> Watch Dane Swan address the media before the main training session at Gosch's PaddockAs Collingwood strives for its fifth win on the trot, midfielder Dane Swan emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum by defeating a dangerous Fremantle team at the MCG.
With Fremantle coming off a narrow loss to unbeaten Geelong and having at their disposal some big experienced bodies, Swan believes Saturday’s match will require much work from the black and white side if the Magpies are to achieve their first five match winning streak since rounds 2-6, 2006.
“I think that Freo have got some big bodies around and we’re going to have to try and win the contested footy because that’s what they’re very good at,” Swan said before training at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday.
After a 23-point win against Sydney on Saturday night, the Magpies are looking to maintain their excellent form against Dockers minus midfield gun Scott Pendlebury, who will miss at least one match with a knee injury.
While praising the efforts of Pendlebury, who has averaged over 30 disposals per game in 2009, Swan believes the Magpies have enough depth and class to cover the star 21-year-old’s absence.
“He (Pendlebury) has been our best player this year.
“But I think we’ve shown on the weekend that Alan (Didak) can come into the midfield and play just as good as anyone... Leon (Davis) has obviously stepped up.”
Swan commended Didak and Davis, who are in career best form, for giving the side a spark when required which is exactly what happened in the last quarter against the Swans.
“A good kick or tackle really lifts the boys when they do something special,” Swan added.
While the Dockers sit outside the eight, Swan dismissed any suggestion they would not put up a strong fight.
“Their ladder position doesn’t suggest how good they are ... we’ll be ready for them.”
