The Sydney Swans will travel to Victoria this week for a tightly-contested clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Ahead of the Round 11 game, senior coach Dean Cox has made two changes to the team with young guns Caiden Cleary and Tom Hanily to join the side. 

Hanily - who was recruited in the 2024 mid-season Rookie Draft - will play his ninth senior game and first for the 2026 season. He has impressed at VFL level and amassed 24 disposals and seven tackles in last week's win over Collingwood. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, assistant coach Ben Matthews shared some insights on the forward's form. 

"He gets after the opposition as a small forward. Typical tenacious small forward who hunts the footy, hunts the opponent, tackles and chases like anything," Matthews said.

Caiden Cleary will play his second match this season after a strong performance in the VFL. In last week's match the QBE Sydney Swans Academy alum kicked two majors, five clearances and 25 disposals. 

"So we're really looking forward to both those guys, Caiden and Tom, to come into the team, perform their role, no more or less than that and have a great contribution for our team."

The young duo replace Harry Cunningham and Billy Cootee who made his AFL debut in Round 7 against the Western Bulldogs. Dane Rampe will also remain sidelined after he was managed in last week's game against Collingwood - it was later revealed he had sustained a calf strain and is expected to miss four weeks of football. 

Sydney will run out against the home side in what's expected to be a close contest. The Cats sit in third position on the ladder after three consecutive wins, including a 41-point win over reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba last Thursday. 

"Last week couldn't have been more impressive against the Brisbane Lions, no doubt about that. So we prepare to play a quality opposition, quality players on every line... They're an imposing squad and it'll take our full 23 to beat them. Committed to playing their roles and committing to each other to execute our plan."

Meanwhile, the Swans will be chasing an eighth consecutive win after narrowly defeating the Pies in last week's Friday night blockbuster on the SCG. 

Round 11 marks week two of Sir Doug Nicholls Round as the league honours First Nations people, culture and their contribution to the game. The Swans will once again wear the Marn Grook guernsey, adapted from the work of renowned Bidiagal artist Jordan Ardler. It first debuted in 2025 and shares a connection with club’s home, The Sellers & Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ as it has been adapted from the work showcased through the Welcome to Country at the club’s entrance.

The clash with Geelong will take place from 4:15pm AEST on GMHBA Stadium. Tune into Channel 7, Kayo and Fox Footy from 4:00pm to catch all the action.