From one old AFL goalkicking machine to the new generation, Sydney coach John Longmire has backed Logan McDonald after the youngster fluffed his chance to be a hero.
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McDonald had a shot on goal after the final siren last Saturday at the SCG, but the 22-year-old did not score and Fremantle won by a point to end the Swans' 10-game winning streak.
Longmire, who kicked 511 goals over 200 games for North Melbourne, said McDonald deviated from his goalkicking routine "a little bit" when he took the game-deciding kick.
But the Swans coach repeated on Tuesday what he said post-match, there were many other reasons why they lost.
"I've been in those situations and haven't made the most of my opportunities as well, so that's just part of it," Longmire said.
"That's what a routine is for, in those moments. But it certainly wasn't the reason the Swans lost the game. Absolutely not.
"He's still developing his game. He's still growing and learning.
"There's not a lot of young forwards in the competition that are absolutely tearing it up every week. It's a tough position to play these days."
The Dockers jumped Sydney with seven goals to two in the first term, not the first time Longmire's team has been slow out of the blocks despite still holding top spot on the ladder.
"We went away from a few of the things that we value ... we wanted to have more pressure on the game in the first quarter than we did," Longmire said.
"We've still got some things in our game now that we need to get a bit better at."
The Swans will start strong favourites against St Kilda on Sunday at Marvel Stadium and Longmire wants his team to put the heat on the Saints from the start.
"The opposition try and do that, particularly in first quarters against us. That's been something that's come through and we've got to make sure that we give that back," he said.
Harry Cunningham, due to play his 200th game, is out for two to three weeks after he was subbed out of the Fremantle loss with a hamstring injury.
"It's unfortunate. He's been such a terrific player for his footy club for all the time he's played in multiple roles," Longmire said.
Luke Parker's six-game VFL suspension will end next week, while captain Callum Mills is also on the verge of playing again after recovering from last year's "Mad Monday" shoulder injury.
Australian Associated Press
