AFL Round 17: Sydney’s Justin McInerney on the challenge of St Kilda and Pride Round

They fell agonisingly short of another comeback victory last weekend, and the ladder leaders are still full of confidence as they prepare to come up against a Saints side sitting in the bottom four.

But a closer look at St Kilda’s recent home games at Marvel Stadium highlights their ability to play the game on their terms. They turn matches into a scrap, remain defensively strong and have been able to frustrate teams into plenty of errors.

In the past three St Kilda home games, opponents have only scored an average of 60.7 points. The Suns, who average 86.7 points per game this season, only finished with a miserly 7.6.48.

For a team that has struggled to come out of the blocks firing in recent weeks, getting their opening quarter right will be vital for John Longmire’s side.

“I think we’re obviously aware of the fact that we do start slow,” Justin McInerney said. “But I think it’s just teams are going to be ready to go against us, and we’ve got to be able to match them.

“We saw that with Freo, and some of the other times we’ve been able to come back into it. But teams are so good these days, they’ll just keep you out of the game.

“We’ve got to get back to a process of what works in other quarters, and we’ll be fine. They’re a good side so hopefully we go well.”

McInerney felt that last week’s loss had galvanised the Swans and given them extra motivation to find their best form again.

Considering they still had a kick to win the game against Fremantle, it’s renewed belief for Sydney that even when they aren’t at their best they can match it with the best teams in the competition.

“I think right after the game ended, it was just we couldn’t wait to get back out there,” he said.

“Obviously you never want to lose. But I guess that gave us a chance to really focus in on some things that have been slipping out of our game, and go back to work on that this week.

“If the result was two points the other way, we probably would have looked at it a bit differently.”

The energy that McInerney brings across the ground has been one of many highlights for the Swans this year. He has flourished in taking on the role of being versatile, spreading his time in pretty much every position on the park.

He was one of the Swans’ best in their lethargic opening term against Fremantle, leading his side with eight touches in the first quarter. Trying to be that player who can spark momentum is a responsibility that could suit McInerney if they’re to arrest their worrying starts.

“I’m loving it,” he said. “Obviously it helps when you’re winning and we’ve done a bit of that this year.

“But just playing with the boys, we’re such a close group, and being able to go play forward, if I’m playing back or when I’m playing on the wing. I think I thrive being able to help the team out in whichever way.”

The Swans will have even more to play for on Sunday, with the clash against St Kilda marking the annual Pride Game between the two teams.

McInerney and his teammates will be donning a specially designed rainbow guernsey for the occasion and the 23-year-old hopes it helps emphasise an important message to the footy community.

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“We love representing the Pride community and the Rainbow Swans,” he said.

“It’s always good to have everyone welcome at the footy, and I think that’s the main message out of it that everyone’s welcome and you can be whoever you want to be.

“We love having them, especially at the SCG. But down in Melbourne, this week it should be good.”