2019 SEASON PREVIEW: Sydney Swans

Five NEAFL Grand Finals, five losses. Is this the year Sydney finally breaks its premiership drought? We take a look at how the Swans are shaping ahead of a new season.

2018 SUMMARY

It was a case of history repeating itself for Sydney in 2018 as the Swans qualified for another NEAFL Grand Final, yet fell short to Southport by 55 points. The Swans were able to finish second on the NEAFL ladder due to percentage after recording a 12 win and 6 loss season. The Swans started the season with four losses in their first four games but were then able to gain a massive amount of form and finish the home and away season winning 12 of the last 14 games. Season 2018 saw the rise of emerging ruckman Darcy Cameron, finding some phenomenal form to finish second in the NEAFL MVP count. This season we could possibly see him knocking on the door for more AFL appearances. Colin O’Riordan was brilliant for the Swans coming off the half-back line, and was rewarded with three AFL appearances in Rounds 17-19 and a spot in the NEAFL’s Team of the Year alongside Cameron.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2019?

The Swans made a variety of changes to their list through the trade period and AFL Draft. The most exciting recruit is Swans Academy product and No.10 draft pick, Nick Blakey, who made his AFL debut in Round 1. The Swans also recruited three other draftees which are almost certain to see some time in the NEAFL this season: James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney and Zac Foot all coming from Victoria’s TAC Cup. The Swans were able to recruit a number of players from other AFL clubs including Ryan Clarke (North Melbourne), Jackson Thurlow (Geelong) and Daniel Menzel (Geelong). It’s certainly probable to see the likes of Clarke and Thurlow spend time in the NEAFL throughout the year.

FIRST MONTH

The Swans should be confident heading into their first four games of the 2019 season as all opponents were non-finals sides in 2018. The first month of the home and away season will see the Swans face two other AFL sides. The Bloods will line up against a dangerous GIANTS side that will likely find its way up the ladder in Round 1 and Round 4.

The Swans will also face two Queensland sides being the Gold Coast SUNS in Round 2 and Redland in Round 3. It’s the perfect chance for Sydney to gain some early-season confidence if they can string a few wins together.

2019 WILL BE A HIT IF…

The Swans are able to make another successful run towards a finals campaign and are looking to make a full tilt at the premiership. The Swans are coming off the back of three successive Grand Final appearances in the last three seasons with no premiership in that time. Going one better should be the sole focus of this NEAFL campaign for a club which prides itself on success at all levels. What a moment it would be to see Sydney finally be crowned NEAFL champions after years of heartache at the final hurdle.

2019 WILL BE A MISS IF…

A repeat of the events late last year appear again, which saw injuries to key AFL-listed players deplete the NEAFL playing stocks. Sydney fielded one of their most inexperienced sides ever in the NEAFL Grand Final with 13 academy players taking to the field. Injuries could force some of the Swans best players in to their AFL side and leave the NEAFL team filled by young academy players, with the ACL injury to Sam Naismith last year creating a gap for the NEAFL side’s ruck position outside of Darcy Cameron.

 STAR POWER

The Swans’ NEAFL side will be filled with stars again and will have perhaps the strongest list in the NEAFL, given the AFL side will be tough to crack into. The stars of their 2018 season Colin O’Riordan, Jordan Dawson, Darcy Cameron will likely spend stints within the NEAFL again this year but will be pushing for senior selection this year.

ROOKIE WATCH

Already this pre-season a number of Sydney’s newest recruits have impressed during trial matches, and will be raring to go for the season proper next week. Rowbottom and Foot have started on fire, and second-year speedster Ryley Stoddart’s outstanding versatility makes him an exciting prospect to watch in 2019. Looking towards the Swans Academy ranks, Connor Flanagan, Kyle McKellar, Kyle Veerhuis and Cooper Kilpatrick – who all featured in last year’s Grand Final – will be given every chance to impress as part of the U19 academy squad.

TO KICK THINGS OFF…

Round 1 – April 6

GIANTS v Sydney at GIANTS Stadium, 12.55pm