Bird and Armstrong back in action

The premiership player, who did not miss a game in 2012, had an injury interrupted pre-season campaign and did not play in the Swans opening round win over GWS.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au on Tuesday, former NSW AFL Scholarship Program recruit Bird said the depth of the Swans’ list meant that a number of players would be putting their names forward alongside his this weekend.

“It is really tough,” Bird said.

“If you miss a couple of games or are a little bit out of form, there are other guys fighting for your spot, so you really need to be on top of your game and playing well.

“It’s good for the side because it keep players competitive and it’s going to help the side in the long run with our depth because it means we always have to be working hard.”

Bird’s pre-season was marred by disruptions, starting when he suffered a minor hip injury in round one of the NAB Cup, which resulted in him sitting out round two.

His return in round three of the NAB Cup was short-lived when he was subbed out in the first quarter following some friendly fire.

“I just hurt my hip flexor a little bit in the first game and then when I came back two weeks later I got subbed out in the first quarter, so I missed that whole game,” Bird said of his pre-season campaign.

“With those two issues it meant my pre-season was a little bit interrupted, but hopefully I can get back and play soon with the boys.”

Last weekend, Bird played a full game in the Swans reserves’ five-point win over UWS at ANZ Stadium, and was listed as one of the team’s best players.

After missing so much football during the NAB Cup, Bird said a hit-out in the reserves was what he needed to get some much-needed game time under his belt.

“I pulled up well and got through the game OK,” he said.

“It was good to have a full hit-out and get some good form in the twos and we had a good win as well, which was nice.

“It was pretty hard to watch the boys (in the seniors) afterwards because I’d probably rather be out there playing, but I understand.

“I only played a couple of games in the NAB Cup, so I needed to get some form and some more match time and then hopefully I’ll be back playing soon.”

As the season rolls into round two, Bird said he aims to work on his four quarter consistency in the coming weeks to secure his spot in the senior side.

“I need to be consistent with playing my role, whatever it may be, whether I’m playing half forward or as a run-with midfielder,” he said.

“I just need to be consistent and perform each week because you do need to make sure you play well to stay in the side.

Armstrong, who played eight senior games for the Swans in 2012, took a step forward in securing his spot in the best 22 after starting as the sub in Saturday’s 30-point win over GWS at ANZ Stadium.

The 23-year-old told sydneyswans.com.au he hopes his round one inclusion will be the beginning of a big second season for him at the club.

“I played round one as sub and got a little bit of it,” he said.

“I’m just looking to play week in, week out and by the end of the year I hope to have cemented a spot in the team.

“Being named last weekend was definitely a step in the right direction.”

The recent season-ending knee injury to fellow defender Alex Johnson has opened up a rare spot in the Swans’ backline, and Armstrong is one of the likely candidates to help fill the void in Johnson’s absence.

With competition coming from new recruits including Dane Rampe and Dean Towers, Armstrong said he needed to be at his best to put his name forward.

“What happened with AJ was terrible, and no player could be happy about a spot opening up for that reason,” he said.

“Of course, it obviously does open up a spot in the back line, so what I need to do is make sure I state my claim for it, but there will be some tough competition.”

Having started out in the Burrumbuttock Junior Club, and playing with teams NSW/ACT Rams and Calder Cannons before being drafted, Armstrong has already put his best foot forward this pre-season, completing a full training program, which impressed fellow players and coaches alike.

The defender said his pre-season efforts filled him with confidence heading into the new season, particularly after a disappointing pre-season in 2012.

“My pre-season was much better than it was last year and I actually trained this year,” Armstrong said.

“Last year after the first session I had to get a knee operation so that sort of cost me in fitness and preparation for the pre-season, so this year has been a welcome change to that.

“I feel like I’ve already got that fitness base behind me, which is really encouraging heading into this season.”

Following the Suns impressive first round victory over St Kilda, Armstrong said the Swans were in for a fierce battle at home in round two.

“The Suns obviously had a really good win on the weekend against St Kilda, and they came from behind, so we know the game could go down to the wire,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of talented players and we just know we’re going to have to bring our best to get over them.”

Armstrong highlighted the task of stopping Suns captain Gary Ablett as one of the Swans biggest challenges this weekend.

“It could be any number of blokes who could get the job on him. I think Pebs (Ryan O’Keefe) did a really good job on Toby Greene and he’s played on Gaz before, and I think Benny (McGlynn) and Kizza (Kieren Jack) have also played on him, so we’ve got quite a few guys who can take him,” he said.