No Ablett, but Swans on Suns forward alert
Jul 7, 2017 - 6:04 AM Sydney are well aware of the boost that Gary Ablett's absence has given their chances of re-entering the AFL's top eight.But it doesn't mean the competition's in-form side aren't still on high alert for Gold Coast's danger forwards at the SCG on Saturday.
The Suns' prospects of a first-ever win over the Swans took a sizeable hit with news Ablett has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
It helps the cause of John Longmire's ninth-placed side, who had focused this week on establishing set-ups to curtail the dual Brownlow medallist's influence both inside and outside.
It leaves less concern for the Swans' improved backline as they hunt for a fifth-straight win and eight in the past nine games.
Yet, with no margin for error in a tight finals race, defence coach Henry Playfair says there's still just cause to be wary of Rodney Eade's frontmen.
"Tom Lynch is back in form and they're smalls are dangerous as well," Playfair told AAP.
"(Ben) Ainsworth kicked four last week and Jack Martin is a really promising young talent.
"(Callum) Ah Chee is dangerous, Peter Wright can take a catch and kick a goal.
"They're actually really well-balanced and dangerous, so we've spoken to our guys this week that we're going to have to be on edge."
Lynch rediscovered his game last weekend with five goals from 20 possessions and eight marks in the loss to North Melbourne.
The key forward will have tougher work cut out for him up against a Sydney defence featuring talls Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe and now Jarrad McVeigh.
The trio's leadership will be vital if the Swans are to rectify this season's poor home record - four games have already been dropped at the SCG, though three of those came in a winless first six rounds.
"We've had a close look at Gold Coast, what they're capable of and how they've played," Playfair said.
"They kicked 18 goals last week and are a really talented team," Playfair said.
"It's a broader thing as well. We need to win each week because the nature of the competition is just so unique in that it's even - games are even, quarters are even, every contest is important.
"We're going in with a focus to play with four quarters because that's what you have to do to win these days."
Source: AAP
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