Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed the media after training at the SCG on Wednesday morning.

Sydney is set to face GWS in Sydney Derby XVII at the SCG on Saturday night.

Here are some key quotes from the press conference.

Facing GWS

“We’ve had some greats games against the Giants and they’ve gone both ways. Last year was a good example of that. We’re really looking forward to a big contest here at the SCG against the Giants. It’s going to be a big game, it always is a big game and this is going to be one of those.”

A focus on consistency

“It’s an important game for us. We’re really looking forward for consistency of effort over four quarters. The results tend to take care of themselves when we get that right. It’s important we don’t lapse in certain situations and maintain a consistent effort throughout the game.”

Lewis Melican’s selection chances

“He’s a chance. Last week the opposition had Tom Lynch and Dane Rampe was very good on him. Then they have Josh Caddy and also a good group of smalls, so that was a different forward line than that of the Giants this week. You’d like to be consistent from week to week as long as the match-ups work for you. The Giants have got more talls in their front half than what Richmond has.

Fitness of Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith

“McVeigh, Grundy and Smith are still a number of weeks away. They’re not training yet and we don’t expect them back anytime soon.”

Will Hayward’s progress from a broken jaw

“Hayward trained today and looked really good. He’s pushing his case hard and that’ll be a medical decision. I love his enthusiasm.”

Daniel Menzel’s fitness

“I don’t think Dan will play this weekend. He’s come through and has been training and has been looking quite good, but we’re just making sure he gets some continuous training done. We don’t expect him to play this weekend unless he pulls up really well from training.”

Nick Blakey’s weekend NEAFL performance

“He had 22 possessions, he had six shots on goal and he moved really well. It was an opportunity for him to get some confidence, find some footy and work on his craft. It was good to see him running around. He puts real pressure on and he has good speed." 

The Anzac spirit

“We’re very conscious of paying our respects. A number of our past players have gone off to serve. We don’t compare the game of football to what war is because clearly it is a lot different. We understand what our soldiers have done for our country.”