We ponder some of the burning questions ahead of our clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Who replaces Talia?
Despite Ted Richards absence over the NAB Challenge,the veteran defender looks the most logical replacement for an unlucky Michael Talia who has been sidelined for the next two months with a foot injury.
Richards has been training for the past month and managed 80 minutes of game time in the NEAFL to press his case for senior selection.
But is it enough?
The Swans have in arsenal a few key defenders that could fill the void including the younger of the Richards siblings, Xavier.
After 14 seasons and 253 games worth of AFL experience Teddy would know his body more than anyone else, so if he says he’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go.
Have the debutants done enough?
“I’d expect them to play – all three of them.”
Coach John Longmire declared his intention of retaining last weekend’s debutants Callum Mills, Tom Papley and George Hewett for Sunday’s clash with Carlton.
And why not?
Three goals from Papley, seven tackles and 15 disposals from Hewett, while Mills looked unfazed and was composed in defence collecting 18 touches and four inside 50s.
With the likes of Jarrad McVeigh, Sam Reid and Gary Rohan on the sidelines with injury, it is difficult to see the youngsters not making the trip to Melbourne.
George Hewett (facing) high fives Dean Towers after kicking a goal on debut in Saturday night's season opener.
Battle of the young guns
Assuming Mills does play, there should be two top-three draft picks going head-to-head at Etihad Stadium.
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product will be roving around at the opposite end of the ground to Carlton’s number one draft pick Jacob Weitering.
Like Mills, Weitering enjoyed a solid debut last weekend when the Blues took it right up to Richmond in front of a packed house at the MCG.
Both rising stars will be out to impress as the Swans look to maintain an unbeaten start to 2016.
Throw in Patrick Cripps and the Swans’ emerging youngsters and you have a smorgasbord of rising stars for Sunday’s clash.
Callum Mills and Jacob Weitering will come together for the first time since going Pick #1 and Pick #3 in the 2015 National Draft.
Bolton’s Blues
As Longmire said on Wednesday: “They have a different playing style (to previous years). When we played them a couple of weeks ago they played well. I’m sure they’re going to surprise a few teams this year.”
He also said the Swans will have to prepare for the Blues’ best – “and we will.”
The Swans take on a side fresh from league-wide high praise for their gutsy performance against the Tigers in the opening game of the season.
New coach Brendan Bolton has implemented what looks like a daring and ultra-competitive brand of footy which means the Swans will need to be on their game come Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
Tippo’s milestone
On Sunday, Kurt Tippett will line up for the 50th time in red and white.
His 153 career matches have been spread over two clubs – Adelaide (104) and Sydney (49)
Arriving in Sydney in 2013, Tippett has since played a significant role for the Swans, both as a key forward and most recently a ruckman.
His impact on a game can be immense, with last year’s Round 21 encounter with GWS coming to mind.
Tippett kicked five goals while dominating the ruck battle, to show exactly how dominant the 202cm big man can be.
Let’s hope his 50th Swans game ends in similar fashion.
Make sure you join us for Sydney Derby IX with $37 reserved seat tickets now available.
