We take a look at some of the Hot Topics heading into Round 7.
Another debutant
The Sydney Swans have named a third debutant following two first gamers last week with exciting young Western Australian Elijah Taylor to play his first game. Taylor was recruited in the draft with pick 36 and described by GM of List Strategy Kinnear Beatson as an ‘excitement machine’. Coming off some strong form in match practice it will be interesting to see what the high flying Taylor can produce in his first game at AFL level. One thing is for sure you can expect to be entertained when he goes near the footy.
Tall timber back
Three of the four inclusions for this week’s side stand at 193cm of taller in a much needed return of height for the Swans. Callum Sinclair will be a welcome addition back into the ruck going up against Gold Coast captain Jarrod Witts. Down back Aliir Aliir has been named after spending a week finding form in a practice match against Melbourne. While up forward Tom McCartin is back for his first game since Round 3 against North Melbourne and is set to provide some scoring assistance go Coleman Medal leader Tom Papley. Spread right across the field all three players are expected to significantly impact the way Sydney will structure up against the Suns on Saturday afternoon at the SCG.
Looking to bounce back
Sydney is coming off three consecutive losses and were right in a wet encounter against Richmond last week going down by just eight points. The Swans will be looking to get their season back on the right track with a win over the Suns. Following three straight wins, the Suns have gone down to Geelong and Melbourne in competitive showings in recent weeks and will also be looking to get back on the winners list.
Dew returns to SCG
Stuart Dew did his coaching apprenticeship at the Swans and has now been senior coach at Gold Coast for the last two season. Dew will coach against his former mentor John Longmire who he learnt plenty from over the years. It will be familiar territory for Dew as he returns to the SCG fresh from signing a two years contract extension to remain in charge of the Suns.
