Young Sydney speedster and Shellharbour local James Bell says he can’t wait for family and friends to “share the journey with me” when the Swans meet the Giants in Wollongong on Saturday.
Sydney will look to snare an eighth win in a row in the clash with GWS at North Dalton Park, a venue about a 20-minute drive from where Bell grew up.
“I’m heaps excited,” Bell told SwansTV.
“I haven’t played footy down there for two years now so it will be good to get down there.”
Bell returned from a long injury lay-off to help Sydney to a 29-point win over the Brisbane Lions in Blacktown last Saturday.
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product booted two goals and impressed with his pace and endurance as the Swans climbed from fourth to third on the ladder.
He hadn’t played since facing Brisbane in Round 2 and banked 60 minutes of game time in his return to action.
Bell said he was pleased with his performance.
“My expectations may have been a bit high but I kicked a couple of goals so I’m happy with that.
“I’m happy with how much running I was able to do too. I was a bit nervous at the start when I was really sprinting hard, but I’m feeling good now.
“My main focus is to just take one game at a time and now I’ve got the back end of the season to show them what I’m about.”
Tough on-baller Jordan Dawson, defender Nic Newman and ruckman Darcy Cameron carried the torch as they pressed their claims for AFL call-ups.
Dawson raked in 23 touches and three goals in his third game back from injury, while Newman tallied a match-high 30 possessions and kicked a brilliant goal on the run from outside 50.
Cameron eclipsed Lions ruckman Archie Smith in a return of 17 disposals and 46 hit-outs, while young midfielder Jordan Foote gathered 25 touches and provided a wealth of run and carry in his third game back from injury.
The return from injury of key forward Sam Reid was another big plus, with the 2012 premiership star bagging two goals and looking sharp overhead.
Backman Harry Marsh collected 23 disposals, six tackles and a goal on return to the NEAFL, while defender Colin O’Riordan (21 touches) again threw his hand in the air for a senior debut.
O’Riordan is now in his third season at the Swans and development coach Tadhg Kennelly believes the young backman has starred in every game this year.
O’Riordan and company will again test their might against AFL-listed talent when they face the Giants on Saturday in a highly anticipated Round 14 duel.
The Sydney Derby rivalry extends beyond the AFL and into the NEAFL and Academy football.
The two Harbour City clubs have met on two occasions this season, the Giants clinching a four-point win in Round 1 before the Swans returned serve with a 31-point victory in Round 6.
“It’s always competitive against the Giants,” Bell said.
“I’m always looking forward to getting a game against them.”
