Sydney co-captain Luke Parker doesn’t deny the ache from final yr’s Grand Remaining loss could 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 very long time in the past” they usually have moved on, however the star midfielder stated on Thursday he thought revenge would have a task as a motivator as Sydney appears 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 might additionally go away their rivals in a tough place at 2-4.
Travelling to Geelong is a tough task for many sides, however Sydney has received 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 great report down there … it’s a kind of ones once you’re away, the entire crowd is in opposition to you, and it’s simply the 22 guys on the market on the oval getting it completed,” he stated.
“It’s a kind of ones that may be an actual momentum builder going ahead.”
The 30-year-old stated it was unlikely the Swans would totally keep away from utilizing final yr’s Grand Remaining end result as motivation, however they have been firmly targeted on their very own season and delivering a constant efficiency.
“I believe that was a very long time in the past … I believe for us going at Geelong in Geelong is a troublesome match in itself,” Parker stated.
“The historical past of what occurred final yr, I’m positive it’d spur the boys on a bit, however for us it’s about persevering with simply to carry out to the flexibility that we are able to and try to get these runs on the board early within the season.
“We’ve been just a little bit up and down within the begin of the season and trying to discover that kind and consistency going ahead.”
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 skilled with the principle group on Thursday and was nonetheless an opportunity to play, Parker stated, whereas he didn’t rule out Lance Franklin making a return from knee soreness.
He stated 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 believe it’s these phases the place your backs are in opposition to the wall a bit, and guys are getting alternatives most likely earlier than their time,” he stated.
“Sure it hurts having key gamers out at the moment of yr and particularly in opposition to good sides, but in addition provides such an incredible alternative and pleasure for the following group coming by means of to get that have.”
