YOU COULD forgive Sydney coach John Longmire for a lot on Saturday night.
You could forgive him for basking in the knowledge his side continued its steamrolling run, that has seen it win nine of its past 10 games.
You could forgive him for taking a moment to enjoy his team's fighting spirit, as it withstood several strong challenges from the flag favourites en route to a telling victory.
You could forgive him for cracking a smile at the fact his Swans had just beaten their cross-town rivals.
But none of that mattered to Longmire, who spent much of his post-match press conference batting away questions about the Bloods' glittering run, that has catapulted them into premiership contention.
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The coach's eyes lit up however, when he was asked about nuggety midfielder Kieren Jack, who impressed against Greater Western Sydney with 22 touches and seven inside 50s.
Jack also had 10 tackles in a workmanlike display.
"The last couple of weeks, he's been really good. He did the same last week with his pressure," Longmire said.
"His speed and tackles around the ball has been really important the last couple of weeks and we're obviously keen for him to keep that going."
WATCH Full John Longmire post-match press conference
Sydney's midfield has been a moveable feast in 2017, particularly as injuries took hold in the early stages of the season.
Longmire also had plenty of praise for returning veteran Jarrad McVeigh, who had racked up 21 touches in a standout performance.
The 32-year-old onballer has battled calf and hamstring complaints in 2017, and has played only five senior games in a stuttering campaign.
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"We've had a couple of goes at it this year, and importantly we've got him some game time in the reserves which has helped him get through," Longmire said of McVeigh.
"He played low game time last week and he was able to build on that tonight and play at an intense level, an intense game and get through pretty well."
Sydney rose to fifth on the ladder after beating the Giants – one win outside the top four – with their next assignment a home clash against St Kilda.
Longmire, however, is not getting carried away with his side's impressive streak of wins.
"They're all important, we've just got to keep going," he said.
