Swan tips a fiery clash

LUKE Parker is confident the Swans’ engine room deliver a big performance against the Crows at the SCG tonight.

Sydney’s midfield received some criticism following the opening-round loss to the Western Bulldogs with critics pointing to a lack of pace.

Parker, 26, although accepting there is room for improvement, is far from despondent.

“If you look at the stats over the years I think it always stands out that the midfield that’s getting on top, whether that’s contested ball or tackles or pressure, is nearly always the team that comes out on top,” he said.

“The Crows are in the same position as us in that they’re coming off a poor loss in Round 1. I think it’ll be a pretty physical, fiery match.

“We’ve looked at a number of areas we need to improve on. But there’s nothing that’s a drastic change.

“We have done it before where you can turn it around in a week.”