Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has rejected the notion his side has no chance in their maiden AFL clash on Saturday night.
With many expecting the Giants to go through the season without a win, an upset in round one appears unthinkable – especially against a mature side like Sydney.
Sheedy, a four-time premiership coach with Essendon, declared with confidence at his pre-match press conference that the Giants will not be belted when they take on the Swans at ANZ Stadium.
Furthermore, the man who will be coaching his 635th AFL/VFL game remained adamant that the result was not a foregone conclusion.
“We’ve got every chance of winning … anything can happen in this game. Don’t even think about that,” said Sheedy, harking back to the Bombers’ remarkable win over North Melbourne in 2001 – the greatest comeback victory to date.
“I’ve been in a (second) quarter, 11 goals down. No one ever thought you could win in the next 90 minutes and we got up and belted North Melbourne.
“Nobody believed we could win that game.
“This game throws up lots of challenges. Whether you’ve got to come back in a game after an average third quarter and win, you can do that.
“Anything can happen in this game tomorrow, and that’s why people should come and have a look.”
Sheedy was content with his side’s preparation for their AFL debut.
“They’ve had a pretty good lead up. The boys have enjoyed the (pre-season) games … it was a great experience for the boys, so they’ll be ready to play,” he said.
“They’ve got to bring their best game to the stadium tomorrow night. A lot of people put a lot of work and effort into the building of this club.”