Swans do homework on Lion ruckman Fort for grand final
Roger Vaughan |
Darcy Fort has been a big focus for Dean Cox this week, with the Sydney assistant coach wary of an AFL grand final ruck ambush.
Brisbane’s No.1 ruckman Oscar McInerney is out of the premiership decider, after his dislocated shoulder in the preliminary final win over Geelong, and that should give the Swans an obvious advantage.
Brodie Grundy is in excellent form, while Darcy Fort replaces McInerney for only his third senior game this season and the 36th of his AFL career, over six seasons.
Cox, who was West Coast’s No.1 ruck in their 2006 premiership, is having nothing of that narrative.
“A lot of people certainly look at that, but what Darcy has done for a number of years on an AFL list, I’ve looked at him really heavily, certainly this week,” Cox said on Thursday.
“Brodie is aware of the mindset he needs to go in with and hopefully it all goes to plan.”
In particular, Cox said Fort had more than held his own in his most recent AFL match earlier this season, against GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs.
Grundy has enjoyed a resurgence this season since joining Sydney from Melbourne and has relished working with Cox.
“He’s been a pleasure to work with … his attention to detail, how much he wants to learn and how curious he is with that,” Cox said of Grundy.
“That’s really appealing from a coach’s perspective.
“He’s changed the way we play and hopefully he can have a really big impact come Saturday.”
Cox, a long-time lieutenant to Swans coach John Longmire, again shot down any speculation that he might consider putting his hand up for the vacant West Coast senior role.
He is settled at Sydney, even though when Cox arrived there were plenty of reminders that the Eagles ruckman was the player who kicked the ball famously marked by Swans defender Leo Barry at the end of the 2005 grand final.
“To be part of such an unbelievable organisation that constantly gives its players and staff and supporters a chance to play September football, it’s been really pleasing to learn from so many greats at the footy club,” Cox said.
There were no selection surprises on Thursday night – Fort coming in for McInerney was the only change to the two teams.
Swans captain Callum Mills was ruled out of a return on Wednesday as he recovers from his hamstring injury.
Teammate Logan McDonald was subbed out of their preliminary final win over Port Adelaide with a left ankle injury, but was named.
No late changes are expected.
Grand final eve will be dominated by Friday morning’s parade that starts at Melbourne Park and ends outside the MCG.
The two teams will then wrap up their preparations with captain’s runs on the MCG.
AAP
