Swans still stung by memories of the 2014 debacle

THE 2014 grand final is burned into the minds of every Sydney player who took part, even though many would like to forget the loss.

The Swans were favourites to beat Hawthorn, as they are this week against Western Bulldogs. Again, John Longmire’s side was minor premier, boasting imposing form and immense confidence ahead of that grand final, which capped Lance Franklin’s first season at the club.

But the Swans were humili- ated at the MCG, suffering a 63-point loss.

“It was a little while ago but there’s definitely an element that sits in your stomach and still frustrates you,” midfielder Dan Hannebery said.

He was one of many Swans who had their colours lowered two years ago but the gifted on-baller at least had a 2012 premiership medallion to help console him.

Jake Lloyd wasn’t so lucky. “It still hurts a lot ... it was obviously heartbreaking,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot of players who played in 2014 running out on Saturday.

“I’m sure it will be in the back of all their minds. Nobody wants a repeat (of that).”

It is difficult to unpick the lessons that need to be learned from 2014, when the Swans produced one of their worst games of the season at the worst possible time.

There is no single reason they were outclassed so clinically but many players believe the sense of occasion contrib- uted and they were guilty of getting carried away in grand final week.

“We probably soaked it up a little bit too much and just took it for granted and thought that the Hawks were going to hand it to us,” Luke Parker reflected. “I’m sure it will be a different mindset (against the Dogs).”

Longmire was philosophical about the prospect of redemption, noting almost half the team had since changed.

“You’re a product of your experiences — good, bad or otherwise. What’s relevant is what happens this week,” Longmire said.

Hannebery said it was up to the club’s leaders to help their inexperienced mates negotiate the week ahead. “It’s just about making sure they remain calm and continue to train and play the same way,” he said.

Meanwhile, injured trio Jarrad McVeigh, Aliir Aliir and Callum Mills will need to train well today to persuade Longmire they should be picked for the grand final.