Emerging ruckman Sam Naismith has been warmly welcomed back into the NEAFL Swans side ahead of Saturday’s clash with Southport.
The NEAFL Swans sit undefeated on top of the ladder after the first three rounds of the season and have been boosted by the addition of Naismith who’s had a delayed start no thanks to broken hand.
The 206cm ruck-forward booted 14 goals in eight games last season before a series of injuries hampered his continuity.
Naismith, alongside Toby Nankervis, makes up for the experience lost in Tom Derickx's omission and the senior recalled George Hewett.
“It’s good to see Sammy back,” NEAFL Swans coach Rhyce Shaw said.
“He’s missed a lot of footy since he’s been at the Swans but he has been working really hard, he’s back on board now and looking forward to a big game.
“He’ll play about three quarters of the game. Hopefully he gets a good hit out and he can go from there so he’s a really good asset to our football club.”
Shaw believes the NEAFL Swans’ winning ways can continue against the Sharks, who sit eighth on the ladder on 1-2.
With an average winning margin of 75 points, the NEAFL Swans are heavily fancied but Shaw is wary of what the visitors can produce at Drummoyne Oval.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge of playing them,” Shaw added.
“I’m really confident in our boys, they’ve been playing some good footy. We’ve been really consistent across the board from guys contributing which is really important to me.
“I’m not worried about (complacency), we take each game as it comes and play each game on its merits. I’m looking for the boys to bring a good attitude to every game and for them to play team footy.”
Fresh from his Rising Star nomination during the week, QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up Ned Reinhard takes his position on the bench but will no doubt float forward after his six-goal performance last weekend.
The Swans’ defensive half, which has only conceded an average of 63 points a game so far, will again be important.
NEAFL Round 4
Sydney Swans v Southport Sharks
Saturday, April 22
Drummoyne Oval, 9.30am
B: Colin O’Riodan, Xavier Richards, Harry Marsh
HB: Nic Newman, Aliir Aliir, Lewis Melican
C: Jack Hiscox, Brandon Jack, Abe Davis
HF: James Rose*, Callum McFadden, Sam Murray
F: Kyle Galloway, Toby Nankervis*, Tyrone Leonardis
Foll: Sam Naismith, Jordon Foote, Zak Jones*
Inter: Dean Towers, Ned Reinhard**, Matt Wilson**, Luke Skrivanic**
Emer: Jake Veale**, Lachlan Behagg**, Ryan Hebron**
In: Tyrone Leonardis, Sam Naismith, Toby Nankervis, Dean Towers
Out: Tom Derickx, George Hewett, Jake Veale, Ryan Hebron
* Denotes senior emergency
** Denotes QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up
