AFL 2023: Sydney Swans hoping to continue finals charge against Adelaide Crows

Taylor Walker is in the form of his life and the Swans have several options to curtail the Crows’ spearhead, including a likely round 23 inclusion.

Tom McCartin and brother Paddy McCartin during Sydney Swans training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Swans will look to assert their premiership credentials once again this weekend when they take on the in-form Crows.

Sydney is on a five-game winning streak and has surged back into the top eight following a brilliant month of football.

And while they sit above Adelaide on the ladder, John Longmire is under no illusions as to how difficult a test it will be on Saturday night.

“Their last month has been super,” Longmire said.

“They’ve won two and lost two, but they’ve been against top-four teams and lost by a kick both times. So, their form is outstanding.

“They’re a pressure team and they’ve got some real experience in the middle of the ground. They’ve been able to handle a couple of injuries down back and they’ve got a forward line that is as good as any at competing inside-50 in the comp.

“It’ll be a real challenge to go over on their home deck and play against a team that’s over the last month been as good as any going around.”

One of the keys for Longmire’s side will be shutting down Taylor Walker.

The 33-year-old has already kicked the most goals in a season of his career and has been in red-hot form, particularly at Adelaide Oval.

Dane Rampe could be a big inclusion for the Swans this week. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Since returning from concussion, Tom McCartin has been given more responsibility in Sydney’s defence and improved as the weeks go on.

Another match-up option for the Swans could be co-captain Dane Rampe, who looks set to return for the Crows clash if he gets through training this week.

Either way, Longmire knows it’s going to be an important battle that will have an influence on the result.

“He’s kicked almost 70 goals, Tex, so he’s probably in the best form of his career at this time,” Longmire said.

“Our players have got a lot of admiration for what he’s able to do. He can kick a goal from 60-70 (metres), he gets it out of the ruck, can snap it out of the ruck, he can do a lot of things.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for whoever plays on him to make sure that we give him the respect he deserves because he’s a gun player.”

Rampe is the only player set to return from injury with Justin McInerney at least another week away.

Taylor Walker is in career-best form for the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Joel Amartey will have to pass a fitness test after being subbed out of the game against the Suns. Longmire confirmed that there was no hamstring tear for the 23-year-old but, given his previous soft tissue injuries, the Swans may opt to be cautious with his recovery.

That would likely bring Jack Buller into the mix after two goals against the Suns in the VFL last weekend.

The big inclusion for the Swans is set to be Braeden Campbell after he missed the game against Gold Coast through suspension.

The 21-year-old has shown he can rise to the occasion this season and Longmire knows that he could have a big role to play against the Crows.

“We’ve got a really young midfield, Errol on one wing and he on the other,” Longmire said.

“He’s been able to give us some real run and he’s very clean around the contests. He’ll come in this week and hopefully give us some run and some hardness around the wings that we will desperately need against a competitive Adelaide team.”