SYDNEY Swans' defender Jeremy Laidler heads into the bye confident he can perform in a game with the intensity of a final, after taking seven marks to complement a 16 possession game against North Melbourne.
In the second season at his third club, after stints at Geelong and Carlton, Laidler has settled into the Swans' defence in 2015 playing 10 games, after 19 (but no finals) in 2014.
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His effort on Saturday night was one of his best, his last-quarter intercept marks crucial in buying time for the tiring Swans.
"To play in finals-like footy like that was very pleasing," Laidler told AFL.com.au.
Laidler played in two finals with Carlton in 2011 but fell out of favour under Blues' coach Mick Malthouse and joined the Swans as a delisted free agent at the end of 2013.
He then found himself out of the team on the eve of last year's finals series and did not return.
However Swans coach John Longmire has been pleased with Laidler's efforts so far this season.
He's been pretty consistent," Longmire said after the win over the Kangaroos.
Buddy chase and tackle thrills Longmire
"He was very brave and he's very assured in that back six."
The 25-year-old has only appeared in 56 games, but he plays with the poise of a veteran having made his debut with Geelong way back in 2009.
"He's not one of the flashier type of players. He just gets the job done most weeks and it is a good attribute to have in that back six," Longmire said.
Laidler said his defensive teammates have shown great faith in him and that has been critical to his improved performances.
"They back me in whatever I do. If I spoil or mark it or run the ball out it doesn't really matter. They have massive confidence in me. It just helps my game so much," Laidler said.
His game is also helping the Swans, allowing them to build a forward line as dangerous defending as it is attacking.
"He's playing pretty solid footy that has allowed us to play Gary Rohan in the front half and [use] his chase and pressure in our front half with [Lance] Franklin and Kieren Jack and a few others," Longmire said.
"[This] has really helped us put some speed at the fall of the ball which is important, so Jeremy's role has been good."
Loving his football in Sydney, Laidler is repaying the faith. He'll be enjoying the bye before preparing for a massive game against Richmond.
"We'll take plenty of that momentum going into the bye," he said.
