The NEAFL Swans will face an unknown quantity in Canberra on Saturday with coach Rhyce Shaw going in wary of what the winless Demons can produce.
Sitting at opposite ends of the ladder, the NEAFL Swans travel to the nation’s capital with an unbeaten record ahead of the Round 7 clash against the league’s newcomers at Manuka Oval.
The Demons are searching for their maiden victory after coming into the competition during the offseason.
Despite the tough start, Shaw is well aware of the talent running through the Demons’ side and won’t be taking them lightly in the hope of claiming a seventh-straight win.
“It’s always a tricky trip going down there to Canberra. I remember playing a few AFL games down there, so it’s always hard,” he said.
“We’re going to have to be switched on. They’re a good, young side. They have some talented players so we have to be on our game.
“We’ve got to keep playing the Swans’ brand of footy, which is really important.”
The NEAFL Swans will go into the game relatively undermanned in light of Jack Hiscox’s imminent AFL debut and Dean Towers’ senior recall.
James Rose and Xavier Richards may also miss after being names as senior emergencies.
Aliir Aliir returns while the QBE Sydney Swans Academy’s long list of capable top-ups will be in use with the addition of Will Gowers and Harrison Carr.
The NEAFL Swans are fresh from a 65-point win over Gold Coast last weekend, while Canberra pushed Aspley but ultimately fell away to lose by 45 points.
NEAFL Round 7
Sydney Swans v Canberra Demons
Saturday, May 14
Manuka Oval, Canberra, 12 noon
B: Colin O’Riordan, Xavier Richards*, Harrison Marsh
HB: Nic Newman, Tom Derickx, Lewis Melican
C: Brandon Jack, Tyrone Leonardis, Abaina Davis
HF: James Rose*, Callum McFadden**, Sam Murray
F: Kyle Galloway, Toby Nankervis, Will Gowers
Foll: Sam Naismith, Jordon Foote, Gary Rohan
Inter: Matt Wilson**, Ned Reinhard**, Aliir Aliir, Harrison Carr
Emer: Ryan Hebron**, Luke Skrivanic**, Nathan Cooper**
In: Aliir Aliir, Will Gowers, Harrison Carr
Out: Dean Towers, Jack Hiscox, Michael Manteit
* Denotes senior emergency
** Denotes QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up
