missed a home loss against New England the next Sund

Sydneys forward pressure will be key to beating the Western Bulldogs and claiming top spot on the AFL ladder, co-captain Jarrad McVeigh says.With leaders Hawthorn on a bye, the Swans can reach the summit with a win at the SCG on Saturday.But McVeigh has warned the heat will be on his teams forwards to shut down the Bulldogs efficient running defence, an effective part of their game despite the absence of creative captain Bob Murphy (knee).The forwards play a huge role every week but more so this week, McVeigh said on Thursday.(The Bulldogs have) got a lot of elite ball users who do run the footy out well and have a lot of pace.With Bud (Lance Franklin), Gary (Rohan), Ben McGlynn and James Rose up there, chasing those guys down and putting pressure on them will be a huge part of the game for us.We value our forward pressure and the work off the ball, and those guys will have to bring that this weekend.The midfield battle will be another vital factor, with the Swans leading the league for average contested possessions and the Bulldogs in third.Its going to be a great game - two teams high up on the ladder, McVeigh said.Weve been watching a lot of their vision, weve had both teams coming off the bye and well be raring to go.Im sure its going to be a hot start.McVeigh will qualify for AFL life membership in his 277th match for the Swans.Along with his 20 pre-season games and three International Rules appearances hes set to hit the qualifying 300-mark.The 31-year-old has been in excellent form despite a belated start to the season, after hamstring tightness delayed his return from off-season knee surgery.Since his return McVeigh has shown versatility in numerous roles, something hes happy to continue with.The strength of my game has been able to play in different positions, he said.This year Ive played forward, wing, midfield and defence.At this point its along the halfback line which I trained for in the pre-season so thats what Im really enjoying.Weve got (Zak) Jones and Callum Mills who are playing some really good footy as young players in that area as well.Theyve got the ability to play in all different positions as well, which is a real strength of our smaller halfback types. Jordan China . The Celtics closed out their first preseason under Stevens on Wednesday night with a 101-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who rested a lot of their lineup including former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Cheap Jordan From China . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career. https://www.jordanchina.us/ . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Air Jordan Discount . -- The plastic that was taped across the lockers in Oaklands clubhouse came down and the champagne that was on ice went back into the cooler. Air Jordan Outlet .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced in a limited capacity on Monday, just two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee.Whether Roethlisberger is healthy enough to start under center when the Steelers visit their rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday remains to be seen.Still, Roethlisberger, who did not speak to reporters after practice, was initially expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks following the surgery, but he could return earlier than expected.We always talk about the next man up, but you cant replace Ben Roethlisberger, offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert said. Hes one of the greatest. Hes our leader.Teammates confirmed that Roethlisberger practiced some with the first team and scout team on Monday. He also participated in 7-on-7 drills and ran the no-huddle offense during the teams competition period.From what I saw, it was very encouraging, Gilbert said. He threw the ball and he moved around in the pocket pretty good. Its just a matter if hes game ready and if hes willing and able to take those hits because (the Ravens) will be coming and he has to do whats in his best interest so he doesnt have any setbacks.If Roethlisberger cant go, fourth-year veteran Landry Jones is likely to start. Jones finished 29 of 47 for 281 yards with a touchdown and an interception during a loss against New England.Landry did a great job, wide receiver Markus Wheaton said. No disrespect to Landry, but Bens our guy. It was exciting to see him get out there and sling it a little bit.Still, several teammates indicated they would like to see Roethlisberger return on Sunday only if hes 100 percent healthy.We want him back, but at the same time, I dont want him to be playing through a lot of pain, running back LeVeon Bell said. It depends on how he feels during the course of the wweek, but I dont want him to rush back.ddddddddddddWe have a long season ahead and were going to need him down the stretch. Im sure hell be smart about it.Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is expected to provide an update on Tuesday. The team doesnt have to provide an official injury report until after Wednesdays practice, but teammates were encouraged to see Roethlisberger practice on Monday.As a leader on this team, and a guy coming off surgery like that, to come out and practice is huge, center Maurkice Pouncey said. It just shows his willingness to win and how much he cares about this team and the organization.I know all the guys around here appreciate that.Roethlisberger injured his left knee during a loss against Miami. He underwent surgery the following day and missed a home loss against New England the next Sunday, though he jogged onto the field to greet his defensive teammates and was spotted walking in the locker room without a limp.Roethlisberger began throwing passes during individual portions of practice two days later, just eight days after surgery.Now, he could be nearing an early return.Bens a competitor and he just wants to be out there with his team, so you can never count him out, Gilbert said. He loves football, he breathes football, and for him to be out there to push us, it gives us high hopes.Game notes Gilbert (ankle), Wheaton (shoulder) and defensive end Cameron Heyward (hamstring) all practiced on Monday. Gilbert missed the previous three games, while Heyward sat out the past two. Wheaton is dealing with a lingering shoulder issue and missed four of the Steelers first seven games, including the past two.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '