Swans midfield Josh Kennedy has declared Saturday’s qualifying final against Fremantle as a “midfield vs midfield” battle.
With both sides possessing an elite midfield, one of the most important on-ballers within the Swans’ side believes whoever can win the contested ball and “do the basics right” will be in front when the final siren sounds at Domain Stadium.
A fast start will be vital to upsetting the minor premier in front of what’s expected to be a boisterous and hostile Perth crowd.
“At the end of the day it’s our midfield vs their midfield,” Kennedy said.
“A good start is crucial. It’s going to be on early, come finals the intensity goes up to another level so we’re going to have to beat them in that from the first bounce.
“It’s going to be a focus for both sides.”
The Swans are in a precarious position of going in without the services of key runners Kieren Jack and Luke Parker through respective injuries.
There's also the matter of Hannebery averaging 27 possessions every time the 24-year-old steps foot on Domain Stadium.
With those two leading the charge, Kennedy highlighted the importance of Tom Mitchell as well as the likes of Zak Jones and Dean Towers who the team has full confidence in despite having no previous finals experience.
“It will be tough,” Kennedy said on playing the Dockers without those big names.
“But throughout the season we’ve seen guys step up, whether it is Mitchell through the midfield or Jones down back.
“We can rely on whoever comes in that they’ve had good preparation and know the way we play and trust they can do the job.”
“It’s exciting for them and us to see them develop and being given the opportunity. We’ve got full confidence in them that they’ll step up.”
Kurt Tippett is another who coach John Longmire will need to step up in the absence of key forward Lance Franklin.
Tippett’s task will be enormous having to juggle the ruck duties against Fremantle big man Aaron Sandilands while providing a target up forward.
