Sydney Swans veteran Jarrad McVeigh addressed the media at the SCG on Thursday afternoon.
The 33-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension this week, linking him the Swans until at least the end of 2021.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference.
Lacing up the boots again
“You think about a lot of different things throughout the year and your own form is one of the main things. A lot of people have said to me that when you know you want to retire you know – and I haven’t got to that point yet. I think my form has been up to a high standard and I’m rapt to be going around for another year. I’m also looking forward to next weekend’s game and getting started on another finals campaign.”
Body holding up
“It wasn’t a question mentally for me. I’ve always been pretty strong-willed. It was more about the body side of things. This year I’ve had my first pre-season for probably three or four years, which has led me into a much better season that I’ve had previously. They’re probably the main things I’ve tried to work on over the past few years – just getting the body right. We understand the pressures of AFL and that’s a huge part of what’s required.”
Remaining a Swan
“No offers have been put to me from anyone. I want to be a one-club player. I value that pretty highly and I’m pretty happy that’s the way it’s going to be.”
Preparing for GWS
“They’re a good team. We rate them extremely highly, we’ve had a lot of good battles against them over the past couple of years, they’re getting some good players back and so are we. The last final we played them they got hold of us. We’re pretty excited, we’re confident with our form and we’re confident with the way we’re going into the game. It’ll be nice to play here at the SCG in front of a full house and get our finals campaign started.”
How the Swans have approached the bye round
“It’s been really good for us, with Luke Parker and Lance Franklin just missing out last week. I’m pretty certain those guys will be back and to be able to rest the mind and the body leading into a big game has helped everyone.”
