Coach scoffs at ‘smug’ derby call
Given his chance to respond to claims his team is “smug” and accusations of being strangely “chirpy” in a practice game, Sydney Swans coach John Longmire was blunt.
He doesn’t care. Ahead of what looms as a fiery Sydney derby with crosstown rival and fellow premiership contenders GWS, Longmire brushed off a fuselighting Monday press conference from Giants star Sam Taylor.
The All-Australian defender made it clear the “dislike” between the players was real and the 6-1 Swans found their voice during a pre-season hitout that enhanced the rivalry.
“That was chirpy, just for a practice game,” Taylor said.
“They’re young, they’re firing, they’re a bit smug. ”
Marketing isn’t part of Longmire’s brief, however, and on Tuesday when asked for his response said it was low on his list of concerns.
“I’ve got other things on my mind, to be honest,” Longmire said. “I’ve been a bit more focused on Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio and Sam Taylor coming back in the team. That’s where my energies have been directed.
“This is a team that last week defeated last year’s grand finalists (Brisbane) by nine goals, with those guys out.
“I’m looking at what they do well … you’d have to ask them in a bit more detail what that was about … I’m focused on the game itself.”
The Giants have lost three of the past four derbies, but Saturday’s clash, with both sides having won six of seven games this season, and with players to return, looms as a titanic one.
Taylor returns from a bad concussion for GWS along with captain Greene from suspension and Coniglio after a knee injury.
But the Swans should get back veteran stars Luke Parker and Dane Rampe, Parker set to play his first game of the season after recovering from a broken arm.
The Swans also have former GWS coach Leon Cameron among their ranks this season.
But Longmire said that he hadn’t even asked for Cameron’s opinion, declaring the teams “know each other” really well.