THE Sydney Swans Reserves have named a strong line-up for their top of the table NEAFL clash with Ainslie at Newcastle’s No 1 Sportsground tomorrow, Saturday May 28.
The Swans will field a team featuring eight players with senior AFL experience, including Jarred Moore, Trent Dennis-Lane, Jesse White and Paul Bevan.
Four young QBE Sydney Swans Academy members will also get a chance to shine in front of a local crowd.
Mitch Crawford and Jack Pratt from Newcastle, who are in the QBE Sydney Swans Hunter Academy will be joined by Jonathan Gourlay from the QBE Sydney Swans Central Coast Academy and Brendan Norton from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in Coffs Harbour.
Sydney Swans Reserves coach Henry Playfair said he is looking forward to Saturday’s match.
“We are really excited about this match in Newcastle. The Sydney Swans have a good affiliation with the local community and we hope this match can strengthen that bond,” Playfair said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for the four players from our local Academies to play alongside and learn from senior listed players such as Jarred Moore and Paul Bevan.
“Ainslie are the reigning premiers and are currently sitting second on the ladder so this will be a really good test for our young group,” he said.
The Swans Reserves remain undefeated after five matches of the NEAFL competition, while Ainslie have lost just one match.
The big weekend of Australian football in the region kicks off with a footy forum this evening, Friday May 27 at the Newcastle No 1 Sportsground club rooms.
The forum, to be moderated by Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate, will feature Swans Reserves coach Henry Playfair along with 2005 Swans premiership players and current QBE Sydney Swans Academy coaches Jared Crouch and Nick Davis.
Saturday’s match will be the first NEAFL match played in Newcastle and entry is free.
The full match and Swans team details are as follows.
Sydney Swans Reserves v Ainslie
Saturday May 28 at 12.30pm
Newcastle No 1 Sportsground
Backs: Blake Guthrie, Max Otten, Mitch Thompson
Half Backs: Byron Sumner, Campbell Heath, Eugene Kruger
Centre: James Brain, Dylan McNeil, Chris McKaigue
Half Forwards: Trent Dennis-Lane, Nathan Gordon, Nathan Kenney
Forwards: Kane Murphy, Jesse White, Paul Bevan
Rucks: Daniel Currie, Jarred Moore, Brett Meredith
Interchange: Mitch Crawford, Jack Pratt, Jonathan Gourlay, Brendan Norton
