Young Swan Amartey shakes off goal-drought concerns
Joanna Guelas |
Sydney forward Joel Amartey doesn’t need to be told he’s not hitting the scoreboard often enough, but instead of losing any sleep he’s working harder than ever to rectify the situation.
Closing in on their first minor premiership since 2016, the Swans welcome Adelaide to the SCG on Saturday to end their home-and-away season.
The last time the teams faced off in round 19, Amartey kicked a career-high nine goals to pull off a come-from-behind 42-point victory for the Swans.
But the 24-year-old has struggled to consistently grab the six points in the weeks since, slotting just six goals across his last seven games.
Amartey is well aware of the spotlight around his goalscoring – or lack thereof – but the outside noise won’t hinder his preparation for Saturday night.
“Obviously, I’d love to kick a few more goals every week, but I think it’s just getting my contest right,” he said on Thursday.
“I think I’ve been able to nullify some of the other teams’ better defenders as a role, not just being offensively but defensively as well.
“The season is 24 games. It’s a long time. You go through a bit of a roller coaster.
“Every season you get some good games and some not-so-good games.
“It’d be huge (to get 10 goals against Adelaide), but it’s not about who kicks the goals and where the goals come from.
“It’s getting our game right, then if you win the game you win the game. That’s the most important thing.”
Amartey will line up for his 50th game on Saturday, seven years after being drafted as a rookie in 2017.
The young Swans star, often troubled by injury, has played a career-best 21 games this season ahead of their Crows match, easily outdoing his number of 15 matches last year.
“It’s my first year I’m getting through injury-free. It’s been great mentally,” Amartey said.
“When I first came, I probably wasn’t ready for the demands … of what this game throws at you.
“My first game was the backend of that first COVID year. I think it was in Cairns and probably not too many people debut in Cairns in front of probably about 10 people because of COVID restrictions.
“I got injured actually, syndesmosis at half-time, so it wasn’t the best first game but it was the first game nonetheless.”
Star midfielder Chad Warner is likely to return to the side after missing out on their Essendon win due to calf soreness, while utility Robbie Fox (abdominal) faces a test.
Tom Papley (ankle) will not return for the home-and-away season but will begin team training next week, while winger Justin McInerney (knee) has recommenced running.
The duo are expected to be available for the finals.
AAP