Swans confident they can curtail Carlton’s threats, provide updates on McCartin and Parker

The Sydney Swans have exploded in 2024, commencing the season with eight wins from nine games to sit comfortably atop the AFL ladder.

Coming off the back of a strong 48-point victory over Fremantle in Perth, the Swans find themselves a game clear of Geelong in second place, leading the markets as the favourite to take home their third premiership in the AFL era.

Ahead of their Friday night elimination final rematch against Carlton, coach John Longmire has a lot to consider, with key defender Tom McCartin set to miss the clash with concussion.

McCartin was sidelined from the Dockers match after copping a heavy hit in the derby against GWS, but still has not recovered well enough to return.

With a combined 50 goals, Carlton’s Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow lead the competition as the duo with the highest combined goal tally in 2024.

However, in last year’s elimination, the Swans were able to hold the duo to a combined 1.2 with McCartin playing well.

“What they have got up front is an absolute threat,” Longmire said on SEN Breakfast.

“They will take some handling, and without Tommy (McCartin) we’ll do our best in that regard, but we’re confident in the players that we’ve got there and hopefully we put on enough pressure on up the ground that it doesn’t come in with speed.

“They are going to be kicking goals at some point, you just hope to reduce that damage and that is a team effort.”

Although McCartin’s recovery from his major head clash against the Giants in Round 8 has been delayed a further week, Longmire believes that he is feeling good, despite being unable to pinpoint a date for his return.

“He is obviously not playing this week,” he added.

“We are taking our time, we’ll see how he is next week.

“When he’s ready to play, he’ll play, we are obviously really conscious that he takes his time.

“We are guided by the medical staff, we are in their hands completely.

“We are not sure when (he will return), maybe next week and if it is terrific, if it’s not, it’s not.

“He’s feeling good. I had a long chat with him yesterday.

“He was disappointed that it happened, but he has put that disappointment aside now and is just trying to look after himself and get back into the program according to the protocols.”

Former Swans captain Luke Parker has returned from his long-term injury, playing three games in the reserves and collecting an average of 30 touches a game from the midfield.

With the overwhelming success of Isaac Heeney’s move to the centre of the park, alongside the likes of James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner, Parker is yet to feature for the Swans in 2024.

“There’s no secrets behind it,” Longmire added.

“He’s a great club person, he’s a terrific leader of this footy club but he also wants to play senior footy.

“He’s been able to balance that really well, the understanding that he’s not in the team at the moment as he comes back from that nine-week injury.

“He gets that balance really well and we talk about it. It’s something that he wants to do (play in the senior team), the team has been going well, particularly the midfield group but we are certainly confident that he can come in at some point and add to that group.

“When that is, is yet to be decided.”

The Swans clash with Carlton at the SCG will prove a massive challenge for the league leaders, as the Blues look to hold their place in the top eight.