The Sydney Swans VFL team are continuing preparations ahead of their inaugural season which will kick off on the weekend of Saturday April 17.
With the full VFL fixture to be announced in the coming weeks, the home and away season will feature 22 clubs and will consist of a 16-game season across 19 rounds.
The playing list for the new team will comprise a primary list of up to 12 open-age players, and a development list of up to 18 players aged 22 and under.
The Swans team is being coached by former player Jeremy Laidler who previously oversaw Sydney’s reserves team in the NEAFL competition.
Laidler said his main focus at this stage of the pre-season is building chemistry and connection amongst the playing group.
"The squad are gelling really nicely, it’s been very beneficial being able to do some training sessions with the senior group to get to know each other as well as understand how each other play." Laidler said.
"I have been trying to get them up to speed with the game plan as soon as possible without making their heads spin with too much information, as well as trying to develop them with their game.
"We had a really good hit out against the Giants on Sunday and we have more planned in the next coming weeks.
"I have been focusing on trying to play the same way the seniors do as well as building chemistry between the AFL and VFL players."
Laidler is excited by the talent in his side which includes former number 1 draft pick Paddy McCartin and 2019 NEAFL MVP and ex-NEAFL Sydney University and QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Jake Bartholomaeus.
"It’s really exciting for Paddy to come to Sydney and be in a new environment and get the chance to continue his career,” Laidler said.
"He's he had a big impact on the group with his knowledge and understanding of the game and helping out a lot of the VFL players and personally he looks in great shape and ready for a big year.
"Darcy Cordell & Jake Bartholomeaus have also fitted in really nicely and developed on the field. I have thrown them in different positions but have adapted nicely," Laidler said.
Sydney Swans East Coast VFL
Jake Bartholomaeus
Nick Brewer
Darcy Cordell
Max Geddes
Adam Gulden
Ryan Hebron
Harry Maguire
Lachlan McAndrew
Paddy McCartin
Harry Morrison
Ben Silvagni
Sam Thorne
Reed van Husstede
Aidan Watling
