The QBE Sydney Swans Academy Opens team will have their first hit out for the season in the nationals capital on Saturday, taking on the Murray Bushrangers.

The game is the first in the Opens schedule for 2022 which will include the Northern Academies series with games against GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast, followed by the NAB League and games against Tasmania, Northern Knights, Sandringham, GVW Rebels and South Australia. The full Opens fixture can be viewed below.

After the last two seasons have been effected by the pandemic, Academy players will be looking for a more consistent year of football.

Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Chris Smith said he was excited for the side's first 'real hit out' after being on the training track since late last year and an intra-club last week.

"We are looking forward to playing against a quality opposition in the Murray Bushrangers," Smith said.

"They have a really strong squad, so it will be good test for our boys."

Smith also said he was looking forward to watching the talent in his squad in competitive matches and said the lack of games in the last few seasons means his squad are 'hungry' to be out on the park.

"Our players are really excited to get back into it as they have missed a lot of football. We have a great mix of players who in great shape and hungry to play tough, consistent team football representing the Swans."

The game kicks off at 1.30pm on Saturday March 5 at Alan Ray Oval at Ainslie and will be live streamed on YouTube, details below.