Dan Hannebery says the entire playing group is excited about what Jarrad McVeigh can bring as senior coach when the Sydney Swans take on Port Adelaide in Saturday’s NAB Challenge opener at Blacktown.
McVeigh’s coaching duties have extended beyond calling the shots against the Power on Saturday, with Hannebery confirming the 266-game co-captain has been fronting team meetings and chaired Match Committee in preparation for the clash at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Speaking to Adelaide radio station FIVEaa on Thursday, Hannebery said the playing group has been impressed with McVeigh’s smooth transition into the role.
“It’ll be interesting, none of the guys have ever been coached by a teammate as such (but) I think the guys are really excited by it,” he said.
“He took control of the meeting (Thursday morning) and in the meetings in the afternoon as well, and he’ll do all the normal stuff that Horse (John Longmire) would normally do on match day.
“It’s pretty much a fair dinkum three or four-day apprenticeship.
“He’s a little bit nervous, said he didn’t sleep too well, but he’s done a fair bit of study and presented to the boys really well.”
McVeigh’s foray as senior coach won’t extend further than Saturday, with the dual Bob Skilton Medallist continuing his recovery from a knee operation which is expected to sideline him for the first few rounds of the season.
McVeigh along with Ben McGlynn, Ted Richards, Gary Rohan and Sam Reid will all miss the game against Port Adelaide, which has opened the door for the naming of six new faces in Saturday’s squad.
Callum Mills is one of those who Hannebery believes can hit the ground running during the early part of the season.
“Millsy is an amazing decision maker and a good kick for such a young guy,” Hannebery added.
“He’s shown incredible leadership ability for a guy that hasn’t played an AFL game yet.
“We’re excited for what he’ll bring but it’s important to let that natural progression to take its time and hopefully he can develop into a good player for us.”
