The Sydney Swans have confirmed one change for our Marn Grook fixture against Hawthorn on Saturday, with Montana Beruldsen named to return in place of Aliesha Newman (concussion). 

Newman came from the field in the third quarter of last week's victory over Port Adelaide, and will be sidelined under the AFL Concussion Guidelines.

Beruldsen will play for the first time since Round 3 against the Brisbane Lions. 

Gowans said it's a tough blow for Newman given the Indigenous Round celebrations and the players wearing the 2023 Marn Grook guernsey for the first time, although has full confidence in Beruldsen filling the void. 

"Concussion is really important in our game and we were able to make a change with Montana Beruldsen coming in, which is a like-for-like (swap)," Gowans said.

"We would have loved Newy (Newman), particularly this week.

"We want (Beruldsen) to take the game on, she does a bit more damage up the ground than you think because she is so fast.

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"She takes a little bit of minding and if she gets any sort of space, she will take the ball and off she goes"

The Swans will be searching for back-to-back victories for the first time in club history when they host Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon, following a spirited 15-point win over Port Adelaide in Round 6. 

Gowans insists the Swans will need to withstand Hawthorn's pressure and be able to use the ball wisely when the opportunity arises if they are to record their second consecutive win.

"We were able to cope with the pressure that Port Adelaide applied, and Hawthorn do similar," Gowans said.

"It's (about) numbers at the contest for them and they try to get the ball in quick and long.

"We need to take those loose ball gets, intercepts, and use it to our advantage."

"There will be plenty to celebrate in Round 7 as we play in our inaugural Marn Grook fixture - a celebration of the club's rich Indigenous history and First Nations people. 

There will be a cultural celebration commencing at 3:00pm just moments before bounce, while there will also be plenty of fun activations around the venue.

Members and fans are encouraged to arrive early, with gates opening at 1:45pm, to enjoy the festivities.

 

Sydney Swans v Hawthorn
Saturday, 14 October
Henson Park
3:05pm

IN:
Beruldsen
OUT: Newman

Backs

Brenna Tarrant

Lauren Szigeti

 

Half Backs

Alana Woodward Alice Mitchell Ella Heads

Centreline

Lisa Steane Cynthia Hamilton Sofia Hurley

Half Forwards

Jaide Athony Montana Ham Rebecca Privitelli

Forwards

  Bella R. Smith Chloe Molloy

Followers

Ally Morphett Laura Gardiner Lucy McEvoy

Interchange

Montana Beruldsen Alexia Hamilton Aimee Whelan

 

Tanya Kennedy Paige Sheppard  

Emergency

Bridie Kennedy Julie O'Sullivan Eliza Vale