TheMase
18 May 2007, 19:21
Crouch will play reserves against Ainslie.
Kennelly to face fitness test.
http://sydneyswans.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/7106/Default.aspx?newsId=43423
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Crouch to regain form in reserves
THE SYDNEY Swans have recalled emerging defender Sean Dempster for Sunday’s vital clash with Port Adelaide at the expense of veteran Jared Crouch.
Crouch will play in the Swans’ reserves side against Ainslie at the SCG on Sunday.
The durable defender has struggled to re-capture his best form in 2007 after shoulder and ankle injuries ended his astonishing run of consecutive matches played.
Crouch had played 194 consecutive games since his debut in 1998 before succumbing to injury midway through last year – a season in which he played just 12 games.
Speaking before training on Friday, coach Paul Roos said his veteran defender was looking forward to regaining top form.
“He just needs to go back (to the reserves) and get some form,” Roos said.
“He’s actually excited about getting back and getting back into good form … you know he’s looking forward to playing with the seconds, which is good.
“It’s probably surprised him a little bit, how long it’s taken for him to find his form again … obviously no-one’s happy about getting dropped but he’s looking forward to getting back and playing the way he knows he can.”
Roos said Irishman Tadhg Kennelly was almost certain to prove his fitness, although the Swans would wait until match day before making a final call on whether to risk the dashing backman.
Kennelly has made a speedy recovery from a dislocated knee sustained against Melbourne in round five. Dempster, who has also had a knee injury, will definitely play after hurting his knee against Brisbane in round three.
The Swans head into Sunday’s clash with the Power with a modest 3-4 record but Roos isn’t hitting the panic button.
Nor he says are his players, although they do realise they need a positive response against the ladder leaders after successive losses.
“I think it’s just important for the group themselves, rather than showing anyone else,” he said.
“You know, I’m sure the players want to show each other that they’re prepared to come and play with each other.
“They’re a very close group and they’re more disappointed letting each other down than worrying too much about the ladder or where we are or the significance of the game or things like that.
“So I think it’ll just be interesting to see how they respond, in order to show each other that they really want to be part of what hopefully is a successful year.”
Kennelly to face fitness test.
http://sydneyswans.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/7106/Default.aspx?newsId=43423
-----
Crouch to regain form in reserves
THE SYDNEY Swans have recalled emerging defender Sean Dempster for Sunday’s vital clash with Port Adelaide at the expense of veteran Jared Crouch.
Crouch will play in the Swans’ reserves side against Ainslie at the SCG on Sunday.
The durable defender has struggled to re-capture his best form in 2007 after shoulder and ankle injuries ended his astonishing run of consecutive matches played.
Crouch had played 194 consecutive games since his debut in 1998 before succumbing to injury midway through last year – a season in which he played just 12 games.
Speaking before training on Friday, coach Paul Roos said his veteran defender was looking forward to regaining top form.
“He just needs to go back (to the reserves) and get some form,” Roos said.
“He’s actually excited about getting back and getting back into good form … you know he’s looking forward to playing with the seconds, which is good.
“It’s probably surprised him a little bit, how long it’s taken for him to find his form again … obviously no-one’s happy about getting dropped but he’s looking forward to getting back and playing the way he knows he can.”
Roos said Irishman Tadhg Kennelly was almost certain to prove his fitness, although the Swans would wait until match day before making a final call on whether to risk the dashing backman.
Kennelly has made a speedy recovery from a dislocated knee sustained against Melbourne in round five. Dempster, who has also had a knee injury, will definitely play after hurting his knee against Brisbane in round three.
The Swans head into Sunday’s clash with the Power with a modest 3-4 record but Roos isn’t hitting the panic button.
Nor he says are his players, although they do realise they need a positive response against the ladder leaders after successive losses.
“I think it’s just important for the group themselves, rather than showing anyone else,” he said.
“You know, I’m sure the players want to show each other that they’re prepared to come and play with each other.
“They’re a very close group and they’re more disappointed letting each other down than worrying too much about the ladder or where we are or the significance of the game or things like that.
“So I think it’ll just be interesting to see how they respond, in order to show each other that they really want to be part of what hopefully is a successful year.”