Sydney are so determined not to lose focus for their last round AFL game against lowly Gold Coast they have vowed to treat it like a finals game.
A win on Saturday at the SCG guarantees Sydney of finishing no lower than fourth, irrespective of what happens in the other final round fixtures.
The Suns, coached by former Swans mentor Rodney Eade, have lost all five previous games against the Swans, never getting closer than 35 points.
After losing 14 of their last 16 games, the injury-ravaged Suns have enjoyed slightly more success in the last five rounds.
They beat fellow stragglers Brisbane and Essendon and drew with competition heavyweight West Coast, but have lost all nine of their games outside Queensland this season.
Gold Coast languish in 16th place on the ladder with just four wins, but the Swans are determined not to fall into the trap of taking them lightly.
“No, not at all, we spoke about it during the week and we’re treating it as a finals match a week early,” Swans forward Brandon Jack told AAP on Friday.
“Because they are a really strong contested footy team and that’s what finals football is, so it’s a great opportunity for us to come in and practice that part of the game.
Sydney appear to be lifting at the right time, having won their last three games and kicked 20 goals in their 89 and 97-point thrashings of GWS and St Kilda respectively over the past two rounds.
“We had those few bad losses and I think we responded really strongly,” Jack said.
“We didn’t hide, we were honest with each about who needed to lift and what needed tO improve.
“I think our talls have definitely made a big impact the past few weeks, with Sam Reid, Kurt Tippett and Mike Pyke, they have been instrumental in our form.”
Swans’ coach John Longmire plans to give forwards Lance Franklin and Gary Rohan more game time in each man’s second match back from an injury.
Defender Nick Smith and midfielder Luke Parker are the only injured regulars missing from the Swans team, with Longmire opting not to rest anyone.
“Realistically Sydney are playing at home and they’ve got a full-strength side just about, it’s going to be a difficult task,” Eade said on Friday.
“We’ll try some different things and if the effort and work ethic is there you never know what could happen.”
Gold Coast have recalled defenders Trent McKenzie and the retiring Greg Broughton in place of Harley Bennell (calf) and Clay Cameron (concussion).
Sydney on Friday announced they had signed emerging ruckman Sam Naismith to a new three-year deal.
Mitcher
Guest
As above.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
There's absolutely no mention of Freo there champ. Nice try at misframing things though.
jax
Guest
I wouldn't write the Swans (or anyone) off just yet. Finals are just around the corner and anything can happen. Any team in the top 8 has an opportunity to do some damage.
Mitcher
Guest
Roger, surely during your induction you were informed that only phrases equivalent to 'Fremantle are the greatest footballing force in all the known universe' are able to go unchallenged here.
Leapin Leo
Guest
Precaution. He's had his calf wrapped for a few weeks... explains his iffy kicking (a bit)
Mark
Guest
McVeigh is out, injured or rested?
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
"The Swans went into last years finals in near unbeatable form but were not battle harden after easy wins" …and this year is different because?…GWS, Saints, Suns?...
Leapin Leo
Guest
Most of this year the Swans have played 2-3 quarters of footy but still somehow have managed to finish 4th - In a 1 quarter game they gave the Bombers a 7 goal head start (with 6 minutes to go in the 3rd) and won by 12 points. Regardless of the quality of recent opposition they've managed to regain a 4 quarter game and working game plan. They've got the momentum heading into the finals & the Suns won't be able to slow the momentum. Finals footy cranks up a gear in September (thankfully) and even though it's early this year... it's now September. Swans by 55 in a controlled, yet scary, performance.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
The Swans went into last years finals in near unbeatable form but were not battle harden after easy wins and they got jumped by Hawthorn. Their skill is back, the silly handball is gone and they look tough again. If I was a coach of another team the team I would like least to meet in the finals is the Swans followed by Hawthorn. Anyone and there are many who have written off the Swans must have forgotten the last twenty final series. A bit like I was in the physio reading an article by Ian Heally on why Australia will win the ashes. A bit like the AFL commentaries.