The Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions braved hot conditions at Tramway Oval today in the red and white's second of three preseason matches ahead of the official commencement of their 2024 campaign.
After a convincing victory over the GWS GIANTS last week the young team were unable to consolidate against an experienced Brisbane side, going down 3.10.28 to 12.11.83 on Thursday morning.
The first half saw little opportunities inside 50 with the team forced to lift intensity in the third quarter. Sam Reid was on the board first with a dribble towards goal while Will Green earned a major with a set shot shortly after to build some momentum early in the second half.
VFL head coach Damian Truslove told Sydney Swans Media he was pleased with how the team adjusted after a quiet first half.
“We addressed that at halftime with vision and diagrams and reset. Then the boys came out with good energy in that second half,” he said.
Truslove continued, “Reid worked hard all day. In the first half there weren't many inside 50s for our forwards unfortunately because we were losing the contest.
“Whenever the ball went into the forward half, he competed hard, he presented well at the ball and he looked in really good condition.”
The coach also praised young draftee Green for his improvement throughout the game. The 18-year-old – who was taken with pick 16 in the 2023 AFL Draft – was given a tough challenge against Brisbane’s Darcy Fort in the ruck. Jacob Konstanty and Will Kelly were also standouts.
“Konstanty worked really hard across half forward all day and got the ball a lot,” he added.
"Kelly from a VFL list point-of-view played down back and was solid for a lot of the game.”
The Swans will wrap up preseason with a final practice match against Southport on March 9. Truslove will be looking for a strong first quarter against the away team, focussing on sticking to their side's system and structure and gaining good ground position.
“What we did in the second half today we need to start in our first quarter against Southport next week,” the coach explained.
“We’re all about playing our systems and structures well and making sure we have really good ground position and we get on top in the contest. That will give us a good opportunity to score more against Southport.”
The 2024 Smithy’s VFL season will kick off on Sunday, March 24. Sydney will host Coburg at Tramway Oval from 12:05pm.
See the full fixture, HERE.
