AFL 2024: John Longmire praises ‘real grind’ in Sydney minor premiership

Sydney coach John Longmire says he’s most proud of the Swans’ last two grinding victories after securing the club’s ninth minor premiership on Friday night.

Longmire bristled at questioning over the Swans’ poor first quarters and Luke Parker’s future at the club as he lauded his side’s resilience in games following the 39-point win over Essendon.

He said the Swans would “take a lot” from their first-half performance despite conceding 37 inside 50s to the Bombers, praising younger players who stepped up early to ensure the margin was only seven points at halftime.

“It’s an outstanding effort (to finish top) … jeez, it’s a tough competition,” Longmire said after the win.

“Even the last couple of weeks, I’ve been so pleased with how we’ve gone about it, just putting the overalls on and getting to work.

“Last week’s battle that we had and our ability to hang in and come back, and tonight’s, was even more pleasing (than more dominant victories this season).

“Sometimes getting into the real grind of footy … when you’re just living that contest to contest … our ability to embrace that, stay with it, defend, and then go. When everyone got going and started winning contests, I thought that was the most pleasing aspect.”

Longmire said Callum Mills’ leadership had been superb all season as the captain overcame a “challenging time” to find form in a full-time defensive role on Friday night.

Mills did not attend a single centre bounce as he played behind the ball and racked up 26 disposals and a team-high 10 intercept possessions.

His move to defence opened up a spot higher up the ground for Braeden Campbell, who along with fourth-gamer Caiden Cleary delivered crucial goals against the run of play to keep the Swans within touching distance.

“It was (Cleary’s) first real crack at it, and he was good. He chased, he tackled, he’s got a great tank, he’s got endurance,” Longmire said.

“He was important tonight, he made some big plays. I thought he and Braeden (Campbell), a couple of the younger boys early, did some really good things.”

Swans v Collingwood 9.8.24
Camera IconSydney coach John Longmire says Chad Warner should return against Adelaide on Saturday night after he missed the win over the Bombers with a sore calf. Phil Hillyard Credit: News Corp Australia

Longmire said securing top spot was unlikely to affect how the Swans managed the returns of Tom Papley (ankle) and Chad Warner (calf soreness), but said the former was a “long stretch” to face Adelaide at the SCG next Saturday night.

“Paps would be a long stretch to play next week – he’d have to have everything go right for him, no matter what game it was,” the coach said.

“Chad will play if he’s fit … you’ve got to be mindful that if you miss this week, you miss next week and there’s a bye.

“We won’t take any risk with any of our players, but we still want to make sure that if they’re right and fit and that they’re able to play, they’ll play.”

Longmire would not be drawn on whether he had discussed Luke Parker’s future with him after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson reiterated his interest in the veteran Swan.

“No, let’s enjoy the moment,” he said.

“(Parker) has played well the last couple of weeks, he’s been terrific. I just like the way he’s used his forward craft, he’s done a great job the last couple of weeks.

“He’s showed his real leadership … he’s played a really good role for us. He’s got good craft as a forward, and he’s been good in the midfield.”

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