seven goals at the ‘G on a Friday night, you definitely get the feel of that. We play because we love the game and celebrating a win with your teammates is one of the best feelings you can have.”
Dealing with Lance Franklin’s absence
“Having the presence he has there was a bit of a hole there and we played a small forward line so it was based on pressure. That’s when Ronke came into the team and everyone’s seen the pressure he applies and that’s the cornerstone for a lot of the younger boys’ games. We just try to feed off the pressure and a lot of the time it rewards a few of the boys with a few goals.”
Franklin’s impact
“He’s unbelievable. He takes you under his wing. He’s really approachable. Even when he wasn’t playing he would come into the rooms and talk to us at half-time. He always has an insight and his knowledge on the game is second to none. Whether he’s playing or not he’s a great person to have around the Club.”
The success of Rookie-listed Swans
“Once you get here it doesn’t take long to realise what’s required to play. You’ve got some of the best leaders in the game and they really drive the standards and you’ve got no choice but to buy in. That’s why there are a few young boys playing and it’s just an exciting place to be when that’s the case.”
Was there ever any banter about Franklin getting his spot back?
“There’s always a spot for Buddy, so I wouldn’t be saying anything. But I think I did here Benny Ronke saying he’d be struggling to get a game if he’s kicking seven goals every week.”
Even contribution among the forwards
“There’s no competition. Whoever kicks the goals kicks the goals. The only thing we want is to win the game overall and play our brand of football.”
