Swans to end home hoodoo

SYDNEY is desperate to improve on a poor home record this season at the SCG.

While a 4-2 record is better than the 0-6 mark at the same time last year, the Swans have dropped two of three at the SCG. They have a 3-0 record on the road, with wins against West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Geelong.

It has been a different story at home, where a win against Greater Western Sydney has been sandwiched by losses to both Adelaide clubs.

Sydney coach John Longmire recognised the importance of the Swans winning at home tomorrow against North Melbourne, but was not about to join other coaches in labelling his home ground a fortress.

“I’m not one to stand here and say, ‘we need to make this ground this and that’,” Longmire said.

“The reality is we have played one good game here against GWS. We need to play well on our home ground, but you can talk about it until you’re blue in the face.

“But we have to go out and do it this week and really play a hard, strong brand of footy for four quarters.”

He said Sydney fielded one of its youngest forward lines last week against Geelong and would likely have to go with a similar line-up.

“If it goes the same way this week, we’ll probably play against experienced defenders, All Australiantype defenders and the reality is we’ve just got to try to get the job done,” Longmire said.

He has hailed the resilience of utility Gary Rohan, who brings up his 100th game.

Rohan suffered a series of injury setbacks early, including a broken leg.

“He’s had some big challenges, but he’s actually showed a remarkable level of resilience,” Longmire said.