The Sydney Swans have demolished an inexperienced Collingwood side in an AFL practice match at Narrandera in southern NSW.
The Sydney Swans have dominated an inexperienced Collingwood to easily win their AFL trial match 19.9 (123) to 10.7 (67) in Narrandera.In an incident-free game, the free-running Swans kicked long and straight, racking up 19 goals in what was the first AFL match in the southern NSW town in seven years.There was no doubting who the 10,000 plus strong crowd was there to see - Barry Hall.But the Sydney big man was well marked throughout the match.Hall's first mark came from a good lead 60 metres from goal and the crowd roared, but he failed to convert moments later when in front of the sticks.He finished with two goals. Adam Goodes led the way for the Swans with four majors, while Luke Vogels and Nick Davis contributed three apiece.Sydney coach Paul Roos was full of praise for the team's strong pre-season performance."Our forward pressure, guys running and tackling and chasing, putting pressure on the opposition ... they're more important than kicking 19 goals at the moment," Roos said.He was also pleased with the players progress over the pre-season as the Club prepares for their grand final re-match against West Coast at Telstra Stadium in the season opener."We've sort of slowly built this year. I like the slow build-up, it's been a bit more enjoyable to watch even from a coaching point of view," he said."But our message to the guys is we really need to improve again next week, and if we can improve next week and get really good game time in then at least you know you are going in pretty well to round one. So next week is pretty critical."The best for the Pies was the tenacious Paul Licuria, who copped a nasty head wound in the second quarter but returned to kick two goals.Collingwood young gun Dale Thomas also looked to be playing himself back into form, trying hard all night but without luck.However, coach Mick Malthouse took plenty of positives away from the loss, most notably the performance of youngster Ben Reid."He's the youngest player in the draft and I've always said you throw away the birth certificate, you don't worry about how young or old they are, he's put on six or seven kilos since he came to the club ... he's done nothing wrong to suggest he won't be in line for senior suggestion next week.""Yes he will play (senior football) and I hope it's not because of injuries, I hope it's because he's forced his way into the side."The Swans have two injury concerns from the game with Paul Bevan suffering a hamstring strain in the third quarter and Tim Schmidt coming off in the first half clutching at his wrist.The match was part of the AFL's efforts to raise funds for those affected by drought and if the dust in the air was anything to go by, the funds are well needed.The Swans will wrap-up their pre-season with a game against Port Adelaide at Telstra Stadium on Friday night. Entry is free.
With only two pre-season games remaining before the premiership season starts, Jude Bolton believes the intensity will be lifted this weekend against Collingwoo
Hear from Swans assistant coach Simon Goodwin as he goes over the team for our clash with St Kilda. Team selection, presented by QBE
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"I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else” - Edwards
Emerging Sydney Swans defender Will Edwards has signed a three-year contract extension, securing his future in the Harbour City until at least the end of 2030. The 23-year-old was already contracted until 2027, with the three-year extension reward for his outstanding season so far. A product of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Edwards joined the club as a Category B Rookie following the 2022 Rookie Draft. Will sat down with Sydney Swans media for an exclusive interview after this re-signing.
06:41
"He can play anywhere on the field" - Campbell
Hear from Swans forward Braeden Campbell ahead of our clash with St Kilda.
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The skipper resigns for 5 | More than Footy Podcast
On this week's episode of the More than Footy Podcast presented by Bing Lee, Lucy McEvoy signs on for 5 more years and chats through her journey into the Swans and the memories she's made.
Sydney will be hoping to make it back to back wins as they look to secure the all-important top two spot with just four fixtures remaining in the home and away season.
McEvoy opens up on five-year contract extension
“It was a really simple decision"
Will Edwards extends in the red and white
The 23-year-old was already contracted until 2027, with the three-year extension reward for his outstanding season so far.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Open Assessment Trials
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy 2026 Open Assessment Trials