Sydney Swans recruit Daniel Menzel will return to the NEAFL in a clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon in a bid to rediscover his dangerous touch.
The former Geelong Cats goalsneak has been named for Sydney’s second-tier side after tackling a three-game stint in the AFL, and Swans development coach Jeremy Laidler has a simple message ahead of his Blacktown International Sportspark appearance.
“It’s just about consistency and a four-quarter effort from Dan,” Laidler told SwansTV.
“We know he can play at the top level; it’s just about getting the ball in his hands and getting some form, which he showed at NEAFL level earlier in the year."
Fellow Sydney recruit Ryan Clarke will join Menzel in red and white after being omitted from the senior side, while veteran Swan Kieren Jack returned to action via the NEAFL last week and is set for another run in the twos.
The Swans occupy third on the ladder behind the Brisbane Lions (first) and Southport Sharks (second) ahead of Round 13, and they held on for a seven-point win over the Canberra Demons in the nation’s capital last Saturday.
Laidler says his team will relish the opportunity to face a strong Gold Coast outfit.
“It’s really exciting that our boys get to play against really good opposition,” Laidler said.
“They’ve just come off the bye, they get a few players back and it’ll be a real test for our boys, which is fantastic.”
Who: Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Where: Blacktown International Sportspark
When: Saturday, 11:30am
Round: 13
To tune in to the live stream click HERE.
Sydney Swans team:
B: 51. R Barkley 59. J Rayner 54. C Flanagan
HB: 27. J McInerney 41. H McLean 33. R Stoddart
C: 32. J Bell 15. K Jack 6. J Thurlow
HF: 16. Z Foot 47. T Pink 45. S Wicks
F: 49. C Hirst 46. J Amartey 2. D Menzel
R: 60. M Knoll 42. R Fox 4. R Clarke
Int: 55. J Barling 50. C Kilpatrick 48. K McGrath 53. K McKellar 57. L Swaney
