Match Preview: Port Adelaide vs. Swans

By Caitlin Arnold

Despite the strong reputations of both of these current squads, it is Sydney who have the wood on their Saturday opponents having won ten out of their last 11 encounters, including two victories – one large and one small – in 2014. Though this seems all but irrelevant coming into this game with the Power labelled favourites in spite of their narrow loss to Fremantle in Round One.

Last Saturday’s match will serve as a wake up call to the Swans who let Essendon lead from the get go, leaving it until the final quarter to make their move. Overawed by an emotion charged Bombers outfit in the first three quarters of the Round One clash, the Swans will be tested once more when they come up against a side riding high on the emotions of their vocal hometown crowd, a challenge all visitors must face when playing at the ‘Portress’.
 
Jarrad McVeigh will rejoin the Sydney Swans captaincy crew alongside Kieren Jack, as he returns from the calf muscle injury that has plagued his pre-season. Named on the half-back line, McVeigh could make the first inroads towards replacing Nic Malceski across the Swans’ defensive line, and provides another option through a midfield already littered with game changers such as Co-Captain Jack and second gamer, Isaac Heeney.
 
McVeigh will replace Wagga Wagga’s Harry Cunningham who has been omitted from the squad.
 
Luke Parker has also been named in the 22-man team having recovered from his horrific run-in with teammate Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin in Round One. Taken off the ground early in the final quarter against Essendon, Parker was the standout performer for the Swans despite his early exit from the game, collecting 35 possessions before being stretchered from the field.
 
Port will also aim for consistency by making just the one change from their Round One squad. Ruckman Jarrad Redden will replace John Butcher in the Power side, setting up his first game since 2013. Matthew Lobbe, who was a late withdrawal from Port Adelaide’s match against Fremantle remains under the thumb of a quad injury and was unable to pass a fitness test by selection.
 
The Power will look to Redden to change their rucking fortunes with only 25 hit-outs won last week against Fremantle. Comparatively, Sydney’s rucking department lead by Mike Pyke, was able to amass 66 hit-outs in their awkward win over Essendon – the highest across the league last week.
 
Redden’s inclusion is also expected to bring Paddy Ryder into his own as a part of his new club. Keeping a lean disposal count of just 12 against Fremantle, his limited time with the ball was hampered by his last minute call up to the rucking position following Lobbe’s late withdrawal. With Redden now in place to take over the rucking role, Ryder’s impact on the game is expected to reach new levels.
 
As well as gaining a needed boost of confidence with a win, Sydney will be hoping to lift their long time clubman Ted Richards triumphantly to their shoulders post-match as he celebrates his 200th game of senior football after joining the red and white in 2006.

With less than 2,000 tickets available on Friday afternoon, the match is expected to be the first sell out of the season – a feat indicative of the forming rivalry between these two clubs.
 
AFL NSW/ACT News

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) will return from a hamstring strain suffered in the NAB Challenge when he lines up for the Sydney Swans Reserves against Ainslie in the NEAFL this Saturday in Canberra.

Sam Naismith (Gunnedah), Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park), Dan Robinson (Mosman Swans) and Brandon Jack (Pennant Hills) have also been named for the Sydney Swans Reserves in the NEAFL.

Josh Bruce (Eastlake) has been nominated for ‘Mark of the Year’ following his screamer for St Kilda against the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS in Round One.

Jason Tutt (Ainslie) will make his debut for Carlton against the West Coast Eagles in Round Two.

Former Western Bulldog, Tom Young (Wollondilly) will line up in the Sydney University NEAFL side to take on Redland this Saturday. Newly retired Sydney Swan, Lewis Roberts-Thompson (North Shore) will also make his debut as Assistant Coach for the University side.