Off-season Sydney Swans recruit Daniel Menzel will log another game in his comeback from a groin injury as his side does battle with the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday morning.
The former Geelong Cats forward played his first game in red and white two weeks ago and, after a bye in the second-tier competition, he’s set to continue in his push for a return to AFL footy in the Metricon Stadium match.
Sydney development coach Jeremy Laidler hopes to see Menzel continue to rise on the road back as the Swans face the Suns in the Round 8 clash.
“Dan produced what he normally produces when he returned for us two weeks ago. He kicked three goals and showed a bit of magic. He’ll hopefully try to get through a full game on Saturday and if not it’ll be pretty close to it,” Laidler told SwansTV.
“It’ll be good for him to get on the road and mingle with the young boys. His experience and leadership even when he’s been injured has been a real highlight ever since he came to the club. He’s really put that on to the young kids, which has been pleasing.”
The Swans will front the Suns with seven players with AFL experience in Menzel, Ryley Stoddart, Ben Ronke, James Rowbottom, Darcy Cameron, Justin McInerney and James Rose.
First-year draftees Rowbottom and McInerney have both made their senior debuts this season, and Saturday’s game will give them an opportunity to prove themselves against AFL-listed talent.
The Swans sit third on the ladder behind the first-placed Brisbane Lions and second-placed Southport Sharks with five wins and one loss pencilled in.
Sydney toppled Gold Coast by 38 points at Metricon Stadium when the clubs last squared off in Round 2.
Laidler says the bye has set his team up for a strong game north of the border.
“The bye has come at a good time,” Laidler said.
“We freshened the boys up and gave them a bit of time off. They’re a young group so their bodies were getting a bit sore, but after a break we’ll be looking to put in a good showing against Gold Coast.”
Who: Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Where: Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast
When: Saturday, 11:00am
Round: 8
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Sydney Swans team:
B: 52. J Pawle 47. T Pink 33. R Stoddart
HB: 51. R Barkley 55. H Maguire 53. K McKellar
C: 32. J Bell 49. C Kilpatrick 25. B Ronke
HF: 16. Z Foot 45. S Wicks 8. J Rowbottom
F: 19. M Ling 46. J Amartey 2. D Menzel
R: 17. D Cameron 27. J McInerney 1. J Rose
Int: 56. N Brewer 48. K Martin 54. L Swaney 57. T Tyson 59. R van Huisstede
