2026 Preseason

[rojo]

Thanks ISI. Looks like a time is coming when good players will have to make way for potentially elite players. Brisbane seems to be in that situation already!

[Auntie.Gerald]

https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/video/1948695/behind-the-scenes-of-our-2026-team-photo-day-inside-sydney?videoId=1948695&modal=true&type=video&publi shFrom=1769748549001

great see Bowman in the backline herded Chad when warner went to put his foot down

Bowman is quick and turned Chad into breaking and back

im intrigued by Bowmans skill sets and where he may feature in years to come.

[Auntie.Gerald]

X2

[dejavoodoo44]

https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/video/1948695/behind-the-scenes-of-our-2026-team-photo-day-inside-sydney?videoId=1948695&modal=true&type=video&publi shFrom=1769748549001

great see Bowman in the backline herded Chad when warner went to put his foot down

Bowman is quick and turned Chad into breaking and back

im intrigued by Bowmans skill sets and where he may feature in years to come.

I got the impression that Bowman was recruited as a likely replacement for Hayward in the forward line. However, he only showed the occasional glimpse of talent, when playing forward in the first half of the VFL season. Although there were extenuating circumstances for that, as our injury hit VFL side was quite dysfunctional at the time and the delivery to the forwards left a lot to be desired. When switched to defence later in the season, he started to get more possessions and it looked like he could develop into a classy rebounder.

I think the plan is for him to continue developing as a half back flanker. Although I wouldn't mind seeing him have another go in attack, just to see what he might be able to do, if the ball is being constantly delivered into the forward line with purpose. But that's more idle curiosity on my part, as I suspect that Max King now might be the natural successor to Hayward as a mobile forward flanker.

[wolftone57]

I got the impression that Bowman was recruited as a likely replacement for Hayward in the forward line. However, he only showed the occasional glimpse of talent, when playing forward in the first half of the VFL season. Although there were extenuating circumstances for that, as our injury hit VFL side was quite dysfunctional at the time and the delivery to the forwards left a lot to be desired. When switched to defence later in the season, he started to get more possessions and it looked like he could develop into a classy rebounder.

I think the plan is for him to continue developing as a half back flanker. Although I wouldn't mind seeing him have another go in attack, just to see what he might be able to do, if the ball is being constantly delivered into the forward line with purpose. But that's more idle curiosity on my part, as I suspect that Max King now might be the natural successor to Hayward as a mobile forward flanker.

I think it was difficult for all the forwards in the Reserves in such a terrible side. Injuries were one problem but most of the VFL listed players were just not good enough to play at that level. Sydney Footy maybe but not VFL. This made it difficult for Bowman to get a kick as you say and shifting him back allowed him to get hands on the ball. The reserves will be a lot different this year. new coach, New Development Coach etc. I believe we will be welcoming some ex listed players back into the reserves. Magor and one other.

[dejavoodoo44]

I think it was difficult for all the forwards in the Reserves in such a terrible side. Injuries were one problem but most of the VFL listed players were just not good enough to play at that level. Sydney Footy maybe but not VFL. This made it difficult for Bowman to get a kick as you say and shifting him back allowed him to get hands on the ball. The reserves will be a lot different this year. new coach, New Development Coach etc. I believe we will be welcoming some ex listed players back into the reserves. Magor and one other.

It would be sort of strange, but interesting, if Magor returned via the VFL side. He does have a reasonable amount of talent.

In the absence of any news from the club, I've been keeping an eye on the training footage, to see if I can spot any likely VFL squad members. I've seen Joe Harrison a few times. He's a tough inside mid, who was a little bit disappointing in his draft year, but played some decent VFL games last season. Jack Kluske is also there. It looks like he did enough to keep his spot on the VFL list. I'm pretty sure that I spotted Luke Giacometti. He's a former academy player, who went to Sturt with Angus Anderson, and earned a SANFL premiership medal, with some useful involvements in the grand final. I also think I saw Harrison Podmore-Taylor. For a few moments last season, he was starting to look very good playing as a key forward, but I think he ended up being injured for the latter part of the season. In his academy days, I liked him as an athletic ruck prospect, so hopefully he gets a chance this season.

I haven't noticed VFL regulars, like Shipley and Geddes, so if anyone has any more sightings or information, I'd be interested to know.

[Thunder Shaker]

Heeney, Mills and Papley managing training loads as Swans build towards season opener (afl.com.au, removed clickbait from title)

An article that discusses training by various players.