ANZ Stadium
Saturday 27th March 3.50pm
The AFL Canberra season doesn't begin for two weeks, and to keep the fringe players and young'uns match fit, the Swans have organised two practice/pre-season matches for the reserves team. This week as the curtain raiser to the Saints game, the reserves will be playing the reigning Sydney AFL champions, the East Coast Eagles. (Yes, they wear the same horrible West Coast guernseys). The following week they will be playing the AIS/AFL Academy at Blacktown.
It has been commonly accepted that the standard of the Canberra competition is superior to that of the local Sydney competition (Notwithstanding the fact that the Sydney rep team beat the Canberra rep team last year). This match should provide an interesting yardstick as to how far apart the two competitions are.
I am unaware of whether the Swans will be playing with the 13-players-on-the-field restrictions that apply to them in the Canberra comp. The 3 emergencies, plus Hannebery and Barlow will be keen to put in a solid performance to press their claims for the senior team. This will also be an opportunity for many fans to get a glimpse at new players Reid, McNeil, Heath and McKaigue.
Possible team list
4. Dan Hannebery - Although not an emergency this week, is reportedly right in the mix for a senior spot.
10. Daniel Currie
11. Ed Barlow - similar to Hannebery's situation.
13. Patrick Veszpremi ? - Not on the injury list but hasn't played any of the pre-season games.
16. Gary Rohan (senior emergency)
20. Sam Reid
22. Byron Sumner
26. Henry Playfair ? - Not on the injury list but hasn't played any of the pre-season games.
28. Dylan McNeil
35. Campbell Heath
36. Chris McKaigue
38. Mike Pyke
40. Nick Smith (senior emergency)
42. Paul Bevan (senior emergency)
43. Matthew O'Dwyer ? - mysteriously omitted after the St Kilda NAB Cup game.
44. Jake Orreal ? - Back soreness under assessment
45. Nathan Gordon
46. Taylor Gilchrist
Bookmarks