The Sydney Swans reserves are back in the winners’ circle after posting a six-point victory over Ainslie at Wollongong’s North Dalton Park on Sunday afternoon.
Down on numbers with Gary Rohan, George Hewett and Tom Derickx all travelling to Perth as emergencies for the senior team, the Swans reserves were able to produce a strong four-quarter effort to come away with an important win over the Tricolours.
The match, which was played in difficult conditions with a strong breeze blowing across the ground for the majority of the game, was an arm wrestle from start to finish with the Swans reserves prevailing after trailing by three points at the final change.
Ainslie, who have been the form Canberra side for the 2014 NEAFL season, got off to the better start, outscoring the Swans reserves three goals to two, but the Swans increased their effort in the second term, with the side bouncing back to hold an eight-point lead at the long break.
Rookie defender Shane Biggs was the clear best afield for the Swans reserves, with the 22-year-old playing a strong role across the half back line and gathering plenty of the ball.
Dean Towers was also back to his best after missing four weeks with a rib injury, booting three goals for the match and played an important role in the Swans reserves’ forward half.
Tom Mitchell and Ryan O’Keefe stood up for the side and played important roles through the midfield, with O’Keefe’s experience playing an important role, with the veteran helping to guide the younger players when the game was on the line in the final term.
The Swans reserves also received some extra guidance on Sunday afternoon, with injured senior players Dan Hannebery, Rhyce Shaw and Alex Johnson all travelling to the Illawarra to act as assistant coaches for the clash.
The trio were vocal on the sidelines at North Dalton Park and provided valuable guidance for the side’s younger players.
The Swans reserves will now turn their attention to this weekend’s clash with Belconnen at Kippax Oval in Canberra on Saturday afternoon at midday.
Final Score
Swans reserves 2.1 6.4 8.4 10.10 (70)
Ainslie 3.1 5.2 8.7 9.10 (64)
Goal Kickers: D. Towers 3, T. Nankervis 3, T. Membrey , S. Biggs , S. Naismith , R. O'Keefe
Best Players: S. Biggs, T. Mitchell, D. Towers, R. O'Keefe, D. Hadden, T. Walsh
