Following an Opening Night win last week, the Sydney Swans are back at home for a Round One clash with reigning Premiers Brisbane. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's match, with Red and White News, presented by 7+ Sport.
Sydney Swans Foundation champion ARA First Nations Academy
The Sydney Swans Foundation is the Match Day Partner for our upcoming clash with the Brisbane Lions. This season, our philanthropic arm are calling on donations to support the ARA First Nations Academy.
Established in 2022, the program provides opportunities for boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years old to engage in football, while supporting culture and community.
As part of Round 1 celebrations, ARA First Nations Academy and QBE Sydney Swans Academy athletes will participate in games across Saturday. U13s will play in games on Tramway Oval from 12:50pm, while U15 Girls and Boys will run out in a curtain raiser from 4:45pm on the SCG.
This week, we’re asking our Sydney Swans community to stand with us. Your donation will help deliver culturally significant experiences, holistic support and life-changing opportunities for our First Nations Academy athletes. Donate today or find out more here.
Sam Reid and John Longmire to appear at Swans HQ on game day
Sydney Swans HQ will be the place to be on Saturday night, with appearances from Special Guests including a non-playing player from 5:45pm and past player Sam Reid from approx. 6:15pm.
PLUS have the chance to ask John Longmire a question, as he chats post-game at Swans HQ, in addition to VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski.
Cox reveals challenge that sparked half time turnaround
Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox appeared in his weekly press conference on Tuesday, and spoke to the media about the half time turnaround on Thursday night, the return of key players, Justin McInerney's influence on the game and more.
Cox said he had challenged his senior players at half time, particularly those in the midfield to match Carlton's intensity, and was pleased with the response.
"Like I said after the game, we were beaten through the middle of the ground for the first half or for parts of the first half. One thing we wanted to try and do is to get our best players into some form and to their credit they responded really well," Cox said.
"What we could do around the middle of the ground to gain ascendancy and then we were potent when we went forward, that's something that we've worked on.
"When we get our opportunity, we have to maximise those opportunities."
Five Swans poll in Opening Round Coaches Votes
Sydney Swans utility Justin McInerney has started his season on a high, polling a perfect 10 votes from the coaches in Sydney's Opening Round win over Carlton.
The live wire kicked two goals in the space of two minutes to haul his side back into the contest in the third quarter.
He finished with a team-high 31 disposals and six inside 50s, including a third-term response of eight touches and three goals.
See who else polled in this week's votes HERE.
Save the date: Sydney Swans Fan Day, presented by Volkswagen
Sydney Swans Fan Day, presented by Volkswagen, will return to Sydney Swans HQ this March.
On Saturday, March 28 we're welcoming our members and fans for a day packed with footy, food and fun. Did we mention it’s FREE?! Save the date and plan your visit, HERE.
