Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh says last week’s bye has him and teammates feeling fit and refreshed ahead of Saturday night’s eagerly anticipated showdown with Hawthorn at the MCG.
With the Swans and Hawks sitting first and third on the ladder respectively, many commentators believe the game is a preview of this year’s AFL grand final. While the hype is inescapable, McVeigh said the Swans had done their best to enjoy a relaxed build-up.
“Last week it was important for us to switch off,” McVeigh told News Corp. “We had a good five-day break, which was good for a lot of the boys. It was good to rest the body and the mind and really gear up for these next six weeks.
“We got stuck into preparing for Hawthorn (this week) and what they’re going to bring. It’s going to be a fantastic game. They play a really good brand (of football) and the games against them are really hard.”
The Swans are chasing a club-record 13th win in a row against the Hawks and will welcome back key forward Kurt Tippett for the game. While the Hawks will give Tippett the attention he deserves, much of their focus will be on shutting down fellow spearhead Lance Franklin.
A two-time premiership winner at the Hawks, Franklin will undoubtedly receive a harsh reception from Hawthorn fans whenever he touches the ball on Saturday. Former Hawks teammate Shaun Burgoyne can empathise but said Franklin wouldn’t receive special treatment from his old side.
“I changed clubs as well, so I know exactly what he’s going through,” Burgoyne said. “We’re expecting him to play well, but when the siren sounds he will just be another player out there.”
