NEAFL coach Marty Mattner is wary an improved Sydney Uni outfit ahead of Friday’s scheduled curtain-raiser at the SCG.
After a 13-day break the Swans will take on the Students, keen to keep a rich vein of form which extended to four consecutive wins thanks to the Round 13 triumph over Eastlakes at Manuka Oval.
The Swans sit behind reigning premiers Aspley and UWS Giants on the ladder with a 7-2 win-loss record. A week back at training, Mattner is confident the playing group will be on song for the 3rd vs 5th match-up.
“It was a good opportunity for the boys to, physical and mentally, get a break,” Mattner said. “We’ve been back for a week now, the boys have been training really hard and looking forward to Friday afternoon’s game.”
Sydney Uni have been on the improve since taking on the Swans back in Round 4.
The rise was kick-started with an upset win over the previously undefeated NT Thunder by 11 points at TIO Stadium. It was the second in a run of five consecutive victories which was only ended by the Thunder last weekend.
“It was a really good effort by Sydney Uni against NT Thunder,” Mattner added. “It’s going to be a tough game but hopefully our boys will be up to the challenge.”
Bolstered by experienced senior players Craig Bird and Dean Towers, who both starred against Eastlake last match, Mattner is happy with the how the side is placed with nine rounds left of the home and away season.
The coming weeks will give the Swans’ promising types a chance to raise their hands high for senior selection including Zak Jones, George Hewett, Jack Hiscox and Toby Nankervis who have all been senior emergencies at different stages this season while Brandon Jack has played the one match this season as sub.
“We’re very happy with how we’re going,” Mattner added. “It’s more about the development of some of the players. A majority of the guys have been playing some good consistent footy so hopefully they can sustain that and, when they do get the opportunity they’re ready to go.”
It will be a special occasion for first-round draft pick Abe Davis and the Davis family with Abe’s brother and Academy recruit, Ben, making his NEAFL debut for the Swans on Friday.
On a sour note, Isaac Heeney will have to wait another week before returning from injury after pulling up sore in Wednesday’s final training session.
Heeney was expected to play in the Swans’ NEAFL side but has been ruled out.
The curtain-raiser is scheduled to kick-off at 4,10pm at the SCG subject to a venue change due to inclement weather conditions.
