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James Rowbottom says the Sydney Swans are built to last for 2020 season

Rising star James Rowbottom insists Sydney’s youngsters have taken on board the ‘instant’ challenge issued by head coach John Longmire as they hunt a return to finals in 2020.

Dane Rampe during a Sydney recover session. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Dane Rampe during a Sydney recover session. Picture: Phil Hillyard

James Rowbottom insists the Swans’ youngsters have embraced the ‘instant’ challenge issued by head coach John Longmire.

The midfielder also believes the club’s gruelling phase one of pre-season in the summer heat will prove crucial when it comes to a finals push in the depths of winter.

Back in August after a round 21 defeat to Port Adelaide and finals hopes long gone, Longmire said the push for 2020 must start right away.

The response was instant with the club ending the campaign with two successive victories and spirits on an upward curve as the players headed their separate ways.

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The coach’s message was not lost over the break judging by the collective efforts on the players’ return, Rowbottom said.

“John Longmire spoke about not waiting as a young group, taking it by the scruff of the neck I guess,” he told The Daily Telegraph after the players emerged from the water at Maroubra.

“We’re really excited to see what we can do and how much we can develop.

James Rowbottom and Ben Ronke during a Sydney recovery beach session at South Maroubra. Picture: Phil Hillyard
James Rowbottom and Ben Ronke during a Sydney recovery beach session at South Maroubra. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Everyone came back in great shape, the whole squad’s been in ripping condition and we’ve really built from day one.

“It’s the volume of work we’ve been able to get through, and the intensity. Hopefully you’re all fit and firing come round one and also (the work being done now) means the body holds up well in the back end of the year as well.”

After reporting back in November the squad has hit the training track and gym hard before heading to Coffs Harbour for a pre-season camp. On Tuesday, it was a skills session and a dip in the ocean.

James Rowbottom is hunting a big 2020. Picture: Phil Hillyard
James Rowbottom is hunting a big 2020. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It was good to get down the beach and enjoy our time before we break up,” Rowbottom said.

“We had some light skills and a recovery session and a bit of a swim. The water was lovely.”

A brief break for Christmas now looms and the players will meet with coaching staff on Thursday to discuss their individual festive programs.

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Rowbottom admits there won’t be too much Christmas pudding or cheer being consumed.

“It’ll be good to have a little break again but obviously we’re mindful what we eat and drink,” he said.

“Then we’ll be back and you want to hit the ground running again before you start looking to play some games.”

Those games will begin with the Marsh Series in the New Year – the Swans taking on cross-town rivals the Giants at Blacktown on Saturday February 29.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/james-rowbottom-says-the-sydney-swans-are-built-to-last-for-2020-season/news-story/7ed90cbfd38290d164545af1b0500e8d