THE most heartbreaking of defeats is still firmly entrenched in the mind of Swans coach Steve Armstrong.
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The 2009 premiers came within a feather of defending their title in an extra-time grand final loss to ANU. It was a cruel way to end a near faultless year for the minor premiers.
It was, however, a reality. For two months they’ve pushed their bodies, sharpened their skills and prepared their minds for revenge.
And now with the season only two weeks away, Armstrong is confident his side can rise above last year’s disappointment and qualify for finals football.
“Once you’re in the finals, anything can happen,” the short albeit passionate footballer says.
“I think we’re good enough.”
The school teacher by day was pleased with his charges’ performance against a cast thousands from Wollongong University on Saturday.
A squad of 44 scholars - including Armstrong’s eldest son Brad - edged out 21 Swans by two points on the coastal city. Despite the loss, the form his teammates showed pleased Armstrong.
“We had a young side, including three 16-year-olds,” he said.
“The young boys went well. As far as hit-outs go, it was just what we needed.
“We were a very small side as far height goes, so we had to play a running game. We probably could have done with a few more talls.”
Fortunately the tall timber will arrive in time for the Swans’ round one fixture with the Australian Defence Force Academy on April 2. Among those absent was ruckman Andrew Mewburn, someone Armstrong expects to have big impact in 2011.
The Swans will enjoy a final pre-season match - a contest with a team compiled by former champion Swan and premiership winning coach Heath Russell - at Nelson Bay this weekend. Russell - a key player for the Swans for many years punted in excess of 100 goals in season 2010.
The silky half-forward-flank has relocated to the Central Coast. His absence will leave a gaping hole in the Swans’ forward line. Others to depart the club at the end of 2010 included Kurt Haywood, Ben McKenna Paul Thorneycroft, Chris Wilson and Sam Halder.
But the influx of players outweighs the departure of talent, Armstrong maintains. Mitchell Chatfield, Joe Daley, David Butler, Hayden Boetner, Kyle Granger, David Nell, Simon Treloar, Michael Montgomery and Nathan O’Connor will don the Swans colours this season.
With 18 rounds and 11 opposing teams standing in the way, Armstrong is only too aware of the challenge that lay in store.
“ANU will be strong, Belconnen will be thereabouts, Yass will be tough as always and I expect Tuggeranong, in their first season, to be strong,” he said. “Injuries are going to be a big factor. We need to get plenty of players fit and ready for the challenges ahead.”