The Sydney Swans VFL side have suffered a tough defeat in the Smithy’s VFL 2026 Season opener on Friday afternoon with a 36-point loss against the Box Hill Hawks (16.11.107 to 10.11.71).

In their first official hit out of the new season the Swans couldn’t surpress a fast-scoring Hawks contingent but showed periods of excellent fight under new VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski.

The side was bolstered with a raft of AFL-listed players, including Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli, and Taylor Adams who returned to play after sustaining injury in the pre-season. Meanwhile, it provided an opportunity to see last year’s draftees - in particular Jevan Phillipou and Liam Hetherton - against an opposition.

The Swans suffered a slow start kicking their first major 23 minutes into the first quarter. Cunningham and Ladhams showed their composure and experience with a chain of handball possessions, resulting in a goal from young forward Tom Hanily.

While the Hawks defence was able to shut down forward 50 entries in the first, the visitors settled to kick another goal halfway through the second. Jedd Longmire, a late in for the team to replace Will Green, kicked the team’s second with an uncontested mark in the goal square. Dattoli also hit the scoreboard. Inaccuracy in front of goal meant the Swans still trailed by seven at halftime.

The third quarter told another story however as the Swans were kept scoreless after the long break until the 24^th minute. James Tidemann slotting a major to bring the deficit back to 28 points. The Hawks ran away with the game and before the final change had extended their lead to 51 points.

Three quick goals from Hayden McLean, Joe Harrison and Taylor Adams early in the final quarter showed fight from the Swans before the Hawks responded in similar fashion. VFL-listed Luke Giacometti closed out the game with his first goal in red and white.

Ladhams was the dominant ruck finishing the game with 24 hit outs, 19 disposals and six clearances. Likewise, Adams was prolific in the midfield with 27 disposals and eight tackles.

Hanily proved to be instrumental in front of goal with seven score involvements from 22 touches. VFL captain Nic Shipley also enjoyed a strong outing with 21 disposals and four tackles.

The Swans return to Melbourne on Saturday, April 4 for a clash with Port Melbourne after a Round 2 bye. They will play at ETU Stadium from 1:00pm AEDT.