SYDNEY has completed its pre-season with a handy 38-point win over an undermanned Greater Western Sydney in at-times torrential rain at Henson Park.
The Swans midfield overpowered the undermanned Giants, even with Gulden watching from the sidelines, as Isaac Heeney (19 disposals, one goal) led the way and emerging onballer Angus Sheldrick was a standout in the 14.13 (97) to 8.11 (59) win in the wet at Henson Park.
Sheldrick tightened his grip on a spot in the Sydney midfield for the Opening Round clash with Carlton as the 22-year-old gathered a game-high 30 disposals in conditions ideally suited to his robust style.
Midfield dynamos Chad Warner and Justin McInerney found touch after missing Sydney’s match simulation win over the Western Bulldogs last week. Warner added his usual spark with 19 disposals, while McInerney (23, one goal) spent much of his time patrolling a wing with occasional bursts through the engine room.
Charlie Curnow gave an early glimpse of what the Swans can expect to see this season as he took a strong mark near the wing then wheeled around on to his right boot to nail a 70m bomb. The two-time Coleman medallist had less impact once the heavens opened up and finished with two goals from only six disposals.
The injury-hit Giants were missing 11 of the players that lined up in their elimination final defeat to the Hawks last year but were bolstered by the addition of prized recruit Clayton Oliver.
The three-time All-Australian started slowly but went on to relish the wet and wild conditions as he finished with 19 disposals and booted a consolation goal against the run of play before being rested.
Oliver shook off a jarred finger from a smother to play out the game, while Jesse Hogan put Giants hearts in mouths with an early rolled ankle before finishing with two goals.
Captain Toby Greene (26 disposals) started in the middle and looks set to spend more time around the ball this year as the Giants search for ways to cover the loss of Tom Green and Josh Kelly.
Harry Rowston staked his own claim for more midfield minutes this year with 19 disposals, and Jayden Laverde did his chances of an Opening Round club debut no harm in defence.
Nick Madden battled hard against Brodie Grundy in the ruck but will come under MRO scrutiny for a high bump on Chad Warner, who recovered to play out the game.
New faces
Sydney was fortunate to field a near full-strength team with Caiden Cleary one of few less experienced players to be given an opportunity to press their claims. The Swans Academy graduate found the goals during minimal game time but is likely competing with fresh recruit Malcolm Rosas jnr for a spot in the forward line. Phoenix Gothard impressed with 15 disposals for the Giants as he presses for a debut, while Josaia Delana took steps toward adding to his three matches and Max Gruzewski booted two goals. The Giants handed opportunities to Oliver Hannaford, Harrison Oliver, Jack Ough and Oskar Taylor in their late changes but an extended bench meant the focus was as much on exposure to the top level as trialling for a spot in the Opening Round team.
Opening Round chance
Sydney recruits Charlie Curnow, Malcolm Rosas jnr and Jai Serong each firmed for club debuts in the season opener against Carlton while playing solid minutes against Greater Western Sydney even in testing conditions and with an extended bench. Logan McDonald is on track to play his first match since the 2024 Grand Final with the Swans’ former No.4 pick locked into a forward role after a brief stint in the back half early in the pre-season. Caiden Cleary booted a nice goal but seems further back in the queue, while Peter Ladhams and Joel Hamling are among the tall timber likely to be squeezed out. Clayton Oliver and Jayden Laverde were both important for the Giants, while Harry Rowston looks set for a more prominent role in the midfield in the absence of a host of first-choice onballers. Nick Madden had a tough day out but could hold his place in the Giants side especially if Kieren Briggs fails to recover from a shin knock in time to face the Hawks.
SYDNEY 5.3 7.5. 10.10. 14.13 (97)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.2 5.5 6.7 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Sydney: Curnow 2, Amartey 2, McDonald 2, Heeney, Jordon, Sheldrick, Grundy, Cleary, Gulden, McInerney, Ladhams
Greater Western Sydney: Stringer 3, Hogan 2, Gruzewski 2, Oliver
BEST
Sydney: Blakey, Heeney, Sheldrick, Mills, Grundy, McInerney, Wicks
Greater Western Sydney: Greene, Oliver, Ash, Idun, Stringer, Rowston
INJURIES
Sydney: Gulden (ankle)
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
REPORTS
Sydney: Rosas jnr (abusive language)
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Crowd: TBC at Henson Park
