The Sydney Swans are relishing the opportunity to face the Richmond Tigers at the MCG this weekend.
Starting their 2021 campaign with two wins, a 31-point victory over the Brisbane Lions in Brisbane followed by a 33-point victory over the Adelaide Crows at the SCG, the Swans have now turned their focus to Saturday’s clash with the defending premiers.
Swans senior coach John Longmire knows the upcoming clash against Richmond, who have also started their season with two victories, is a good opportunity for his young squad.
“No question this is a good opportunity for us,” Longmire said.
“Whatever comes out of this game we will be learning, and that’s a great way to be. We go to the MCG, play them on their home deck, the best team over recent years and what a wonderful opportunity for us to keep on learning.”
“That’s what we will continue to do so regardless of what happens on the field, we will learn from it
“We have to make sure we approach it with the same approach if it were Brisbane up there, Adelaide here or Richmond at the MCG, we go give it our best in regards to effort and then we learn.
“We will go there with that in mind, to get out there and have a real go at the best team in the competition.”
Richmond forward Dustin Martin, a three-time Norm Smith Medallist, has started the season in strong form averaging 30 touches per game over the first two rounds and three goals to his tally.
In form that he regularly produces in finals, Longmire says that Martin is up there with one of the best players he has seen.
“Dustin’s records sit up there and his performances in Grand Finals are unique. They don’t compare to anyone, they are extraordinary, so he is as good as big game, one on one players I’ve seen,” Longmire said.
“He continually puts it out there and plays well all the time.
“He is a challenge against the opposition, and I am sure he inspires what his teammates are able to see him do every week, but we will work through that and plan for him,” he added.
“He is a very good player, but they plenty of very good players the Tigers, that’s why they have been very successful.”
Longmire knows that whilst limiting the impact of Martin will go a long way, the Tigers boast plenty of dangers across their entire side and that the young Swans will need to be focused on the entire team.
“It’s always about limiting his impact and what the rest of the team does. It’s not one or the other, you look at the entirety of what Richmond are able to do,” Longmire said.
“As a team they are very, very good and clearly have been the best team of the competition over the past four years.
“It’s about the whole team, the Richmond footy club aren’t just about Dusty. He is a very important part of it but there are plenty of others that are very, very good as well.”
The Swans face Richmond at the MCG on Saturday April 3, 2021. A Sydney Swans membership will be your best ticket to the game, with plenty of options available for our Victorian supporters. Join the club.
