In an interview with SEN Breakfast this week, senior coach Dean Cox says he is planning to put out two “pretty strong teams” in upcoming practice matches against the Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants. With just 15 days until Opening Night the pre-season hit outs are set to be the first glimpse of the club’s raft of new recruits.
The most anticipated is Charlie Curnow who will face his old club on March 5 at the SCG. Speaking with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on Tuesday, Cox said the key forward will not only provide a strong target in the forward 50 but complements the club’s established players.
“[Charlie’s] presence within the forward 50 has been really strong so far this preseason and also to complement some of the other tools…”, Cox shared.
He continued, “…not only when we do match play, but throughout the week, just the confidence he gives our playing group to know that he's going to be there and compete as hard as he possibly can.”
Cox also went on to praise the efforts of Jai Serong and Malcom Rosas Jr throughout the pre-season. Serong was welcomed to the club in a trade completed with Hawthorn on the final day of the 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, while Rosas Jr joined the red and white in a trade with the Gold Coast Suns.
“Obviously Charlie gets spoken about a lot, but Jai and Malcolm have come in and shown the reason why we did try and pick them up.
“Jai has the ability to play tall and small. We've put him on different matchups and in different teams and also to try and get cohesion with our backs as well – he’s been really impressive.
“As well as Malcolm who gives us something completely different ahead of the ball as well, Cox added.
Off the field the Swans coaching side saw some changes over the off-season including the appointment of VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski, Assistant Coach Jeremy Laidler and Director of Coaching & Performance Simon Goodwin.
After spending nine seasons as senior coach of the Melbourne Demons, Goodwin now works closely with Cox to drive nurture and drive high-performance standards across players and staff.
“That was part of his biggest passion for the love of the game but to still develop those people.
“He's a really strong sounding board and will throw off ideas and challenge me which is certainly something that I wanted.
The squad will play the Western Bulldogs in match simulation on Thursday, March 19 before returning to Sydney for the AAMI Community Series game against the GWS Giants on Thursday, March 26.
A week later the Swans will open the 2026 AFL season on Opening Night in an exciting clash with Carlton at the SCG on March 5.
“We love it up here. I think the concept to be able to stand alone and put the game in the northern markets is really important with the competitors that we do have here - the players are ready for it.”
