Ted Richards’ one-match ban has forced coach Rhyce Shaw to throw the magnets around in the hope of finding a suitable match-up for NT Thunder spearhead and NEAFL leading goal-kicker Darren Ewing.
In light of Richards’ week suspension, handed out after last weekend’s clash against Brisbane, plus the emergence of Aliir Aliir and Xavier Richards at senior level means Shaw and the NEAFL Swans fly to Darwin lacking key defensive options ahead of Saturday night’s clash at Marrara Oval.
Richards was Ewing’s opponent in the clubs’ last outing, in Round 14 at the SCG, but has been forced to sit out this week in order to remain in contention for a fairy tale senior recall, all before the premiership defender’s career comes to an end.
Shaw may resort to calling on a QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up, possibly Darcy Baron-Hay, Nathan Cooper or Ryan Hebron, to do the job on Ewing who has 56 goals to his name this season and who’s won the league’s goal-kicking award three times (twice in the pre-2014 Northern Conference) and twice finished runner-up.
Alternatively, Harry Marsh can play taller and stronger than his 189cm and 83kg frame suggests.
Jeremy Laidler also features but is just one-game back from injury and will still be on managed game time.
Whatever the combination, that one-on-one battle is just one subheading in a much larger chapter that’s the NEAFL Swans’ first trip to the Northern Territory in 2016.
The NEAFL Swans have never beaten NT Thunder away from home.
They were thumped by 53 points in Round 16 last season while the closest they’ve come has been in the form of a 22-point defeat in a one-off match back in 2012 when now academy head coach Jared Crouch was in charge.
Whether it be the warm and humid conditions which usually derails the Swans’ intentions or the fact they've enjoyed a strong record at home, Shaw is determined to buck recent trends and bring home his 14th win as coach.
“Elise Cameron, our dietitian, and our support staff have been keeping a close eye on the boys’ hydration levels the past three weeks to make sure we’re right for what we’re going to experience in Darwin,” Shaw said, noting temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees on Saturday.
“We won’t be used to the conditions so we’ll have to be smart, ready to adapt and be at our best to combat what Thunder has to offer.
“Their ball movement is exceptional plus they’ve got elite runners and plenty of AFL experience in blokes like Liam Patrick, Richard Tambling and Jared Brennan.
“As long as the boys stick to our structures and maintain that high standard expected of them, I’m confident that we’ll play well and be right there after the four quarters.”
Shaw will take with him a team packed full of AFL-listed players, including the already mentioned Laidler plus small forward Ben McGlynn. Much is expected of the pair as they look to press their case for senior selection so close to finals.
The depth spreads down the list through Marsh, James Rose and Jack Hiscox who have all featured at AFL level this season and would be keen to get their names back in front of selectors.
Brandon Jack, who unfortunately hasn’t added to his 27 AFL games this season, is also in fine touch as are rookies Nic Newman and Colin O’Riordan who were best-on-ground in last weekend’s win against the Lions.
The NEAFL Swans are the form side going into the 6.30pm showdown, having continued their dominant season with a 135-point win over Brisbane and beaten the Thunder earlier this season.
NT Thunder meanwhile are fresh from the bye but previous to the break lost two-in-a-row.
NEAFL Round 20
Sydney Swans v NT Thunder
Saturday, August 13
Marrara Oval, Darwin, 6.30pm
B: Colin O’Riordan, Ryan Hebron**, Darcy Baron-Hay**
HB: Nic Newman, Nathan Cooper**, Sam Murray
C: Jake Veale**, Tom Derickx, Jordan Dawson
HF: Jeremy Laidler, Ned Reinhard**, Matt Wilson**
F: Ben Davis**, James Rose, Tyrone Leonardis
Foll: Kyle Galloway, Callum McFadden**, Harrison Marsh*
Inter: Jordan Foote*, Ben McGlynn*, Brandon Jack, Jack Hiscox
Emer: Jake Bartholomeaus**, Will Gowers**, Bailey Stuart**, James Bell**
In: Brandon Jack, Jake Veale
Out: Ted Richards, Luke Robertson, Jake Brown
*Denotes senior emergency
**Denotes QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up
