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Sydney midfielder Chad Warner is prepared to take on extra responsibility in the absence of finals gun Josh Kennedy while facing one of his childhood idols.
Chad Warner is ready to fill the hole left by one of Sydney's finals greats in Josh Kennedy, but it is a Melbourne midfielder that first inspired the explosive on-baller.
Warner has already enjoyed a breakout season as his powerful bursts from stoppages and match-winning midfield displays sent him soaring into the All-Australian squad.
Now the young gun wants to follow in the footsteps of retiring Swans on-baller Kennedy and make his mark on a finals series.
Kennedy set the highest of standards in 22 finals as he averaged 29 disposals and 16 contested touches, but will miss the qualifying final against the Demons and likely the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
In many ways Warner took over Kennedy's midfield minutes from the start of this season, so he is well-prepared to shoulder the extra responsibility that comes with that role at finals time.
"It's a massive honour. If I can perform the way that he did in finals I'd take it right now," Warner told AAP.
"We work together closely and now that he hasn't been able to play for a couple of months, he has still been the same, still so involved in the group and involved in me.
"He's coming to the end of his career, but he's been so invested in my career which has helped me a lot.
"I guess I've got a bit more pace than he does, which we have a laugh about, but he's one of the greats and hopefully I can do what he's done in finals."
Sydney surged past Melbourne in their only encounter this year to triumph by two goals in round 12, despite Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver combining for 54 disposals.
Warner expects another enthralling clash with the Demons duo, but is especially looking forward to facing another midfielder who was arguably best afield with 32 touches in that mid-season meeting at the MCG.
"As a kid you always imagine playing against the best and that's what we're doing this week," Warner said.
"They were a lot of my idols when I was growing up. I loved watching Jack Viney back in the day, so I can't wait to have that match-up.
"Petracca and Oliver are obviously great too, but I watched Viney more with him being a bit older. I just loved his game and how he goes about it."
Warner showed glimpses of his talents last season before being sidelined by a stress fracture in the leg after round 12.
He was recalled for the Swans' elimination final but admits he was underdone while gathering 11 disposals - his lowest haul for the season - as rivals GWS hung on to win a thriller by one point.
With his speed and a combative style built for finals, a year later the 21-year-old will be crucial to the Swans' chances of securing a home preliminary final on Friday.
"I'm a lot more confident in my body this year," Warner said.
"At least I know how the pressure and the heat goes up in finals. I can't wait."
