Sydney co-captain Luke Parker doesn’t deny the ache from final 12 months’s Grand Final loss can have his teammates fired up once they meet Geelong once more on Saturday evening.
The Swans have maintained for the reason that starting of the pre-season that the 81-point loss within the season decider was “a long time ago” and so they have moved on, however the star midfielder mentioned on Thursday he thought revenge would have a task as a motivator as Sydney seems to maneuver again into the highest 4.
A win would give the Swans useful momentum after a hot-and-cold begin to the season, whereas it could additionally depart their rivals in a troublesome place at 2-4.
Travelling to Geelong is a troublesome project for many sides, however Sydney has gained 4 of its final 5 video games at GMHBA Stadium and relishes the ambiance created by avid Cats followers, Parker says.
“We do have a good record down there … it’s one of those ones when you’re away, the whole crowd is against you, and it’s just the 22 guys out there on the oval getting it done,” he mentioned.
“It’s one of those ones that can be a real momentum builder going forward.”
The 30-year-old mentioned it was unlikely the Swans would solely keep away from utilizing final 12 months’s Grand Final end result as motivation, however they have been firmly targeted on their very own season and delivering a constant efficiency.
“I think that was a long time ago … I think for us going at Geelong in Geelong is a tough match in itself,” Parker mentioned.
“The history of what happened last year, I’m sure it might spur the boys on a bit, but for us it’s about continuing just to perform to the ability that we can and try and get those runs on the board early in the season.
“We’ve been a little bit up and down in the start of the season and looking to find that form and consistency going forward.”
The Swans might want to cease the competitors’s kind participant in Jeremy Cameron with out the McCartin brothers and probably additionally Parker’s fellow captain Dane Rampe.
Rampe educated with the primary group on Thursday and was nonetheless an opportunity to play, Parker mentioned, whereas he didn’t rule out Lance Franklin making a return from knee soreness.
He mentioned the Swans had been buoyed by their profitable aspect in opposition to the Tigers together with two debutants in Corey Warner and Will Gould, and have been assured they may quell Geelong’s forwards with out their senior gamers.
“I think it’s those stages where your backs are against the wall a bit, and guys are getting opportunities probably before their time,” he mentioned.
“Yes it hurts having key players out at this time of year and especially against good sides, but also gives such a great opportunity and excitement for the next group coming through to get that experience.”
Source: www.news.com.au
