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Longmire calls AFL Hawks amazing

22nd September, 2014
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Ask Sydney coach John Longmire what he admires about AFL grand final opponents Hawthorn and you’d swear he’s talking about his own team.

Saturday’s MCG season decider pits minor premiers Sydney against the defending premiers and the team they beat in the 2012 grand final.

Like most coaches, Longmire is always happy to talk up an opposing side, but there’s no doubting the genuine admiration he has for the Hawks.

“Their ability to be consistent week in week out, year in year out, is an incredible trait,” Longmire said on Monday.

“They are an amazing football club. It’s something that they have been able to do for such a long time now, to stay at the top or near the top.

“They are able to add new players to their group as well as their experienced players keep on improving.

“They’ve traded extremely well. If you look at the players they’ve added over the years, they have come in and served a purpose.

“It’s been a real credit to those areas of the list and they are just smart.

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“They are a smart, experienced group of players and they know what this time of year is all about and we’ll need to be at our very best.”

Longmire said Sydney took pride in their 18-man defence and foreshadowed another high pressure performance from his side against a potent Hawks outfit.

“It’s not just about our back six, it’s about every player on the ground and making sure we put enormous pressure on,” Longmire said.

“Because if we allow their kicking game to get going, it’s very difficult to stop, no matter who you are as a defender.”

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