NEAFL Swans coach Rhyce Shaw believes Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast will be the team’s biggest test to date.
Shaw’s men sit undefeated on top of the ladder, a game clear of their nearest rivals in NT Thunder and Aspley.
Looking to stop them in their tracks are an invigorated Gold Coast outfit refreshed after a bye last weekend.
They bring a host of senior-listed names to Sydney – including Ryan Davis, Mackenzie Willis, Callum Ah Chee and Luke Russell – plus momentum with victories against Brisbane and GWS preceding the break.
Shaw is expecting a tough contest at Blacktown International Sportspark.
“They’re a good team. It’s going to be a really tough ask for us, probably our biggest test to date,” he declared.
“We’re really looking forward to it. They’re probably a team that don’t necessarily play a style that suits us so it’s going to be a good challenge.”
With both the seniors and reserves in good form competition for spots is heating up at the top, which means Shaw again regains the services of Aliir Aliir as well as Dean Towers, Brandon Jack, Toby Nankervis and Tom Derickx.
Gary Rohan has been named for a second week as he continues his comeback from injury.
However, it’s not only the experienced players who are leading the charge. Shaw has been particularly pleased with the progression of his younger crop who are all contributing to the team’s success.
“Replicating what the seniors do, that’s an important part of the footy club and exactly what we’re trying to do that as best as possible,” Shaw added.
“We try and play physical, hard, one-on-one, two-way footy … it’s a good thing if we continue to do that because when guys do get called up (to seniors) they can just step straight in.”
Originally scheduled for Drummoyne Oval, the match has since been moved to BISP with the first bounce scheduled for 11.30am.
NEAFL Round 6
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday, May 7
Blacktown International Sportspark, 11.30am
B: Colin O’Riodan, Xavier Richards, Harry Marsh
HB: Nic Newman, Tom Derickx, Lewis Melican
C: Jack Hiscox, Brandon Jack, Abe Davis
HF: James Rose, Callum McFadden**, Sam Murray
F: Kyle Galloway, Toby Nankervis, Tyrone Leonardis
Foll: Sam Naismith, Jordon Foote, Dean Towers*
Inter: Matt Wilson**, Ned Reinhard**, Aliir Aliir*, Gary Rohan
Emer: Jake Veale**, Ryan Hebron**
In: Tom Derickx, Aliir Aliir, Kyle Galloway
Out: Jake Veale, Ryan Hebron
* Denotes senior emergency
** Denotes QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up
