Swans and Giants set for long stay at the top end of the AFL ladder
THIS Saturday’s all-Sydney qualifying final has captured the imagination of the city’s footy fans.
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THIS Saturday’s all-Sydney qualifying final has captured the imagination of the city’s footy fans and Swans champion Dan Hannebery is confident it’s just the start of years of fierce finals rivalry.
And the bookmakers agree. TAB’s 2017 premiership market places Sydney’s teams at the ones to beat with the Swans outright favourites at $5 and GWS $6, ahead of Geelong ($6.50), Adelaide ($7) and Hawthorn ($8).
The Swans have refreshed their playing list with an influx of young guns, while the Giants are clearly on the rise, and Hannebery expects the clubs to be battling for the flag for years to come.
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“It’s a great thing for NSW footy,” Hannebery told the Daily Telegraph.
“I certainly think they (GWS) are going to be around for a long, long time. The Giants are quite young as a club and have a number of young players on their list. They’re in top form and have certainly deserved their top four-finish. From our (the Swans) perspective we’ve got a lot of young players and have regenerated our list.”
“If blokes keep working hard on both teams you’d think they’d be competitive for a while yet.”
Hannebery has three All Australian selections and 166 games under his belt but is still only 25 years old. The remainder of the Swans’ super midfield group are all still under 30 — Luke Parker is 23, Tom Mitchell 23, Josh Kennedy 28 and Kieren Jack 29.
But it’s not the experienced players which is giving the Swans midfield gun confidence for the years ahead, it’s the quality of the youngsters coming through.
Callum Mills has just followed in his footsteps by winning the Rising Star Award. He is one of seven debutants this year, including Tom Papley, George Hewett, Aliir Aliir, Jack Hiscox, Harry Marsh and Jordan Foote. Xavier Richards and Sam Naismith have played just three games between them coming into this season.
“These players knew what they needed to do to get a game,” Hannebery said.
“The last two pre-seasons a lot of guys have bought in like Aliir, Sam Naismith and Xavier. They’ve trained hard and their bodies are absolutely ready to go.
“Other younger players see those players working hard in the reserves and the whole club buys in. It also helps with you have the middle and senior core group playing well. It makes it easier when the younger players come into the seniors. We know they’ve got talent but their achievements this year have exceeded my expectations.”
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The enthusiasm of youth has also rubbed off on the senior players this year with Hannebery declaring 2016 as the most fun he’s had outside the 2012 premiership year.
“It’s been the most enjoyable home and away season I’ve experienced,” Hannebery said.
“Playing good footy really helps but to see these young guys gives you energy and enthusiasm and inspires us to set an even higher standard.”
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