Footy’s back!
For the first time in five months, AFL footy returns to Sydney in the form of Saturday’s NAB Challenge clash against Port Adelaide in Blacktown.
It’s fair to say the off-season has been a long one, especially after the Swans’ finals campaign was unfortunately cut short.
We’ve said goodbye to some greats, recruited nine new faces and have put the finishing touches on what has been a huge pre-season campaign.
Thankfully, that familiar anticipation is back albeit the pre-season competition.
It’s now time to put all that training and preparation into practice.
New faces
Fans attending Saturday afternoon’s clash at Blacktown International Sportspark have the chance to see six new Swans in action against Port Adelaide.
Named is the Swans’ first pick in the 2015 National Draft, Callum Mills, while fellow draftees Jordan Dawson, Tyrone Leonardis and Tom Papley will get their chance to impress following strong pre-seasons.
New recruits Callum Sinclair and Michael Talia will also wear the red and white guernsey for the first time since arriving via the trade period.
With only three NAB Challenge matches to press for selection, expect each of those players to push themselves ahead of round one against Collingwood.
Buddy’s back!
There’s a great mix of youth and experienced heads in Saturday’s squad, with the experienced crop spearheaded by Lance Franklin.
The 221-game, three-time Coleman Medallist will don the red and white for the first time since round 23 last season following time away from the game to deal with mental health issues.
It has been a seamless summer for Franklin who, from all reports, is coming off his best Sydney Swans pre-season to date.
Look for the full-forward to be fully fit and fired up for the clash at Blacktown.
McVeigh’s coaching debut
In an unprecedented move, Jarrad McVeigh will take to the coaches’ box for Saturday’s game against the Power.
The co-captain, who’s on the mend from a knee operation, will take over from John Longmire and call the shots in a one-off move to strengthen the communication between the coaching panel and leadership group.
McVeigh has fronted all of this week’s team meetings and chaired Match Committee in preparation for his coaching debut.
The 266-game veteran’s expertise will be a valuable asset for the rest of the assistant coaches who’ll be behind the two-time Bob Skilton Medallist throughout the match.
The West
We say hello to western Sydney for the first time in 2016.
Blacktown International Sportspark offers a superb venue for our first competitive hit-out against another AFL side.
There’s plenty of room and vantage points around the banked arena to catch all the action.
Come and join us at BISP for our NAB Challenge opener against Port Adelaide!
