On the surface Adam Goodes’ likely six-week absence is a crushing blow for Sydney’s AFL prospects, but the mind’s eye of Swans coach John Longmire can see the positives.
Longmire spoke of disappointment and Goodes’ importance to the team on Monday when scans confirmed the dual Brownlow medallist had torn his left quadriceps in Saturday’s loss to Adelaide – the Swans’ first defeat of the season.
But the second-year coach acknowledged Goodes’ first extended stint on the sidelines presented a golden chance for his side to prove they aren’t a one-man band.
“I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for a lot of players both in the team and outside the team to make sure they step up over this period of time when Goodsey’s out and play well,” Longmire said.
“We only did it a couple of weeks ago (against North Melbourne when Goodes served a one-match suspension) and now we’ve got to keep doing it.”
Longmire suggested the 305-game veteran’s recovery period could be shorter or longer than six weeks, but with Sydney having the bye in round 12 it’s unlikely his return will come any earlier than their round 13 fixture on June 22 against Geelong at the SCG.
“I’m sure he’s going to do everything he possibly can to get back as quick as he can, but even if he’s feeling good it’s not something that we’ll tend to push too hard,” Longmire said.
“We know how important Adam Goodes is for us.”
No matter how long he’s missing for, the Swans are entering largely uncharted waters.
Goodes has missed just seven games through suspension and injury over the past 13 seasons.
With gun ruckman Shane Mumford set to be sidelined for another four weeks as he recovers from back surgery, the bookmakers have Sydney as underdogs for Saturday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
“(It’s) no greater challenge than what other teams have faced,” Longmire said of Mumford and Goodes’ long-term absence.
“I look at West Coast Eagles – they sit undefeated on top of the ladder with three or four of their best players out of the team.
“That’s what good teams do, they (are) resilient and get on with the job, that’s what our challenge is.
“West Coast have been able to do it without (Mark) LeCras, (Josh) Kennedy, (Andrew) Embley and Nic Naitanui was out on the weekend … so it can be done.”
Sydney’s reserves belted University of Sydney by 202 points on the weekend, with Nathan Gordon and ex-Tiger Mitch Morton both kicking 10 goals.
Longmire said Goodes’ replacement may vary over the next six weeks.
“It depends on what you need for that particular week,” he said.
“It’s not a case of ‘this player comes in and replaces Adam Goodes’, we know that just doesn’t happen.
“What we need this week against Richmond might be different to what we need next week and the week after.”
