Assistant coach Stuart Dew believes the Sydney Swans can ill afford to get too forward focused in Saturday night’s semi final against Adelaide.
Most of the commentary surrounding the crunch game at the SCG has been on how the Swans’ defence, ranked the best in the competition leading into finals, will stop Adelaide’s multi-dimensional forward line.
And rightly so, given it is the competition’s most potent and it features plenty of tall timber in Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch and Josh Jenkins.
Add to that mix Eddie Betts who, on the back of arguably his best regular season to date, kicked six goals to help end North Melbourne’s finals series.
While his side will be conscious of the Crows’ front half, Dew says there is more to them than what meets the eye.
“They are really potent but it can’t just be the defenders' job to hold them,” Dew said.
“It all hangs on the quality of their supply and that’s a whole ground thing.
“They’re only so good because they get good supply from their midfielders and running defenders.”
On stopping those midfielders and hard-running types, Dew said the approach had to be all-encompassing and stronger than what was dished out to GWS in last weekend’s loss.
“You can’t afford to let anyone of the leash,” he added.
“(Adelaide’s) midfield probably isn’t as heralded as some but they’re really consistent and big ball winners
“Obviously Rory Sloane is one of their key drivers but it’s hard to lock down on one player because someone else gets off the chain when you’re playing good teams.
“I think our pride was stung a little bit (last week), so we’re looking for a response.”
The Swans welcomed back some familiar faces as part of two forced changes for Saturday night’s encounter, recalling defender Jeremy Laidler and ruckman Toby Nankervis.
The duo replaces Callum Mills and Kurt Tippett who were victims from last weekend’s bruising encounter against the Giants.
Dew says Laidler’s experience will be invaluable while Nankervis, who despite lining up in his first final, will give the side some added grunt.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jeremy,” Dew said.
“He’s pretty keen. He was stiff to be overlooked in the mid part of the year and he’s certainly earned his spot back.
“Toby is a competitor, that’s what we’re after from him.
He’s played some good footy this year when we’ve needed him too and we need him again this week, with Tippo going down.”
