UPCOMING GAME
GWS Giants v Sydney Swans - Round One
Accor Stadium
Saturday March 19. 5:10pm.

Western Australian Angus Sheldrick will make his debut for the Sydney Swans in Saturday’s season opener against the GWS Giants at Accor Stadium.

Selected at pick 18 in the 2021 AFL Draft, Sheldrick revealed he was speechless when head coach John Longmire informed him he would be playing this weekend.

“Horse (John Longmire) called me and asked me why I thought they should pick me this weekend. I went through a couple of points about the way I play and he agreed and told me to bring my strengths on the weekend,” said Sheldrick.

“I was lost for words, it took a few minutes for the news to sink in. I said ‘thank you so much’ and told him I would do everything I could to prove him right.

“Dad was lost for words too, he didn’t know what to say, he was just super proud of me. Mum was a little more frantic and just started going crazy with her excitement.”

The 18-year-old revealed whilst it’s a dream to make his debut in Round 1, his focus has always been on improving his craft and waiting for his time to come. 

“I try not to think too far ahead, I don’t like to look at outcomes, I just try to work hard at every training session. You’re always hopeful, but the team is really strong at the moment so I’m just so grateful to be a part of it this weekend.”

Coach John Longmire praised Sheldrick’s efforts over the pre-season to get himself ready for selection.

“It’s great to give another player their first jumper for the Sydney Swans,” said Longmire.

“We know he’s really hard, he’s a massive competitor and we’re really excited to see what he can do. He’s really impressed us so far and we know whatever happens from here, he will just keep improving.”

Paddy McCartin will play his first senior game in almost four years, with Longmire revealing the 25-year-old is set to make his Swans debut in the backline. 

“Paddy is a player who has been a real find for us over the Summer months. He’s been able to play down back, he hasn’t played much football down back before in his career, so he’s still learning those details about how to play his position but he’s been really good so far. He’s been able to take intercept marks, play on some of the tall opposition forwards and spoil, and he’s able to use his offensive ability as well.”

Meanwhile, Callum Mills will bolster the Sydney Swans line up against the Giants after overcoming Achilles soreness.

First bounce is at 5:10pm AEST and the match will be live on Fox Footy, Kayo and 7Mate.

GWS Giants v Sydney Swans - Round One