On team selection against the Giants:  

“Well, I don’t think there will be much change to the team.

“It’s probably the first week, almost in my entire journey here, where at both levels–Footscray in the State League and the senior team – we don’t anticipate much change at all.

“As far as team stability, although I always feel like there’s a bit of stimulus with some change's week to week. 

“So, if we go in unchanged, then it’s just a matter of reloading.” 

On the team's history against the Giants: 

“I think it (the rivalry) does for both clubs because of some unbelievable battles along the way, and there’s been some spite in one or two of those games.

“As the new generations come through, I think the combativeness of both teams just continues to evolve.

“With Toby out this week, he’s that kind of player. He’s confrontational. Whether anyone in their team picks up that side of it a little bit more remains to be seen.

“But I think the rivalry is still there, which is healthy for the game.” 

 On what games are needed to win to reach finals: 

“It’s there as a natural motivator. Ultimately, there’s no wiggle room, and we need to string them together, and everyone knows that.

“The importance of now is the key focus, but it’s just obvious that it hangs over our head.” 

On the dynamic of competition compared between Essendon and GWS:  

“This morning, we just looked at some offense – definitely some stoppage things.

“Essendon and the Giants defend similarly in a one-on-one sense, and it’s not a real grid-like team defence.

“So, as much as we face a different opponent, their intentions are similar; they’re trying to stop you coming out of your back end pretty quickly.

“We’ve got a challenge on our hands to get through their more experienced group." 

On game history against other finals contenders: 

“In those games, the encouragement we get is that we’re close on the scoreboard.

“Other than the small margins on the scoreboard, there’s a bigger bridge that needs to be crossed.

“But there’s time to really elevate again, and if we’re able to do it week after week, then who knows what could happen.” 

On the management of team mentality after game outcomes:  

“From a management or coaching perspective, it’s to set their minds at ease, and it comes out in behaviours through my approach and my demeanour.” 

“Ultimately, the mistakes you don’t like are the ones that go totally against the grain of your principles. 

“We’ll definitely double down on those and, in a sense, tighten up on them. 

“The reminders around there can just help settle people and reinforce that belief system.” 

On the completion of the back seven:  

“We’re trying to do different things with different personnel through some of the roles closer to the opposition’s goals." 

“Bailey Dale, JJ (Jason Johannisen) and Lachy Bramble have been pretty solid, and the boys behind continue to help them with team defence to make their execution a bit easier, but that’s been part of the challenge.

“I thought Jedd (Jedd Busslinger) had an encouraging game last week. He moved in all the right ways and positioned himself as we’d like him to.

“Between him, Rory Lobb, and James O’Donnell, they’ve been pretty solid and we’ll keep working through that.

“Nothing’s been settled, but that line is crucial when it comes to communication and organisation, and hopefully they have another good game this week.” 

On Rory Lobb’s role: 

“The good thing about Rory is he can stay out on the ground for long periods of time.

“We took him off a couple of times last week because of the change in his role. The knock-on effect was that we were able to keep Sam and Aaron together on the ground a little bit longer, and that makes a difference.”

On the possibility of James Harmes being recalled:  

“He played reasonably well against Essendon (in the VFL) out at the Hangar, but he missed three games as he was pretty ill.

“It’s just about getting him back into the swing of things. He played a pretty sound contested and stoppage game.

“But he’s unlikely to come in this week.” 

On his 250th game as coach:  

“I’m just grateful to everyone who’s helped along the way.

“It’s great, and we all aspire to be in the game for as long as we can because of our passion for it and for our people. So thank you.”