Chad Warner says the Swans are on the verge of returning to their finest soccer as he tries to fulfill the lofty expectations imposed on him after a breakout season.
The 21-year previous’s kind, very similar to his facet, has been patchy this season, however Warner says the indicators are good because the Swans look to reboot their season with a win over the Dockers on the SCG on Saturday.
Warner has been held to lower than 20 disposals thrice this season, twice within the heavy losses to Melbourne and Geelong, with the excessive expectations positioned on him after his excellent 2022 proving troublesome to handle.
“The expectations do get a bit high and last year I wouldn’t have worried about it as much, but it’s something I love and something I embrace is the challenge, so hopefully I can keep going from strength to strength,” he stated.
“You try and embrace it but obviously hearing it all the time isn’t great for you, and I’ve just got to get back to playing consistent footy at the moment.
“I’ve had a couple of good patches here and there, but along with the team I need to stay consistent and I think I’m getting there at the moment.”
Warner had dinner with concussed defender Tom McCartin on Thursday evening and stated his teammate was “going well” regardless of being dominated out of the Fremantle conflict, whereas he was excited to play with Tom Hickey for the primary time this season after the ruck journeyman overcame a calf pressure.
“He’s been raring to go – each week he’s been going up to Horse (coach John Longmire) and telling him what he can do,” Warner stated.
“I can’t wait to see his long hair going at the weekend again.”
Saturday will mark Tom Papley’s a hundred and fiftieth sport, with the small ahead simply the second participant from the draft class of 2015 to succeed in the milestone regardless of being handed over till decide 14 of the rookie draft.
“I remember calling Paps when we drafted him as a rookie – he was a 19-year-old who was working as a plumber on a building site,” Longmire stated.
“He was rapt obviously with his grandfather (Max Papley’s) connection, which is significant.
“To have him around the footy club and have him as a 150-gamer and a life member of the footy club is pretty significant.”
Longmire stated he was all the time joyful to see a trademark wild celebration from his passionate star.
“I think the GPS units get a bit of a workout when he gets so much high speed running … if he’s kicked a few goals, his GPS numbers go through the roof, so we’re probably not getting an accurate response on his GPS data,” he stated.
“He enjoys playing footy, and when you see a smile on his face it’s good for everyone.”
Source: www.news.com.au
