The Sydney Swans reserves have recorded a strong win in their version of the Sydney Derby, defeating UWS (GWS’ reserves side) by 87 points at ANZ Stadium this evening.

In a scrappy affair, the Swans won every quarter to consolidate their position atop the NEAFL Eastern Conference ladder ahead of next weekend’s clash with Northern Conference leader, the Brisbane Lions reserves.

The Swans packed their forward line with small-to-mid sized players, and aside from an early Matt Spangher goal, all of the Swans’ goals came from their smaller stature players.  

Trent Dennis-Lane kicked four goals for the Swans, but provided so much more for the team than just his work inside the 50 metre arc. His attack on the ball and ability to lock the footy in the Swans’ forward line with his tackling pressure was a trademark of his game tonight.

Dennis-Lane received great support from former West Coast Eagle rookie Lewis Broome, who played as a top-up for the Swans from Sydney AFL club St George. Broome electrified the forward line with his speed, marking and crumbing ability and finished as the Swans top goalkicker with five classy majors.

Jesse White and Tommy Walsh controlled the ruck for the Swans, with Jarred Moore and Dylan McNeil feeding off the bulk of possession in the middle of the ground and releasing the likes of Shane Biggs and Nick Malceski who drove the Swans forward at every opportunity.

Malceski’s run and delivery, in the third quarter especially, led to several Swans scoring opportunities, not all of which were converted into goals, but kept the scoreboard ticking over.

The Swans defence, led by Campbell Heath, Jack Lynch and Brett Meredith dropping deep, kept the likes of Israel Folau and Andrew Phillips quiet for the majority of the match and kept UWS scoreless for long stretches of the game.

Tom Mitchell again got a run in the second half of the match, picking up plenty of touches around the ground and snagging a nice goal. Mitchell replaced Harry Cunningham, who was influential early before heading down to the rooms at half-time for non-playing emergency duties.

The reserves take on the Lions from 1pm next Saturday afternoon, ahead of the senior match between the two clubs at the SCG.

Sydney Swans Reserves         5.8    9.14    13.19    18.21 (129)
UWS                                          1.1    2.3    5.6    6.6 (42)

Goals - Broome 5, Dennis-Lane 4, Gordon 2, Spangher, McNeil, Potter, Biggs, Moore, Mitchell, Moody