Roos welcomes Port challenge
9:15:17 AM Mon 1 September, 2003
Paul Gough
afl.com.au
Sydney might have been the big winners over the final home and away round after rising into the all-important top four but Swans? coach Paul Roos is under no illusions at the task confronting his side next week.
The Swans began the round in sixth place but as a result of their win over Melbourne on Saturday and losses by the Eagles (to Fremantle) and Adelaide (to Port), the Swans finished the season in fourth spot to earn the double chance.
But as a result the Swans will begin their finals campaign next weekend against minor premiers and clear premiership favourites Port Adelaide in a qualifying final at the intimidating AAMI Stadium in Adelaide.
Port not only finished three games clear of the rest of the competition, following Sunday?s 16 point win over Adelaide, but can expected to be fanatical against the Swans next week following their disastrous failure in the corresponding match 12 months ago.
On that occasion Port also went into the final in top place and as premiership favourites but suffered a shock loss on home soil to fourth placed Collingwood.
The Power?s finals campaign never recovered and they eventually bowed out in the preliminary final against Brisbane at the Gabba.
But despite his side facing probably the most daunting match of the four first week finals match-ups, Roos was delighted his team had secured the double chance.
?You?d rather have a top four berth,? he said.
?It gives you the opportunity to have a bad game in the first week and still be involved in the finals.?
?If you finish from (positions) five to eight have and have a bad game in the first week then it?s ?Mad Monday?.?
Roos said Port were clearly the team to beat in September but said the Swans were looking forward to the massive challenge confronting them next weekend.
?Port has got some superstars but it?s hard to pick a poor Port player or even an average player,? Roos said.
?Their 22nd player is still a very good AFL player and that?s been their main strength during the year.?
?They have played the best football during the year and been the most consistent team and if they keep that going, they have got to be clear favourites for the flag.?
However Roos, who has performed miracles to lift his side into the finals in his first full year in charge, will tell his players not to be daunted with taking on the premiership favourites next week.
?My message to them (his players) is take it full-on and not to be too worried with the consequences (of losing),? he said.
?I want them to attack the footy, play with flair and then we will see what happens.?
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9:15:17 AM Mon 1 September, 2003
Paul Gough
afl.com.au
Sydney might have been the big winners over the final home and away round after rising into the all-important top four but Swans? coach Paul Roos is under no illusions at the task confronting his side next week.
The Swans began the round in sixth place but as a result of their win over Melbourne on Saturday and losses by the Eagles (to Fremantle) and Adelaide (to Port), the Swans finished the season in fourth spot to earn the double chance.
But as a result the Swans will begin their finals campaign next weekend against minor premiers and clear premiership favourites Port Adelaide in a qualifying final at the intimidating AAMI Stadium in Adelaide.
Port not only finished three games clear of the rest of the competition, following Sunday?s 16 point win over Adelaide, but can expected to be fanatical against the Swans next week following their disastrous failure in the corresponding match 12 months ago.
On that occasion Port also went into the final in top place and as premiership favourites but suffered a shock loss on home soil to fourth placed Collingwood.
The Power?s finals campaign never recovered and they eventually bowed out in the preliminary final against Brisbane at the Gabba.
But despite his side facing probably the most daunting match of the four first week finals match-ups, Roos was delighted his team had secured the double chance.
?You?d rather have a top four berth,? he said.
?It gives you the opportunity to have a bad game in the first week and still be involved in the finals.?
?If you finish from (positions) five to eight have and have a bad game in the first week then it?s ?Mad Monday?.?
Roos said Port were clearly the team to beat in September but said the Swans were looking forward to the massive challenge confronting them next weekend.
?Port has got some superstars but it?s hard to pick a poor Port player or even an average player,? Roos said.
?Their 22nd player is still a very good AFL player and that?s been their main strength during the year.?
?They have played the best football during the year and been the most consistent team and if they keep that going, they have got to be clear favourites for the flag.?
However Roos, who has performed miracles to lift his side into the finals in his first full year in charge, will tell his players not to be daunted with taking on the premiership favourites next week.
?My message to them (his players) is take it full-on and not to be too worried with the consequences (of losing),? he said.
?I want them to attack the footy, play with flair and then we will see what happens.?
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