It may be mid-April but it has finally happened. The Sydney Swans reserves - some for the first time - pulled on their great red and white guernseys and stepped foot onto the hallowed turf of the SCG for battle.
After the disappointment of being moved last week, the footy gods were certainly smiling on us on Saturday afternoon. Blues skies and sunshine beamed down on the sacred turf, beautifully lighting up the old and majestic Members and Ladies stands, and shining new light on the now powerful Noble and Bradman stands. It certainly was an amazing feeling to stand on the ground and take in the atmospherics, but there is nothing like playing football on it. I also spoke to a lot of members after our match, who told me how much they enjoyed arriving early to watch the youngsters play at home this week.
It would be remiss of me not to congratulate Jake Lloyd, our first debutant for the year, as well as Brandon Jack, who fought his way back into the seniors. For those who take the opportunity to get to the game early and cheer on the reserves, it would have come as no surprise that both players got their opportunity. Jake certainly hasn’t been plucked from obscurity and, like all the other boys, has worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months to earn his chance. For those who are familiar with the Swans reserves playing group, they would know just how hard Jake has worked and would have regularly marveled at his ball use and work rate over the last year. Brandon has also worked very hard both on the offensive and defensive parts of his game.
Jake and Brandon certainly aren’t alone and I know there is always fun debate in the crowd about who will be next to get their first game, so I encourage you all to come along and cheer the boys on. I know how much they enjoy playing in front of you and how much it lifts them to perform when you are making plenty of noise.
Back to the game; it was the Gold Coast Reserves who came to town and while they don’t have a very experienced list, they do have a lot of exciting younger players. Despite their talent, it was our boys though who got off to a great start, which has certainly been a key for us over the last couple of weeks.
A seven-goal-to-one first quarter really did set up the game for us. Our midfielders were brilliant and continued to work for each other, giving first option when they had the ball, then creating space for the ball carrier. The defenders were also solid all game and rebounded well, while also limiting the Suns’ forwards of time and space. They kept the Suns to just four goals for the match, which was a great team effort.
Our forwards also had a day out, and presented well. We started to see a lot better movement as a group in Saturday’s match, which was terrific. To finish with ten individual goal kickers was a real credit to the boys, who really did produce a solid team effort.
It is a short week for the Swans reserves with a trip to Mackay and a game against the Brisbane Lions reserves on ANZAC Day. We are very humbled to be given the opportunity to play on such an important day and I know the boys will relish the opportunity and show the respect it deserves.
Player Focus:
Each week, the Sydney Swans development coaches, Josh Francou, Jared Crouch and Nick Davis will highlight the performances of some of the Swans’ NEAFL players.
These players are those who contributed well on game day, made improvements or played a significant role for the Swans.
NEAFL Player of the Week – Toby Nankervis
This was Toby’s best game for the club. With Sam Naismith out of action, Toby was given more time in the ruck where he had a significant impact on the game giving our midfielders the first look at the ball. When forward, he was able to mark strongly and kick four goals and proved to be a handful for the opposition defenders.
Key Stats: 21 disposals, 10 marks, six tackles, four goals
Shane Biggs
Shane was again influential off the half-back line, and gave plenty of run and drive which saw him finish the game with six rebounds from our defensive half. Biggsy also used the ball superbly by foot this week, hitting targets up the field and inside our forward line. When defending, he was also able to read the ball well and intercepted it on a number of occasions.
Key Stats: 30 disposals, four intercepts
Harrison Marsh
After a relatively slow start to the game, Marshy worked his way into the match after quarter time. With an impressive 25 touches and ten clearances, the standout feature of his game was his finishing in front of goals, which saw him boot three majors for the day. Marshy’s hands and awareness in congestion also continues to be a strength for the young player.
Key Stats: 25 disposals, five marks, three tackles, three goals
Zak Jones
It was another good performance from Zak this week. He read the play well and found plenty of the ball amassing 31 touches. Over the last two weeks, Zak has looked more composed when he has the ball and his decision making has been better and he will be looking to build on this in the coming weeks.
Key Stats: 31 disposals, seven marks, seven intercepts and three blocks
Lloyd Perris
Lloyd had a terrific first half, tackling well and finding plenty of the ball. He was busy around the packs and used the ball to advantage on most occasions. His spread from stoppages this week was good and he linked up well and was involved in some good ball movement.
Key Stats: 29 disposals, six marks, one goal
Dan Robinson
It was another very good game from Dan. He continues to find plenty of the ball and was able to clear it to advantage from the stoppages on numerous occasions throughout the game. Dan has spent more time forward over the last two weeks and continues to have shots on goal – he just needs to make the most of his opportunities by finishing off.
Key Stats: 32 disposals, three tackles, one goal
