With an 18th AFL finals sequence within the final 21 years starting for Sydney on Friday night time, coach John Longmire is adamant his facet have moved handed their nightmare grand remaining in opposition to Geelong.
More than 300 days because the 81-point thrashing by the Cats, the Swans will once more make the September journey down south to the MCG for an elimination remaining.
“Last year was a story. This is a new chance for a new story,” Longmire stated on Tuesday.
“Fifty per cent of the teams that made it (to finals) last year, didn’t make it this year in the final series, including last year’s premiers.
“It might be underestimated how arduous it’s to make the finals yearly and the entire competitors is ready up in order that you do not do this.
“I’m really proud of the resilience of the footy club and the players to be able to just keep pushing along and keep working out what we need to do to get right every week.
“They’ve been in a position to try this … now, it begins once more.”
It was just 11 weeks ago when the Swans and the Blues sat fifth-last and fourth-last on the ladder with only five wins to their names.
Now both teams enter the finals clash as two of the most in-form teams.
Carlton collected nine consecutive wins before losing to GWS in the final home-and-away round, while Sydney boasted a six-game winning streak.
The Swans face an enormous challenge against a hungry Blues, who will be looking to make the most of their first finals appearance since 2013.
“There’ll be a fierce contest from the primary bounce,” Longmire stated.
“Carlton have not been within the finals for a number of years. They’ll be able to go.
“There’s no doubt there’ll be a majority of Carlton supporters at the MCG.
“They’ll be leaping out of the blocks. We’ve bought to match that depth and take it to the following degree early on.
“We’ve got a really strong supporter base in Melbourne and hopefully, they’re there in full voice.”
Both golf equipment may probably boast their strongest lineup, with Tom Papley and Justin McInerney potential ins for Sydney and Patrick Cripps and Blake Acres for Carlton.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
