Swans director of coaching Adrian Pavese has put his charges on notice about being complacent heading into their match against the last-placed Turvey Park on Saturday.
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Turvey Park hasn’t registered a win since round 14 of the 2014 Riverina League competition, but the closest the Bulldogs have come since then was against Griffith last year in round two, when the Swans snuck home by 10 points.
Since then, Griffith has easily accounted for Turvey but Pavese is taking nothing for granted.
“It’s a simple message, we haven't achieved anything yet. If the boys want to be a part of the big picture we don’t disrespect anyone,” Pavese said.
“If we go in there with the wrong attitude, they can stun us.”
Helping Griffith’s cause is the return of several key players.
Key forwards Alex Birch and Nathan Richards lead the list of players added to the squad.
Birch has not played since injuring his shoulder in the win over Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, while Richards missed the loss to Wagga Tigers due to under 18 representative commitments.
Ben McRae and in-form under 17 player Tom Clarke also come into the Swans’ squad, while Alex Blissett will miss the Bulldogs clash through injury.
But what has Pavese most excited is the long-awaited return of James Taylor.
The back will return to the fold, through reserve grade, for the first time this year.
“Hopefully James Taylor will make his first appearance in the twos, he’s been training for a couple weeks,” Pavese said.
“To have him back will be very important to our second half of the year.”
Having the bye last week gave Pavese a chance to look back and reflect on the season thus far.
It’s fair to say he’s more than happy the way things are going with the Swans sitting in third position
“We’re wrapped with not only where we’re sitting, you’ll take that any day of the week, I’m also pleased with the development of the playing group,” he said.
“Whilst the twos aren’t winning at the moment with injuries, were calling up players who naturally fit into the group.
“It makes it an exciting time and will give us a couple of headaches at the end of the year.”