The QBE Sydney Swans Academy got their first taste of TAC Cup action when the NSW-ACT Rams took on the Murray Bushrangers in a practice match in Albury last weekend.

The Rams side, which was made up of players from both the Swans Academy and the GWS Academy, played two matches against the Bushrangers and recorded wins in both games.

In the first match, the Rams posted a ten-point win over the Bushrangers’ first team in a closely fought battle at Albury Sportsground.

Manly-Warringah player Tom McCaffrey kicked two goals for the Rams, while fellow Swans Academy players Isaac Heeney, Brad Watson and Daniel Preen were among the best.

The second match saw the Rams post a comprehensive victory, defeating the Bushrangers 12.12 (84) to 3.6 (24), with North Shore product Zak Fyffe booting two goals for the match.

Swans Academy Head Coach Michael O’Loughlin said he was extremely pleased with the performance of his players against strong opposition.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to play against the Murray Bushrangers as the Rams side prepares to take part in the TAC Cup this year,” he said.

“Both teams won in what were tough matches and it was a fantastic effort from all players.

“The boys were certainly prepared to play, so the result tended to look after itself.

“It was proof that New South Wales has a lot to offer in regards to AFL talent.”

The Rams will play eight TAC Cup matches in 2014, with their first official match scheduled against the Dandenong Stingrays in Melbourne on May 3.

While the majority of the Rams’ matches will be played in Melbourne, the team will play a curtain raiser ahead of the Swans’ round 12 match against Port Adelaide at the SCG on June 14.

NSW/ACT Rams vs Murray Bushrangers results

Game 1
NSW/ACT Rams         7.15 (57)
Murray Bushrangers  6.11 (47)
Goals: McCaffrey 2, Spinks 2, Vicic 1, Cornell 1, Thompson 1.

Game 2
NSW/ACT Rams   12.12.84
Murray Bushrangers 3.6.24
Goals: Fyffe 2, Himmelberg 2, Bradburn 1, Irvine 1, Vaisey 1, Flynn 1, Wilson 1, Hey 1, Coenen 1, Bottin-Noonan 1.