The fightback continues
The Sydney Swans produced their best performance of the season against St Kilda on Saturday to improve their win-loss ratio to 3-6.
Coach John Longmire was glowing of his players’ intent, especially in the second half when they kicked 11 goals to five to bury the Saints.
“We were really happy. There was a 15-minute patch in the third quarter that was as powerful, strong footy as we've played," Longmire said in his post-match press conference.
"(We were) getting after them and that fierceness that we want to get in our game was evident, which was really pleasing."
While there's still a huge mountain to climb, the equation is looking a lot friendlier as the Swans sit ready to pounce in 12th spot on the ladder and only a couple of games outside the top eight.
Is Hannebery back to his best?
Often credited as the linchpin of the Sydney Swans’ success over the journey, it came as no surprise the fingers pointed directly to the midfield group when things weren't going well.
Unfairly singled out was Dan Hannebery with critics and commentators wasting no time in asking questions of the usually prolific ball-winner during the team’s winless start to the season.
Well, hasn't the No.4 responded.
Thirty-plus disposals and two goals in the past two weeks, plus the full 10 votes in the coaches’ award, is a telltale sign our All Australian and two-time Club Champ runner-up is back to his brilliant best.
And look for him, and the rest of that group, to continue their rise as the Sydney Swans aim to continue an upward trajectory.
Dan Hannebery gets a yard on his opponent in Saturday's win against St Kilda.
Cunningham’s curse
Just when Harry Cunningham was stringing together some strong form, injury strikes.
Things were looking just as bright for the 23-year-old, with two goals and 12 disposals to his name, came off the field with what looked to be a foot injury.
They tried strapping it but Cunningham still felt some discomfort which forced the medical staff’s hand.
Scans on Sunday unfortunately confirmed a partial tear of the Lisfranc ligament, a six-week injury at best.
He’ll spend the coming weeks in a moon boot before beginning rehab with the hope of returning to football in early-to-mid July.
Meanwhile, Head of Football Tom Harley confirmed luckless Dan Robinson could miss up to 10 weeks after suffering a broken jaw in last weekend’s NEAFL clash against Sydney Uni.
Harry Cunningham looked the goods against the Saints but suffered a setback after injuring his foot.
Back Jack or go the Flo-rent?
Harry Cunningham’s injury means there will be at least one change ahead of Friday’s clash with Hawthorn.
Who will we see back the fold?
Following his 30-disposal performance against Sydney Uni on the weekend, Ollie Florent looks a likely candidate to replace Cunningham. He offers speed and is a smooth mover, much like his injured teammate, and can find the goals having kicked three from his five games.
Longmire remained coy during Monday’s press conference as to whether Kieren Jack could make his return from injury.
His former skipper, who’s missed the past three weeks with a hip injury, needs to tick a few boxes at training on Wednesday to be deemed fit and ready for a recall.
It might be more than just a two-man race with the likes of Aliir Aliir, Jordan Foote, Harry Marsh, Jeremy Laidler and Brandon Jack also vying for selection.
Ollie Florent has shown promising form in his five games this season.
Marn Grook
Friday night’s clash against Hawthorn at the SCG will mark the 14th installment of Marn Grook.
What started between Sydney and Essendon in 2002 has evolved into an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Indigenous culture.
Since its inaugural season to the present day, Sydney has contested the Marn Grook Trophy against Essendon (’02-’13), Geelong (’14), Carlton (’15) and North Melbourne (’16) with the Swans striving for their 12th win on Friday night.
Wearing the guernsey designed by Adam Goodes’ mother Lisa Sansbury, the same version worn when the commemorative jumper was first introduced in 2014.
Lance Franklin will exchange gifts with a player from Hawthorn before the match while, for the second year, the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal will be presented to the player judged best afield.
Kieren Jack, flanked by Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin, walks away with the Marn Grook Trophy after last year's win over the Roos.
