Greater Western Sydney will not let the Swans’ humiliating last-start 93-point defeat lure them into any sense of safety forward of this weekend’s Battle of the Bridges.
Geelong dealt the Swans the heaviest defeat of coach John Longmire’s 13-year tenure in a rematch of the grand ultimate final weekend, however the Giants stay cautious.
“I don’t take too much notice of that game, that’s certainly not who the Swans are,” Giants coach Adam Kingsley advised reporters on Friday.
“They’ll no doubt respond this week so I plan for their best.
“I’ve seen their finest usually sufficient to know it is top quality and that is what we count on this week.”
The Saturday afternoon SCG derby presents the perfect chance for the Swans to atone for their crushing loss.
Veteran Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and key defender Tom McCartin return from injury for the Swans but skipper Dane Rampe has been ruled out until early June.
The Giants will be without All-Australian key defencer Sam Taylor (hamstring) for up to eight weeks and former captain Cal Ward (suspension) for this week’s game.
But hopes are high ex-Melbourne forward Toby Bedford will make his debut for the Giants after impressing in the pre-season.
“The VFL sport was actually sturdy from him – pace, run, stress, all of the issues that he did in Melbourne, we’re hoping he recreates right here,” Kingsley said.
Midfielder Jack Buckley may be the remedy to the Giants’ Franklin match-up, with growing doubts Franklin is the game winner he once was.
“He’s had a extremely sturdy season, Jack, and he is received the instruments to have the ability to compete with Buddy. He’s received nice pace and competes within the aerials,” Kingsley said.
Former Giants captain Phil Davis, who was a chance to line up this week, won’t make an appearance after missing too much high-level football due to injury, Kingsley said.
The Swans have gained the earlier two derbies in 2022.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
