The Sydney Swans have had a solid pre-season hit-out in their match simulation against GWS at Moore Park on Saturday.
The two sides played four 25-minute quarters with the Giants winning 12.8 (80) to 8.12 (60).
The Giants set up their 20-point win with a six-goal opening term, but the young Swans made it a hard-fought encounter over the remainder of the match.
Nick Blakey looked lively up forward in a three-goal performance, while Sam Gray, Tom Papley, Callum Mills, Lewis Taylor and Sam Wicks all booted one major each.
Jake Lloyd topped the disposals with 19, co-captain Josh Kennedy collected 17, Oliver Florent and Harry Cunningham finished with 16 each and the quartet of Gray, Taylor, George Hewett and Jordan Dawson recorded 15 each.
Swans assistant coach John Blakey said the match was a big plus.
"Obviously they jumped out of the blocks early but it was a pretty tight tussle after that," Blakey said.
"We got minutes into our players, which was the objective, and we got through without injuries, so we are pleased with that.
"I thought Will Hayward attacked the ball really well and Tom Papley was buzzing around as he normally does.
"We realised we have some work to do in particular areas and that is exactly what we need to do. We are fine-tuning for Round 1 and this is the start of the process as we play genuine opposition."
Goal kickers:
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) February 22, 2020
Blakey 3
Gray, Papley, Mills, Taylor, Wicks all with 1 each.
It was the first time new draftees Dylan Stephens, Chad Warner and Will Gould took on AFL-quality opposition, and Blakey said the trio would have learned a lot from the experience.
"It's great for them to be out there running around against a quality side like GWS," Blakey said.
"They are playing on some quality players so they get to learn lessons straight up, which is exciting."
Sydney and GWS will meet again at Blacktown International Sportspark next Saturday in the Swans' first match of the Marsh Community Series, with the game set to get underway at 4:10pm.
