It was a successful day in Wollongong on Saturday for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Futures and Top End teams, registering two wins against GWS.

 In tough conditions, the Futures side had a convincing 37-point win while the Top End team had a 15-point win over their cross town rivals.

 With COVID-19 throwing usual national competitions in disarray the matches gave up and coming talent and future AFL prospects the chance to impress.

 QBE Sydney Swans Academy General Manager Chris Smith said it had been a real challenge to get the games played.

 “First, the Queensland border closed, causing our games against the Suns and Lions to be cancelled,” Smith said.

 “Then, when games against the Giants were potentially cancelled due to travel restrictions for ACT residents to Greater and Western Sydney, it meant that the games at Blacktown required a new location and venue.

 “We were very lucky that Darren Denneman from AFLNSW/ACT worked tirelessly to secure North Dalton Park, Wollongong.”

 After securing the venue however, another challenge hit, this time in the form of mother nature.

 “There was constant rain and a heavy pool of water covering the entire oval,” Smith said.

 “We had to laugh at the situation, it’s all we could do.”

 With all the challenges thrown their way, Smith praised the attitude of the players and coaches to get on with it and play two great games of football.

 “We managed two hard fought wins against competitive Giants squads,” Smith said.

 “Given the challenges, uncertainty and obstacles, the day was a real celebration for all the players and their parents. The Swans song was sung with every inch of gusto we could manage.”

Results

Futures
Swans 9.10.64
Giants 4.3.27
Goals - Tikkeros 3, Robin, Parker, McLeod, Woodford, Fitzroy, Flynn.
Best - Marning, Middleton, Rogers, Wright, Wood, Tikkeros. 

Top End
Swans 7.7.49
Giants 5.4.34
Goals - Barling 3, Gulden 2, Thorne, Campbell.
Best - Gulden, Thorne, Barling, Eynaud, Giacometti, Roseby, Campbell, Babic.