The Sydney Swans VFL squad are set to be in action this Thursday night in their first practice match of 2026. The team are set to take on the GWS Giants at Henson Park from 7:30pm in a curtain closer for the AAMI Community Series match.
VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski has named his team to run out including a host of AFL-listed talent.
The likes of Harry Kyle, Noah Chamberlain and Liam Hetherton will play their first practice match against an opposition since being recruited to the senior list in the off-season. Kyle and Chamberlain are no stranger to the VFL however, playing several games in 2025 as part of their development in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
Hayden McLean, Peter Ladhams, Will Edwards, Joel Hamling, Caiden Cleary, Patrick Snell and Will Green will also make up the ranks on Thursday. Elsewhere, Nic Shipley, Pierce Roseby and James Tidemann will make an appearance.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media in a VFL season preview, Malceski was keen to test the side under pressure.
"They're all training really well. I think the big key thing will be when we play Giants next week, just to see how they go against opposition and under a bit of pressure," Malceski revealed.
"We've got a few recruits from Melbourne, so it'll give me a great opportunity to see where they fit in the side and who's up to playing at the level."
The Swans will play a further two practice matches in the coming weeks ahead of a season opener against the Box Hill Hawks in Melbourne on Friday, March 20.
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants - VFL
Thursday, March 26
Henson Park
Gates open: 3:00pm AEDT
AFL ball up: 4:00pm
VFL ball up: 7:30pm
Squad:
2. Hayden McLean
19. Peter Ladhams
28. Will Edwards
29. Joel Hamling
32. Harry Kyle
33. Caiden Cleary
39. Liam Hetherton
41. Patrick Snell
42. Noah Chamberlain
45. Will Green
46. Charlie Peters
50. Jack Kluske
51. Luke Giacometti
52. Nic Shipley
54. Pierce Roseby
55. Byron Laws
57. James Tidemann
58. Jack Ellwood
59. Julian Callegari
62. Harrison Podmore-Taylor
64. Tom Ryan
65. Joe Harrison
66. Kaden Harbour
67. Nick Andreacchio
68. Khy Gibbs
70. Ben Lenarduzzi
71. Mitch Mellis
