Swans back talls in wet
Sydney coach John Longmire has backed his tall forward line to continue the flood of goals even if the heavens open for tomorrow's clash against West Coast at Patersons Stadium.
The resurgent Swans yesterday named an unchanged line-up spearheaded by the formidable attack of Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid.
West Coast are also set to field three ruckmen for the first time since the round-seven western derby after recalling Scott Lycett.
The 21-year-old was one of two inclusions, with mid-sized defender Jacob Brennan promoted for his first AFL game of the year on the back of Mitch Brown (knee) and Jamie Bennell (omitted) dropping out of the side. Both squads are heavy with talls despite the forecast of widespread showers for the 1.20pm bouncedown and gusty thunderstorms expected to batter Perth during the afternoon.
Sydney have averaged 15 goals a game in a winning streak that has extended to 10 matches, with Franklin booting 26 majors in his past six appearances.
Four of the players named in attack are 191cm or taller, but Longmire said the combination could still perform in the wet.
"The forwards we've got are pretty quick and good on the ground," Longmire said.
"We've always said it's not necessarily about the height. It's a bit like what West Coast have got - blokes like (Jack) Darling and those players are very good at ground level as well.
"You don't get too caught up in the general height … it's less about the height and more about the agility and want to put pressure on when the ball's left your area."
The Swans could still make a late change, with all three emergencies - Gary Rohan, Tom Derickx and potential debutant George Hewett - flying to Perth.
Some doubt surrounds the fitness of Kieren Jack, who is recovering from a heavy knock to the shoulder and ribs from last weekend's win over Greater Western Sydney. Jack completed the warm-up with teammates at training yesterday at Patersons before the session was closed.
The 11th-placed Eagles are coming off a spirited seven-point defeat to Fremantle and need to win to remain in touch with the top eight. Longmire said he had been impressed with West Coast's form over the past three weeks, which have included wins over Gold Coast and St Kilda.
"Fremantle had to pull out everything to get over the line," he said. "We're fully aware of what West Coast's best can bring."
"The forwards we've got are pretty quick and good on the ground.""Sydney coach *John Longmire *
