As his side prepares for Sydney Derby XIX, Sydney Swans coach John Longmire said the rivalry against cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney is a healthy one.
A number of players are set to play their first Sydney Derby with the Swans missing co-captain Josh Kennedy, young gun Isaac Heeney and star forward Lance Franklin to injury.
Longmire said while the shoe was on the other foot this weekend, the rivalry between the two sides remains strong.
“Leon (Cameron) and I have been right through this journey,” Longmire said.
“It is fair to say the shoe is on the other foot in regards to experience and age of our list.
“There’s a healthy rivalry with a respect for both clubs positions and that adds a little bit to it regardless of age or experience.”
Longmire said his club understood the importance of the contest to grow the game of AFL across New South Wales.
“We understand in a broader sense our commitment to grow the game in Sydney and NSW and I think both clubs do a good job of that,” he said.
“Then it is about competing really hard on the ground. We help each other off it, but we compete really hard on it.
“There are so many differences about this year that you just have to roll with it.
“The fact that we are over here in Perth about to play a Sydney Derby is a little bit unusual but we are just fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to play,”
The Swans coach said his side was just grateful to be able to play in a year that has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“At the end of the day no matter what the preparation or where it is there is still a game of footy to be played.”
“Once the ball is bounced both teams will jump into it, so that is the fortunate thing that we are still able to play.”
