2023 Preseason

[bloodspirit]

Am I right in thinking that Konstanty and Melican didn't play? I didn't see Magor either, I don't think.

[SeanM]

Yeah they did not play.

Also don't think Hickey, Clarke, Sheather, Wicks or Blakey played.

There were also were a few guys that played a very short amount of time. Eg I think I saw McLean at full forward at the northern end really briefly. But it seems he and few others did a light session before the game.

[bloodspirit]

All of those guys are sick/injured/rehabbing. So far I haven't heard about any injuries to Konstanty or Melican.

[ootf]

Bloodspirit - yes photos all my own work. Happy to share.

[stevoswan]

Some great highlights from our draftees to get excited about. I reckon Kostanty will play seniors this year. Vickery's left foot is Braeden Campbell standard. Caleb Mitchell's as well. Exciting.

In fact, all our new recruits appear to be good kicks. Well done Kinnear and Simon.

These Swans are fiesty, ferocious and full of talent | AFL - YouTube

[rojo]

I would like to add my thanks to ootf for taking and sharing the great photos. For the first time since the end of last season we enjoy a comprehensive look at the guys in action. Perhaps you could send a copy to the Swans media dept to post on the afl swans website.!

[O'Reilly Boy]

Great photos. Absolutely first rate. I see Blakey there, although I gather he was not part of the match sim. Any word on his health?

[aardvark]

Swans pre-season games confirmed

Match sim V Brisbane and practice match V Carlton are on Fox and Kayo


If you want Swans news sign up for it at My Swans, https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/myswans/

[SeanM]

The Swans VFL side will play curtain raisers ahead of each pre-season fixture, however the structure of these matches and timings are still to be confirmed and are subject to change on the day.

The AFL is pleased to confirm that all match simulation and practice matches will be streamed live on Kayo Sports and broadcast on Foxtel.

Squads for the match simulation will be communicated by clubs on the day of the match.

It will be interesting to see what they do with selection for the Brisbane scratch match.

Whether it is better to give a young player a full VFL game or 10-15 minutes against Brisbane's AFL side.

Also whether the scratch match selection rules allow us to select a large match day squad and give guys like Franklin/Reid/Amartey a quarter of football each.

Also be interesting to see where we are at with our numbers of fully match fit players. Last Saturday there might have been 31 players capable of playing the full match.

[rickmat]

Have a concern for our number one 2023 recruit Francis from Essendon. None of the RWO reporting from pre season so far has little or no mention of him. One aspect for him was to reach peak fitness , something he lacked at Essendon. Have we recruited a did!!!!! Now the pre season gets serious with actual games against Brisbane and Carlton, and we will see where and if he fits into our team.

[707]

Might still be building fitness, came off a low base at Essendon and the post season lay off. Cost us nothing, so worth a throw of the dice.

Looking forward to seeing who fronts for game time at high noon on Friday against Brisbane, good that it's on Fox and Kayo.

[SeanM]

Smithy's VFL practice match schedule

There is an article on the AFL website saying we also have a VFL practice match against Brisbane.

But I would keep an eye on the Swans website to confirm the time just in case there are last minute changes.

[bloodspirit]

Francis has been going well at training from what I've seen. Sure, he's not one of our best runners - but that's typical for talls - and no doubt we're pushing him to improve. More importantly, hopefully we're supporting him to improve. (I'm sure they tried pushing him at Essendon already.) The question is whether we can provide the environment for him to get the best out of himself.

With Blakey out for Round 1 (you'd think), Francis must be one of a few players pushing for that spot. I can't see him displacing Rampe, Fox or either of the McCartins. I tend to think that his best chance for games remains one of those players being injured - I don't think we need him to play along side those players.

- - - Updated - - -

Captaincy and leadership group for 2023 announced: Mills, Rampe and Parker continue to lead Swans (sydneyswans.com.au).

The big news for mine is that Hayward has been promoted to the leadership group (ahead of the likes Gulden and Florent) at the expense of Harry C. I have to say I didn't see that coming but I am delighted for Hayward. He had a great season last year and has been great this pre-season (I thought he was one of the standout players at the intraclub on the weekend). Go Will! Hopefully that will put to bed the occasional calls we hear from him to be traded out or, worse, dropped.

[dejavoodoo44]

Now that you've mentioned the likelihood of Blakey being out for round one, that opens the possibility of Gould making his long awaited debut. Which I sort of hope happens, as I like the competitive way he played in the VFL last season.

[stevoswan]

Have a concern for our number one 2023 recruit Francis from Essendon. None of the RWO reporting from pre season so far has little or no mention of him. One aspect for him was to reach peak fitness , something he lacked at Essendon. Have we recruited a did!!!!! Now the pre season gets serious with actual games against Brisbane and Carlton, and we will see where and if he fits into our team.

A did or a dud? Either way....mmmm. Whatever his form is, I hope Gould debuts before Francis gets a start.