Sydney's forgotten man returns in style
Sam Reid reminded the competition just how much talent he has in his first game since the Swans' qualifying final loss to Fremantle in 2015. Hamstring, calf and Achilles issues ruined his season last year and he failed to play a senior game, but Reid was outstanding against the Power. The 25-year-old kicked the opening goal of the game, added another just before quarter time, and ended up snagging three in the first half from five marks. Reid's influence dropped away after the main break, like most of his teammates, but most importantly for the home side he managed to get through the game unscathed, and can now start to rebuild his career.
No ring rust for Ryder
Port had their own comeback story with athletic ruckman Paddy Ryder turning out for his first match in 567 days after serving his doping suspension. Ryder's leaping ability at centre bounces was on show at the SCG, and his presence helped the visitors to a 25-19 advantage in the clearances at half time, with the West Australian contributing four himself. The big man finished the night with 13 possessions and 28 hit outs, and enjoyed a good battle in the ruck with Swans Sam Naismith and Kurt Tippett, with Jackson Trengove pinch-hitting to give Ryder a chop out.
Plugger for Prime Minister?
The game's greatest goalkicker has returned to the Swans in recent weeks and was present to see the Bloods upset by the Power. Lockett received a rousing reception every time he was shown on the big screen at the SCG, where he terrorized so many defenders during his six seasons in the harbour city, but the crowd reaction to Malcolm Turnbull was exactly the opposite. Maybe the PM was loudly booed because he was hosting his special guest Li Keqiang, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, alongside Port chairman David Koch. Koch has of course led the charge of the Power into China and his club will take on Gold Coast later this year in Shanghai for premiership points.
Midfield move pays dividends for speedy Swan
Zak Jones showed plenty of promise as a running defender last season where his speed and kicking made him a valuable player for the Swans, but it was on the wing where he caused the most damage against Port. Jones racked up 18 possessions in the first half and kicked a goal, and seemed to enjoy the freedom of roaming the midfield in his 32nd game of senior footy. The 22-year-old might have used up all his petrol tickets given he only added another seven disposals for the match and finished up in the backline, but there's no doubt Jones can have a significant impact in the midfield for the Swans this year.
Port might have a new cult figure
The Power look to have nabbed a beauty with their second pick, and 18th overall, at last year's NAB AFL draft, with Sam Powell-Pepper impressive in his first game against the Swans. The well-built 19-year-old from WA booted a goal in the opening term, then added another in the third quarter, a 70-metre bomb if you don't mind, to put his side 16 points up. Powell-Pepper loves the physical stuff so coach Ken Hinkley is no doubt a massive fan, and carries an air of confidence that shows he already believes he belongs at the top level. The debutant did his chances of a round one NAB Rising Star nomination no harm with two goals, seven clearances and five inside 50s from 19 touches.
