Sydney Swans development coach Jeremy Laidler has backed his side’s midfield brigade to match GWS’ star-studded on-ball contingent in Sunday's cross-city duel.
Laidler’s men will test themselves against AFL-listed talent for a third game in a row as they face the Giants at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Laidler has circled the midfield battle as a key to Sunday’s match as Sydney looks to strike back from last week’s loss to the Brisbane Lions – and he says he has full faith in his team’s on-ball division.
“I’m really confident in our midfield group,” Laidler told Swans Media.
“Our midfield has been playing some really good and consistent footy over the last month. They’re very young, they’re really starting to gel and they’re starting to show some quality leadership, even though a lot of them are just first- and second-year players. It’s a real credit to them.
“We love playing against AFL-listed teams. Nothing against the local teams, but we pride ourselves on playing well against AFL-listed opposition. The Giants have been in some really hot form and our boys can’t wait, so we’re really looking forward to Sunday.”
A host of QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-ups will meet the Giants, and Laidler says his message to the young stars is simple.
“Play your role, you don’t have to do anything exciting, you don’t have to do anything out of the box, just enjoy yourself and play to your strengths,” Laidler said.
The Swans fell to the Lions in a 71-point loss last Saturday and are now placed third on the ladder behind Brisbane and the Southport Sharks.
Who: Sydney Swans v GWS
Where: Blacktown International Sportspark
When: Sunday, 10:30am
Round: 10
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