After a strong win over the GWS Giants last Friday night, the Sydney Swans will return to home territory for a clash with Essendon this Saturday.
A host of changes have been made including the elevation of four AFL-listed athletes with a new-look side to run out on Tramway Oval.
Caiden Cleary, Peter Ladhams and Ollie Florent will play in the senior side, while Jesse Dattoli is set to make his debut at the highest level. Dattoli has impressed since entering the VFL competition, returning from a lower back injury in Round 9 of the VFL season.
The side will still be bolstered with plenty of experience. Taylor Adams and Robbie Fox are set to appear as they return from the injury list, alongside the likes of Ben Paton, Matt Roberts and Aaron Francis.
Meanwhile, QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Aidan McCartney will also play ahead of this year's draft.
After a slow start to the VFL season, the team will be looking to finish strong with just two games remaining. The squad have won their last two games and will no doubt be looking for victories over the Bombers this weekend, and the Geelong Cats on August 17.
The match gets underway from 12:05pm on Saturday, August 2 at Tramway Oval
Round 19
Sydney Swans v Essendon - Tramway Oval
Saturday, August 2, 12:05pm AEST
| Backs | Caleb Mitchell | Patrick Snell | Ned Bowman |
| Half Backs | Matt Roberts | Robbie Fox | Riley Bice |
| Centreline | Indhi Kirk | Ben Paton | Nick Shipley |
| Half Forwards | Ben Edwards | Aidan McCartney | Tom Hanily |
| Forwards | Blake Leidler | Jack Kluske | Aaron Francis |
| Followers | Will Green | Taylor Adams | Corey Warner |
| Interchange | Matt Lloyd | Joe Harrison | Oscar Davis |
| Harry Cameron | Pierce Roseby | ||
| Emergency | James Tidemann | Jordan Endemann | Byron Laws |
Live streaming and broadcast
All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will again be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL/W App. In a first, all VFL and VFLW matches will feature commentary this season. The Seven Network will continue to broadcast one Smithy’s VFL game live and free on Channel 7 in Victoria and on 7Plus nationally most weeks of the season.
Ticketing
Where Smithy’s VFL matches are ticketed, entry is $10 for adults, $5 for concession holders and kids under 15 are free. Some venues don't charge for entry including Tramway Oval. AFL ticketing prices apply for VFL matches played as curtain-raisers and curtain-closers to AFL matches.
Live scoring and stats
Live scoring and stats for all Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW matches will be available via the match centre on the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL/W app.
