SYDNEY Swans key forward Lance Franklin knows his side will be in for a big challenge against an in-form Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Franklin and fellow key forward Kurt Tippett both returned from one-game suspensions against the Brisbane Lions, kicking three goals each to guide the Swans to a hard-fought 21-point win.
The former Hawk – who is closing in on 700 AFL career goals – said the Swans would be wary of the Hawks in the second grand final rematch this season.
“They played some unbelievable football against the Dockers down in Tasmania, they played four quarters of consistent Hawthorn football,” Franklin said in a press conference yesterday.
“We know what we are coming up against this weekend, it is going to be a tough one but certainly a challenge we are looking forward to as a group.
“This year we haven’t really put together four-quarter efforts, so we will be looking to get our best effort out, a good four-quarter effort and hopefully a win.”
Swans coach John Longmire echoed that sentiment – that the Swans still have room to improve – after his team’s win on Sunday.
A win for the third-placed Swans (eleven wins) over the fourth-placed Hawks (ten wins) would open up a two-game gap on the rest of the competition, which includes Richmond and Western Bulldogs (nine wins each).
“We know we can play better than what we played tonight, but sometimes you've got to find a way and we were able to do that," Longmire said after the game.
“You're never satisfied with any part of your game.
"You're always working on your ball movement, contested ball and defence, the three areas of the game we have to keep working on and that's what we'll continue to do.”
Players to watch
Key forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett will obviously draw plenty of attention on Saturday night after their three-goal efforts against then Lions, but the Swans have a wealth of talented players.
Midfielder workhorse Josh Kennedy – another former Hawk – and ball magnet Dan Hannebery have both been in strong form, while Tom Mitchell is a young Swan on the rise.
Kennedy, Hannebery and Mitchell collected 102 disposals between them in Round 15 – plus 22 tackles, 19 clearances and 13 inside-50s.
Potential changes
Key defender Ted Richards should return for the Swans after missing their win over the Lions with concession.
The Swans were injury-free in that game, but young gun Isaac Heeney, Brandon Jack and Craig Bird could also be in line for senior recalls, after strong performances in the Swans’ NEAFL side.
Harry Cunningham, who was the sub against the Lions, Zak Jones and Dean Towers could be on the fringe of senior selection after quieter games against the Lions.
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