EXPERIENCED Griffith midfielder Mick Duncan believes the unavailability of a number of key players for Saturday’s clash against Collingullie-Glenfield Park could be a good thing for the Swans.
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Griffith will be out to stretch their winning streak to six when they host the ladder leaders at Exies Oval on Saturday.
The Swans will be without best and fairest winner Jordan Iudica and key defender Richard Malone, while Jacob Conlan (concussion) and Will Griggs (tribunal) are extremely unlikely.
Duncan, a veteran of more than 270 games, cannot remember the last time Griffith enjoyed a winning streak like this one.
He thinks the chance to blood some players against the Demons may prove a positive in the long run.
“We’ve got to play without two of our best midfielders, depending how the tribunal goes, so there’s 50 to 60 possessions we’ve got to find somewhere else,” Duncan said.
“At the same time, it’s good to play blokes and give them the opportunity now, just in case the same thing arises during finals.
“The blokes coming in have all played a bit of senior footy so that helps.
“If we go out there and play to our potential, and it’s not good enough then so be it.”
Five consecutive wins have put Griffith into third position on the Riverina League ladder, just percentage ahead of Leeton-Whitton.
Duncan, 34, is enjoying the Swans’ winning run.
“You’re probably looking back to 02, 03, 04, somewhere during there to when we (last won five straight),” he said.
“Without a doubt, it’s a lot better than losing, but Pav is keeping it all in perspective as well. We try not to take notice of the scoreboard, it’s more about trying to play our best footy. If we play our best footy and get beaten by a better team than so be it.
“At the moment we’re playing patchy footy and getting wins but the next month is a massive test.”
After hosting Collingullie on Saturday, Griffith face trips away to play Wagga Tigers and Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes wither side of their bye, before finishing with Turvey Park at Exies Oval.
“We’re under no illusions about how tough the next month is going to be but at the same time, we’re pretty happy with the draw because they’re the teams we’re going to be playing finals against,” Duncan said.
“We’re not looking past this week at the moment.”
Duncan is enjoying a new lease of life at Griffith. He said the Swans are well placed at the moment on and off the field.
“The crowds we’ve been getting at home, I haven’t seen it like this in 10 years,” he said,
“The seconds are undefeated, we’ve got a good bunch coming through in the 17s.
“Hopefully we can enjoy some on field success now too.”
Collingullie-GP will be without Kal Sykes (shoulder) and Steve Jolliffe (unavailable). Sykes injured his shoulder against Coolamon and will be out for the next couple of weeks.
On the positive side, the Demons will be boosted by the return of key defender Will Haines.
