The Sydney Swans are back in action this Friday night when they take on Hawthorn on the SCG. The opening weekend will coincide with Dean Cox's first official match as senior coach, Jake Lloyd's 250th career game and, the return of the March. Plus, there's plenty more happening around the club as the season gets underway. Stay in the loop with this week's Red and White News, presented by 7News Sydney. 

Lloyd to play 250th game 

Sydney Swans veteran Jake Lloyd is expected to run out in his 250th career game on Friday night. The midfielder is embarking on his 13th season with the club after being recruited from the Horsham Demons in Victoria. 

The now 31-year-old was taken in the 2013 Rookie Draft before making his debut against Fremantle in 2014. He later went on to earn a Rising Star nomination that season and has since played in three Grand Finals for the red and white. 

New milestone for Dean Cox

Dean Cox will become the 45th coach of the Sydney Swans this week, the 383rd coach in AFL history and, as Peter Blucher notes in his latest feature, the tallest.

Cox was promoted to the role of senior coach late last year when John Longmire, the longest-serving coach of the Swans, stepped aside. He joined the Sydney Swans coaching panel at the end of 2017, serving as assistant coach under Longmire who held the role for 13 years. His move to the harbour city followed a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years in his home state of Western Australia.

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More than Footy - Dean Cox

We are back to launch season two of More than Footy, presented by Bing Lee. New Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox jumps onto the podcast to chat about his new role, how he told his family, balancing the transition amongst the players, some of his off-field ventures and challenges of being tall!

The March returns

After popular demand the March will return in Opening Round. Members and fans are invited to gather at Sydney Swans HQ and along Driver Avenue to watch the team walk across to the grounds. It's your opportunity to see the playing group up close ahead of our clash with Hawthorn. 

The March is scheduled to depart Swans HQ from 6:45pm. We recommended securing your spot on the march route from 6:30pm for the best vantage point. With thousands of people expected to line the area, it's an experience not to be missed. 

For easy access into the stadium post-March be sure to download your Mobile Member Ticket. Don't know how? Visit HERE.

Injury Update

The club is managing a long list of injuries this week including the unfortunate loss of Errol Gulden.

After sustaining a fractured ankle in last week's practice match against the Gold Coast SUNS, the exciting midfielder was forced to undergo surgery in Brisbane. He will have a follow up appointment with his surgeon in 5 weeks, where an approximate return date will be determined.

Meanwhile it's been confirmed that Callum Mills' plantar fascia tear is settling well. He is completing cross training and gym-based strength work this week. Targeted an approximate return in 4 weeks’ time.  

See the full injury list, HERE. 

Fan Day, presented by Volkswagen at the Entertainment Quarter is back

Mark your calendars because Sydney Swans Fan Day is just weeks away.

We're set to take over Sydney Swans HQ and the Entertainment Quarter with exciting activities, food and of course, signings on Saturday March 28. Did we mention it's FREE?! There's more details to come, but in the meantime plan your day HERE.