Don’t tell Sydney coach John Longmire Saturday’s AFL clash with lowly Gold Coast isn’t a big game and he should worry about the ladder and percentages.
The normally mild-mannered coach bridled a bit on Thursday when it was suggested his ladder-leading Swans had some big games coming up but the away clash with second from bottom Gold cast wasn’t one of them.
“I don’t agree that this is not one of them, every game is a big game,” Longmire told reporters.
Referred to the teams respective ladder positions, Longmire retorted by saying he had spoken to his players about the Suns’ recent improved form.
“What we have spoken to them about this morning at training in the team meeting was that we looked at the last three weeks at what the Gold Coast are doing,” Longmire said.
“We don’t spend time gazing at the ladder, because it’s pointless.
“We spend time addressing what we’ve got immediately in front of us and what’s in front of us are the Gold Coast, who over the last three weeks, their form has been really competitive.”
Longmire was dismissive about the significance of percentages.
“It doesn’t come into it at all, it doesn’t coome into any discussions, anyone has inside the footy club,” Longmire said.
“We’ve just got to make sure we win games of footy. Four points is what it’s all about every game and we don’t talk about percentage at all.”
Sydney recalled midfielder Luke Parker and forward Trent Dennis-Lane for Saturday’s game at Metricon Stadium.
Impressive youngster Parker has missed the Swans past six games after fracturing a collarbone.
Utility Andrejs Everitt was dropped after being a substitute for Sydney’s past two games, while ruckman Shane Mumford was unavailable due to knee bone bruising.
“Our doctors at this stage are saying that he (Mumford) should be right for next week, so that’s what we’re planning,” Longmire said.
“He will do a training session of some sort hopefully on Saturday.
“We’re looking to give him a full training session next week and hopefully get him in for next week’s game.”
With Mumford injured, Canadian Mike Pyke is set to handle the majority of ruck duties, with backup from Lewis Roberts-Thomson.