NORTH Melbourne coach Dean Laidley says he isn’t concerned by the form of under the pump Adam Goodes ahead of this Sunday’s Telstra Dome meeting with the Swans. He insists he won’t be adjusting his side’s tactics for a possible backlash from the dual Brownlow Medallist.
“We go in with our set plans for Adam like we will for a few of their players in the way we go about it,” he said.
“I don’t think you can get too concerned about Adam Goodes because they’re a very even football side and I think that’s their strength over a number of years.”
North go into the clash against the Harbour City side two defenders down with Josh Gibson and Daniel Pratt missing out due to injury and suspension respectively. And while the depleted defence won’t have to worry about curbing the influence of Swans’ controversial forward Barry Hall, who’s out due to suspension, Laidley admits that they’ll miss the pair.
“They’ve been an integral part of it (the defence) over the past couple of years and they’ve done pretty well so we’ll have to put on our thinking caps at match committee this evening and make sure that we come up with a defence who can really stand up this weekend.”
However it looks as though Gibson, who injured his knee in the round four victory over Melbourne, could return to the fold in the near future.
“He’s probably a 50/50 chance to play next week so we’re pleased with that.”
In other positive injury news, Leigh Brown, who injured his hand in the victory over the Bombers at the weekend, could be back as early as round seven.
“He’s has some screws put in. Best case scenario is he misses a week. Those screws will stay in. Worst case scenario is he’ll probably miss two weeks and then there’s the bye anyway so he’ll be back after that.”
Laidley wouldn’t says whether Jess Sinclair, who injured his thumb in a pre-season challenge game against Fremantle and has been playing in the VFL for the last couple of weeks, would line up this week.
“His form and fitness has been reasonable. His first game back, he was fairly underdone. Last week he was okay. He’s a pretty fit guy anyway so he’s going to be around the mark but whether he plays or not is another question,” Laidley said.
The coach praised the form of North’s young guns Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas who between them have kicked 20 goals so far this season.
“They’ve had full pre-seasons and they’ve improved. They tackle, they chase and that’s what keeps them in the side. Anything after that is a bonus. They know their roles. If they get a look and they can put some scoreboard pressure on that’s terrific but their ability to chase, harass and help our key forwards is their main game day role.”
As for the Anzac Day Match up of Essendon and Collingwood, Laidley is satisfied that the occasion is an apt way of celebrating the most patriotic day on the Australian calendar.
“I don’t think it’s even about Collingwood or Essendon. I think it’s a great Australia day and regardless of who plays, and I believe those two clubs should play every year, that it’s a great event and the football is just part of that and it’s a great occasion.”
Click here to watch a video of Dean Laidley's press conference.
