SHAUN Hart has issued an ominous warning to Sydney Swans reserves coach Jared Crouch, declaring his NEAFL SUNS are a stronger team than the side that delivered a 20-point loss to the reigning Eastern Conference finalists at Metricon Stadium last month. 

“I reckon we’re playing better football now than when we played them in Round 12, so we can take a lot away from that,” he told goldcoastfc.com.au on Thursday.

Despite a mounting injury toll and limited rotations on the interchange bench, Hart’s NEAFL boys dug deep after scores were locked in the final term – going on to record an emphatic victory over the in-form Swans.

Hart expects the Swans will be looking to bounce back with vengeance after suffering a humiliating 10-goal defeat at the hands of their closest NEAFL rival the UWS Giants last weekend, the 2001 Norm Smith Medallist saying Crouch will have his side primed for the return Metricon Stadium encounter.

“No doubt they’ll come out firing,” he said.

“Jared wouldn’t have been too happy with the way they played in the first quarter, they were 9 goals to 2 at quarter-time so I reckon they’ll want to be pretty hot from the opening bounce.”

With both teams heavily plagued by injuries, the inclusion of Charlie Dixon will be a huge bonus for the SUNS. 

“Both teams have got injuries to their list meaning half the players are going to be listed and non-listed player,” Hart said.

“The challenge will be for us to continue with the same intent and effort we have shown in recent weeks.”

Regardless, Hart says the Round 18 clash looms as an enthralling battle between two of the League’s premiership contenders.

“We have to make sure we can get out game going, but at the same time go after Sydney and make sure we stop the way they like to play the game.

“If we do that, then we’ll give ourselves a great chance of winning the match.”