The Sydney Swans VFL side are continuing their preparations ahead of the the start of the VFL season on Saturday April 17th.
In recent weeks the team have had several hit-outs against their Round 1 opponents, cross town rivals GWS, getting in some valuable game experience.
“We are really getting to know the Giants as opposition, we have played a few times out west and on the weekend we played out at Lakeside which was pleasing,” Sydney Swans VFL Coach Jeremy Laidler said.
Alongside clocking important game time into the legs, the focus for Laidler’s side in the practice matches has been developing connections between players and also adjusting to the new rules for the 2021 season.
“We have had to adjust a little bit with new rules so it's about trying to implement those and also trying to get the connection from the VFL squad to the AFL listed players,” Laidler said.
“I've been really happy with how they have adapted and connected so far.”
Laidler said his side have been working hard on the track in the pre-season and have tried to get the VFL players across the AFL system as much as possible.
“We have a great group of VFL boys but my hat goes off to all the AFL boys who have made them feel so welcome,” Laidler said.
“They have been really open in how they want to learn and teach them, the relationships have been great.”
“The benefit of us training with the senior squad as much as we can is that it is the best way of learning, from some of the best in the game.”
Last Saturday’s practice match against the Giants saw several players with senior football experience playing for the VFL side and Laidler was impressed by what he saw.
“Will Hayward came back and his attitude was second to none,” Laidler said.
“He just needs to find some form and play with a bit of freedom and on the weekend he did that and he looked a class above.
“Just the way he was getting up and back and flying at the ball was really pleasing, he is definitely putting his hand up for selection.”
20-year old Dylan Stephens, who made his AFL debut in 2020 along with experienced duo Sam Gray and Ryan Clark were also amongst the AFL listed players who ran out for the reserves on Saturday and Lewis Melican and Hayden McLean were also impressive.
“Dylan has been playing a little bit inside and a little bit on the wing, his run and carry has been really noticeable,” Laidler said.
“Sam Gray and Ryan Clarke are continually putting up good performances and always putting their hand up.
“Down back, Lewis Melican went about his business and defended really well and then up forward Hayden McLean, who was really unlucky to miss out last week (in seniors) with Lance coming back in, kept his standards up and played some really good football.”
As well as on field, Laidler has also been impressed by the VFL players off-field attitudes and willingness to learn.
“The boys have been really good at trying to learn and pick my brain, get onto my computer and watch vision and I couldn't be more pleased with how they are going about it.
“We still have a couple of practice matches leading into Round 1 so we will just keep learning on the go.”
The Swans VFL side kick off their VFL season against the Giants on Saturday April 17th at Tramway Oval as a precursor to the Sydney Derby at the SCG.
