Sydney’s mix of a restrictive defence, and an added element of speed, have given them one of their best chances to win the premiership, according to dual All-Australian David King.
The Swans notched their 10th victory of the season last Friday against West Coast, which saw John Longmire’s men climb to 40-points, equal with the league-leading Eagles and Tigers.
According to King, the consistent defensive effort from Sydney has underpinned their surge.
SEN’s Whateley with Gerard Whateley can be heard Monday-Thursday 9-12am, and you can subscribe to the podcast here
“We talk about brands of football and what your team does and why they’re so successful,” he told SEN’s Whateley.
“Glenn Luff pointed this out on Friday night. Their ability to absorb the oppositions’ inside 50s is just unparalleled.
“They’ve lost the inside 50s seven times this year. The opposition have had more entries than them, sometimes up to 20 more. Yet, they’ve won every game.
“Their team-first philosophy of getting back, supporting your back six, the back shoulder defence that allows Dane Rampe and Heath Grundy to be their best and teaches young players, if you come into that side, this is how we play.
“There’s a staple, there’s an ethos.”
King also explained how that framework has been complemented by an exciting injection of outside pace.
“The Swans have never really had speed,” he said.
“When you look at that Grand Final loss two years ago to the Dogs, they were beaten on the outside.
“I think they’ve changed and evolved right before our very eyes.”
Listen to David King's chat with Gerard Whateley on SEN's Whateley in the player below