‘To win another one would be incredible’: Swans skipper on GF ‘heartbreak’, ‘obsessed’ young gun
Sydney Swans captain Luke Parker says it’d be incredible to win a second premiership, after a triple dose of Grand Final heartbreak.
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Sydney Swans co-captain Luke Parker says it would be “absolutely incredible” to win a second premiership, but he really is just taking one week at a time.
Geelong thrashed the Swans by 81 points in last year’s AFL Grand Final, ending Sydney’s superb season in a disappointing whimper.
The result meant the Swans have lost their last three grand finals (2014, 2016, 2022) and Parker is conscious of the need to start the season afresh and temper expectations of going all the way.
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“I think it’s a completely different journey,” Parker told news.com.au when asked about how his side can rebound from the Grand Final loss.
“You’ve got to reflect on the year we had last year. We had some incredible moments. We reflected on that. Obviously we didn’t finish the way we wanted to.
“But in saying that, we came up against a team that was mature, desperate and bloody hard to beat. They were the best team all year. Unfortunately we well short but now we get to start that journey again.
“We know there’s going to be some ups and downs along the way but we’ll take confidence from last year and hopefully we can give ourselves another opportunity at the pointy end.”
When the Swans won their last flag in 2012, Parker was the substitute with bleached blond hair who claimed a premiership medal in just his second season.
He and Sam Reid are the two sole survivors remaining from that triumph, while Buddy Franklin, Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe are others who’ve played in Sydney’s three losing Grand Finals since.
“We’ve got a group of players who’ve had the heartbreak of losing a grand final or two,” Parker said.
“I think the older you get, the more you appreciate the opportunities of playing in a grand final. To win another one would be incredible but right now you can’t look at the ‘what ifs’. “It’s just about enjoying each week as it is, and continually rocking up to the challenge that is that week.”
Parker wouldn’t be drawn on whether the Swans’ goal for the season was to finish top four or achieving Grand Final redemption.
“The goal is just to play as good as football as we can,” he said.
“We know our best football stands up so as much as we can play that during the year we think we’ll put ourselves in a good position to compete in September.”
A dominant Round 1 win over Gold Coast was an ominous sign the Swans won’t be nursing a Grand Final hangover in 2023.
Errol Gulden and Chad Warner will shoulder more of the midfield load this season and Parker couldn’t be more impressed by the young duo.
“Errol’s one of the most driven individuals I’ve seen come through the doors of the club,” the 30-year-old said.
“He’s always looking to get better. He’s pretty headstrong and just wants to continue to improve. He’s very football obsessed.
“Chad’s just that power athlete. He’s got that confidence that you need to play good quality football. He’s just getting better and better and continuing to take the game on, but also learning to the basics well, which he’s been incredible at.”
The Swans return to the SCG on Sunday for their first home game of the season against Hawthorn, who were thumped by Essendon in Round 1.
Back for the second year, the Origin Energy Good Change Club will be installed at the SCG, offering fans the best view of the game and getting close to the action.
While the space is a VIP area, it’s available for all fans to win tickets to the Good Change Club by simply making small but good changes for the environment.
“It’s always great to be at the SCG. Hopefully we get a packed house on Sunday,” Parker said.
“We know the Hawks will be pretty wound up after last week so we’re looking for a big test. “It’s always nice to start the season off well, you take some confidence from that.
“We’ve just got to keep showing up each week and hopefully get some wins on the board early in the season will help.”
Originally published as ‘To win another one would be incredible’: Swans skipper on GF ‘heartbreak’, ‘obsessed’ young gun
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