Ruckmen ready for Swans’ tilt
JUST like the Bulldogs in 2016, Sydney looks set to benefit immeasurably from the controversial pre-finals bye weekend.
Looking to emulate the Dogs by becoming just the third team to ever claim a flag from outside the top four, the Swans should have all three ruckmen available for selection for next Saturday’s elimination final against Essendon.
Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair both suffered ankle injuries in the final-round win over Carlton.
But Tippett says he will certainly be fit and ready to fire against the Bombers next week.
“It’s recovering well,” he said. “Its something that’s unfortunately been around most of the year – I’ve hurt it a couple of times – so I certainly know what I need to do it right.
“It was a bit of a shock at the time but I’m pretty confident in the fact that my ankle will be good enough to play.
“The bye week has helped and come at a good time to give me a little bit of extra time to get it right.”
Tippett has been restricted to nine games this season after first rolling his ankle in round two.
After a prolonged period in the NEAFL he returned to the senior side in round 20 and has been solid in the ruck and in the Swans’ forward line.
“It’s been a challenge and there’s been a few ups and downs,” he said.
“But you can’t complain – there’s players who have it worse than me, and would love to be in this position right now.
“You ride the rollercoaster of the season, and now we’re here at the start of the finals. It’s the most exciting time in footy.”
Sinclair is also expected to be okay to play the cut-throat final, leaving Sam Naismith waiting in the wings for the Swans.