Sydney Swans co-captain Dane Rampe addressed the media at the SCG ahead of training at the SCG on Wednesday.

The Swans will play their first home game of the season as they face the Adelaide Crows at the SCG on Friday night.

Here are some key quotes from the press conference.

Returning to the SCG

“We’re very excited to be back at the SCG. It wasn’t the start to the season we wanted, but it is what it is and we get a chance to do something about it now, which is the most exciting thing. We take confidence from our last quarter of the Dogs game, and we’ll be trying to put together more than a quarter this week.”

Striking back against the Crows

“The Crows have got a number of really good players and in the forward line particularly. We’ll have our work cut out for us but we’re confident in our ability to bounce back. I think we’ve shown in the past that when challenged we can bounce back really well. Friday will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against what’s a really good forward line and midfield.”

Leading the Swans as co-captain with Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker

“It’s been really exciting. It comes with new challenges a new set of expectation, but I’m really enjoying it. I think it makes it a little bit easier that I’ve got Josh and Luke alongside me, which does help ease the little anxieties you get heading into the season.” 

Sydney’s Round 1 debutants

“Nick Blakey had a really good pre-season and has showed he’s more than capable at the level. It doesn’t help when you’ve got the senior players not upholding their end of the bargain in Round 1. But we like what we saw from him last week and also from Ryan Clarke. His gut run and two-way work rate is going to be a real asset for us this year. We’re really happy with how they’ve settled in, and now it’s just on the rest of us boys to start pulling our weight.”