Blossoming Sydney Swans ruckman Darcy Cameron is set to play his first match since early June in a clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Tramway Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The 24-year-old Western Australian has missed the last seven games due to a quad injury, but he will run out for his first match since June 9 as the Swans hunt consecutive wins on Saturday.
Sydney development coach Lloyd Perris says the return of Cameron is a massive plus.
“We’re really rapt to have Darcy back,” Perris said.
“His injury kept him out for a little bit longer than expected, but everyone knows what a great talent Darcy is. We’re really happy to have him back in the side, and I’m sure all the boys will get around him.”
Cameron has made eight appearances this season for a return of 17.6 disposals and 25.6 hit-outs per match on average.
The 205-centimetre giant ran out for his AFL debut as Sydney met Gold Coast in Round 18 last season.
Perris expects Cameron to play 60-70 minutes of game time and shift between the ruck and forward line.
“There are obviously a few big boys in the side who will share the ruck duties with Darcy in Joel Amartey and Michael Knoll,” Perris said.
“But anywhere Darcy plays he can be really damaging. He’s kicked a fair few goals in the NEAFL and also won plenty of hit-outs, so we expect him to play well wherever he plays.”
Saturday will play host to the first official match at the redeveloped Tramway Oval situated across the road from the SCG.
A multimillion-dollar upgrade means the Moore Park facility, which re-opened in April, is now of the same dimensions as Marvel Stadium and has taken on a new and improved surface.
Perris said a special sense of occasion surrounded the lead-up to the match.
“It’s really nice for the boys to be preparing as though they’re playing at the SCG,” Perris said.
“It’s right in the heart of Moore Park. The oval has been redone so it’s in a really nice condition at the moment, and we expect a beautiful day on Saturday, so we encourage everyone to come down. It’s a great moment for the players and staff.”
Who: Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Where: Tramway Oval, Moore Park
When: Saturday, 12pm
Round: 20
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