Assistant Coach Murray Davis says the Lions’ midfield pressure will be key to shutting down the influence of Sydney’s dangerous forward line on Sunday.
The Swans will regain Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett from suspension but the Lions have named Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Merrett and Nick Robertson – all returning to senior selection from injury.
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“It’s really just about bringing that same intensity that we saw against Fremantle for the game against the Swans.
“Really Tippett and Buddy will only have an influence if our midfield group don’t apply the same amount of pressure as they did against Fremantle.
“They’ll have a large portion of responsibility, those midfielders, to make sure we pressure up Sydney’s mids. Kieran Jack, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker those sort of guys have been in good form in their midfield.
“It’s about what we do and bringing that pressure, it’s been a big focus for us the last couple of weeks, and how we move the ball and keep it in our forward half.”
