Handing dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes the substitute’s vest is a prospect John Longmire is considering while weighing up one of the biggest selection dilemmas of his short AFL coaching career.
Goodes has been sidelined since injuring his knee in the Swans’ round 13 clash with Port Adelaide on June 13, with Longmire saying the club will make a call on their most experienced player after Thursday’s SCG training session.
The 33-year-old has been restricted to light running in recent weeks, but on Sunday trained well for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic surgery in July.
Longmire and the reigning premiers’ coaching panel now have two training sessions to decide if a severely underdone Goodes is worth risking in Saturday night’s semi-final against Carlton at ANZ Stadium.
“It’s an option. I’m not sure how he looks in green, but it’s an option,” Longmire said on Monday.
“We’re also mindful that we’ve got Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan coming back (to full fitness).
“So that all goes into the decision-making process, getting that balance right is our challenge.”
Longmire brought Jetta back for last Friday night’s qualifying final against Hawthorn, but the Swans were outclassed in the second half and the speedster struggled to make an impact in his first AFL match since injuring his shin in round 10.
Jetta had the chance to play one game in the reserves prior to his call up, while Goodes would be coming back after a handful of training sessions.
“If he trains well this week, that’s obviously a good thing. But there’s no guarantee he’ll be picked,” Longmire said.
“It depends on a whole host of reasons and we’ll discuss it later in the week.
“He’ll be putting pressure on us I’d imagine.
“He’s always confident in his ability to play, whether it’s with one knee or an arm tied behind his back. He’s always willing to get out there and have a go, and that’s what you admire about him.”
Longmire expected co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (knee) would be right to take on the Blues, with the Swans to have a “lighter week on the track” to maximise the eight-day break.
“Even though it’s a longer break for us, we’ll make sure we’re in the best possible shape for Saturday night,” he said.
Carlton are winless from their three games at ANZ Stadium, but Lachie Henderson suggested the venue would hold no fear for his side.
“We love to travel. Travelling doesn’t bring any added pressure to us,” Henderson said.
