Sport
11 June, 2021
Swayn seeking Magpie response
CAMPERDOWN coach Neville Swayn is looking for his playing group to respond tomorrow (Saturday) as Hampden league footy resumes. The Magpies will host the Gerald FitzGerald-coached Hamilton Kangaroos at Leura Oval, fresh off a two week break due to...
CAMPERDOWN coach Neville Swayn is looking for his playing group to respond tomorrow (Saturday) as Hampden league footy resumes.
The Magpies will host the Gerald FitzGerald-coached Hamilton Kangaroos at Leura Oval, fresh off a two week break due to COVID restrictions implemented in Victoria.
Competition was able to resume as of 11.59pm Thursday night, with clubs able to train in the lead-up to this weekend’s matches.
Clarity regarding crowds and changerooms was still being sought from AFL Victoria when the Camperdown Chronicle went to print, but clubs were preparing for senior games to be played.
Swayn said his side was eager to return strongly against the Kangaroos after having its colours lowered by reigning premier Koroit three weeks ago.
“It’s been difficult to have the last two weeks off because we really want to see the response after the disappointment of the Koroit game,” he said.
“We’ll still be looking for that because there was a lot of disappointing aspects from that game we want to fix so we want to see a good response from that point of view.
“On the other hand it’s just good to be back playing footy again and getting back to some normality.
“There’s still some uncertainty on crowds and whatever but it’ll be good for the guys to just get back into some footy.”
Swayn is expecting Hamilton to produce quite the challenge of the lay-off despite recent results falling against them.
The visitors have shown their best footy is capable of pushing the top teams but have contrasted those efforts with heavy losses against Portland and Warrnambool.
“They’ve picked up a couple of tall recruits so we expect them to be tall in their forward half which is something we’re wary of,” Swayn said.
“We know their best is very good, but there is a fair gap when they drop away which has shown in their results.
“Obviously if they play well they’ll be hard to beat, but we’re ready for the challenge and are confident of beating them at home.”
The fact the Kangaroos might be tall in the forward half may not good news for the host side, with Melbourne-based players Jack Williams, Jason Robinson and Judah Dundon all set to miss the clash.
The trio are still under COVID restrictions, which prevent them from travelling further than 25 kilometres from home unless its for work, education, care giving or to get vaccinated.
Swayn said it was disappointing his side would not to have access to the trio, but added their absence would provide opportunities for others.
“It’s a good opportunity for some guys to put their hand up,” he said.
“It looks like Charlie Lucas will be back. It’s terrific to have him back because he hasn’t played since South and he gives us grunt through the midfield.
“We’re also looking at the likes of Dom Absalom who’s been putting his hand up in the under 18s, Charlie Brett, Hugh Gordon and others depending on match-ups.
“We’ve got some options to look at. There’s three or four guys we’re looking at to come in and play a role.”
Swayn and his players also know the importance of securing the four points, with a victory to all but strengthen the Magpies’ finals credentials.
“If we can win we can consolidate our spot in the five and then we really look at setting our season up from here,” he said.
“It’s a massive game.”