Swans able to put grand closing nightmare behind them

Luke Parker insists there is not any psychological scarring affecting his Sydney facet as they journey to face Geelong for the primary time since their AFL grand closing bloodbath.

The Swans skipper, who was within the lineup for that 81-point thrashing by the Cats final September, declared they have been eager to get Saturday’s contest out of the best way and put discuss of the decider behind them as they construct a case for a shot at redemption.

“Taking place to Geelong is a tricky match in itself … the historical past of what occurred final yr, I am certain it would spur the boys on a bit,” Parker stated.

“However for us, it is about persevering with to carry out to the flexibility we are able to and making an attempt to get these runs on the board early within the season.

“It was at all times going to return up at some stage … we’re simply excited to move down there and play in opposition to the very best group within the competitors.

“They’d a gradual begin, however simply their expertise typically, the standard soccer we all know they’ll play, that is what we’re making ready for.”

Parker stated the Swans felt no additional strain to place in a robust efficiency this weekend and exorcise any demons, trying to proceed an above-average 3-2 begin to the brand new marketing campaign.

“It’s a must to put in a robust efficiency each week … what’s taking place with the competitors, in case you’re off that one per cent, anybody can beat anybody,” he stated.

“It is a massive problem, little doubt we have nonetheless received some gamers out and a few younger boys who in all probability it is likely to be their first time down on the Cattery. … it is at all times a problem down there.

“The way in which the boys are enjoying reveals we’re enjoying within the second and we’re able to have one other crack.”

The massive job dealing with the Swans is discovering the suitable matchups for the in-form Geelong energy ahead duo of Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, the previous significantly lighting up the competitors with 22 targets in 5 video games this yr.

Sydney will not have both Paddy or Tom McCartin (each concussion), whereas Dane Rampe will practice on Thursday and try to show his health after a neck difficulty.

Nick Blakey would doubtless take one job whereas Parker steered Robbie Fox was one other who is likely to be known as upon, though successful the midfield battle could be essential to reducing off the duo’s provide of possession.

“Jezza (Cameron) is on fireplace in the meanwhile, kicking baggage of targets each week,” he stated.

“We have got a system in place we actually belief and irrespective of who comes into the group, we predict that stands up.

“I am unsure who will get that function …. little doubt we’ll put a while into him and people boys might be relishing the problem.

“If the ball is coming in too simply, it is giving them loads of alternative … in the event that they get the ball inside 50 and it is coming in scrappy, it offers them an opportunity.”

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