We take a look at some of the key quotes from Jeremy Laidler's press conference ahead of training on Friday morning at the SCG.
Franklin and Tippett return
“It will be good, we did pretty well without them but it will be good to have them back in. They will be fresh and ready to go so I suppose it wasn’t a bad thing having a rest in the middle of the season. They are biting at the bit to get back out there.”
On playing every game this season
“I think so (most consistent season), I have just had to adapt my game to who we play each week. We had a little hole when Nick (Malceski) left and we have played different positions with a lot of people down through there. It was good on the weekend to have Jonesy down there then at times we have Macca down there, Reidy and Jets come down there as well. It is a good thing to have a lot of players that are all versatile.”
Turning around career since moving to Sydney
“A big thing for me was getting out of the bubble down in Melbourne. It was a big thanage coming up here with my partner and not knowing anyone coming up here. You can really focus on your footy up here and not have many distractions. I have been able to knuckle down, get over my injuries which have been pleasing.”
On ambition to play finals
“That is the main goal; we all want to play at that time of year. I was a bit disappointed last year to miss out but that was a big driver for me this year, I didn’t want it to happen again. I had to work hard over the pre-season and I am still working hard on my game as I don’t want that to happen again.”
Facing Brisbane on Sunday
“They have had a couple of good weeks, they have narrowly lost in the last quarter so we need to be on our game and bring a four quarter effort. They have bought experience into the team with Merrett, Rockliff and Pearce Hanley so we will have to be careful of them. We will take this week very seriously to make sure everything is right.”
Mindset entering a game as favourite
“We take every week the same and we will take the same mindset as we did last week. It will be a solid hit out; they will come out firing with the three inclusions they have got with a bit of experience. We will prepare the same and go out with the same mindset.”
Playing as a versatile defender
“It depends on the player but I need to go in with a mindset that I could be playing on a resting ruck, a tall forward or a small forward. It is just important that I have my game ready to be able to adapt to each player.”
