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Swans, Giants brace for extended away trip

3 minute read

Swans coach John Longmire says his AFL club is unlikely to return home until after Sydney's lockdown ends on July 9.

Swans coach JOHN LONGMIRE.
Swans coach JOHN LONGMIRE. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Sydney coach John Longmire is resigned to his AFL club spending at least another fortnight away from home because of his city's growing coronavirus outbreak.

The Swans and Greater Western Sydney were hastily relocated to Melbourne last Tuesday by the AFL.

And now with the Greater Sydney area and some surrounds in lockdown to July 9, Longmire's Swans and the Giants are destined to remain in Melbourne until then.

"You wouldn't imagine we would be back before that date," Longmire said after Sydney's 10-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

"So we will do what we need to do to prepare as best we can and train.

"And make sure that we do our best for the competition as well, that is really important - there have been a few clubs that have had those challenges this year and it's ours to be able to do now."

The Swans play West Coast at Geelong's home ground next Sunday.

"We are really fortunate we have got a good, experienced leadership group," Longmire said.

"Just focusing on what we can control, it is an old saying but it's absolutely relevant in these times and we roll with it.

"We will keep on having a crack and that is all we can ask of the playing group, to keep on having a crack.

"No matter what hurdles are thrown up, to keep on trying to step over them and take them in your stride."

GWS play Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday before meeting Melbourne at the same ground next Saturday.

Both the Swans and Giants were given about three hours warning by the AFL of the need to leave Sydney last Tuesday.

"Many players and staff members didn't get a chance to say goodbye to their family or kids or partners," Longmire said.

"You just go and get on a plane and get out."

Swans players and staffers learnt of the July 9 lockdown, announced by the NSW government on Saturday, as they were warming up for the clash with Port.

"We feel for the people back in Sydney, their businesses, and the people that are doing it pretty tough," Longmire said.

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