That winning feeling
With only a couple of wins separating North Melbourne (1st) and Melbourne (10th), the Swans (3rd) need to keep that winning feeling alive.
Next stop, Brisbane.
On form, the Swans (4-1) have had the better start to the year, with Brisbane sitting at the opposite end of the table (1-4).
Behind the Swans’ excellent form has been the likes of Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, who have been key drivers in helping the side to its position of first in the competition for winning the contested ball.
It could be an area that coach John Longmire looks to exploit.
Brisbane
The Sydney Swans boast a strong recent record against Brisbane – both home and away – winning the past eight encounters.
Not since 2009 have John Longmire’s men lost to the Lions.
But the Lions are capable of causing an upset if the recent QClash against Gold Coast was anything to go by.
And with the addition of youth, with 2015 draftee Ben Keays to debut, the home side will be seraching for their second win of the season.
Dayne Zorko kicked four goals in the clubs' last encounter - Round 15, 2015.
Cheer Cheer, Aliir Aliir
Ted Richards’ unfortunate lay-off due to surgery paves the way for Aliir Aliir’s long-awaited debut.
Of Sudanese heritage and born in a Kenyan refugee camp, the key defender has spent the past two years on the Sydney Swans list honing his craft.
His dream of playing AFL was realised on Wednesday when coach John Longmire delivered the news to him in a team meeting.
“His was probably the best grin I've ever seen,” Longmire said.
With Richards out for 2-3 weeks, Aliir may just get a few bites at the cherry and show the world exactly what he can do.
After a couple of years on the list, key defender Aliir Aliir has earned an AFL debut.
150 of the best
Dan Hannebery will tick off game 150 against the Lions on Sunday.
The 25-year-old midfielder, as tough as they come, has been in scintillating form this season to average 29 disposals and four tackles a game.
Engrained in the Sydney Swans’ elite midfield, Hannebery has been a consistent performer and has added accolade upon accolade to his playing resume over the journey, including a Premiership, dual All Australian honours, Rising Star and an AFL Coaches Association Award.
Let's hope there's at least another 150 games in him.
Dan Hannebery will line up for his 150th match on Sunday.
Young guns
Director of Coaching and Development John Blakey declared earlier in the week that the youngsters have been the most pleasing aspect of the Swans’ strong start to the season.
It’s hard to argue as Tom Papley, Callum Mills and George Hewett have shown great promise over the first five rounds of the season.
And it’s not only the 2016 debutants – Isaac Heeney looks to be taking his game to another level while Dane Rampe, Dan Robinson, Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd continue to flourish.
With the NEAFL Swans undefeated, there could be more debutants on the horizon as more youngsters move up the pecking order and press for senior selection.
Tom Papley and Dan Rampe run laps of the SCG.
