Track watch: Swans get physical at training as hints of Cox game plan emerge

The Swans are desperate to go one better than last season under the guidance of Dean Cox, and they’re showing it on the track. Lachlan McKirdy has the latest from a physical Swans session.

Cheers and applause reverberated around Moore Park as the Swans got stuck into a physical training session on Wednesday morning.

While the drills included scenario work and hitting targets lace out, the intensity was ramped up for a 10-minute spell where physicality was encouraged.

Split into small groups, the players had to work through a possession drill against opposition. Quick handballs and running at speed were encouraged, while those in defence were told to bring it. And bring it they did.

Brodie Grundy was one of the first to set the tempo, getting stuck into Justin McInerney among others and throwing his weight around. Corey Warner was another one to show off his increased physique, shrugging off a tackle attempt by Jake Lloyd.

Jesse Dattoli has impressed early on at the Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

New recruit Jesse Dattoli was also keen to make his presence felt, picking a battle with Taylor Adams and trying to get under his skin. While it was all in good nature and never crossed a line, it’s clear the Swans’ first draft pick has already made a strong impression in just a few weeks.

But the biggest tackle was laid by Robbie Fox who almost flattened Nick Blakey. Not many players were able to get their hands on the All-Australian defender last season, but Fox took him to the ground much to the admiration of his teammates.

Dean Cox has stated that defence and contested-ball work will be the priorities this pre-season and that was clear on Wednesday.

Transition work and finding an outlet option were at the heart of several drills, as they tried to move the ball out of stoppage situations as quickly as possible. Chad Warner and Errol Gulden’s hands both looked as clean as ever.

Chad Warner has looked clean as ever. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

A few players took part in modified sessions including Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills who spent much of the morning working with Brett Kirk on handballs under pressure. Ollie Florent was another one working his way back to the main group with some laps around the oval.

Fitness seems to be the key focus for the new draftees with Ned Bowman and Riak Andrew in particular getting a big workout on the assault bike and battle ropes as they build up their fitness in their first AFL pre-season.

As the session wound down, some players split off into goalkicking drills while others focused on one-on-one contests. Tom McCartin and Lewis Melican were going head-to-head in a sign that the former’s position switch is still on the cards, while Riley Bice held his own in several contests against bigger opponents.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Angus Sheldrick

While all the talk has been about Chad Warner, Sheldrick is another WA product that will be looking for a big 2025. Had an injury-affected season in 2024 and looks to have bulked up and got his body right. Competition for places in the midfield will be tough, but his ball use is strong and he has potentially gained an extra yard of speed as well.

Indhi Kirk

The rookie with the famous last name looks far more at home on the AFL list after one year under his belt. He was physically holding his own in marking contests and has become very efficient by boot.

Do Riley Bice and Matt Roberts fit in the same side? Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Matt Roberts

The Swans’ Rising Star nominee from 2024 was honing in on his kicking, focusing on hitting targets both at long and short distances. With the arrival of players like Bice, it will be interesting to see how he takes another step up next season.

Taylor Adams

The former Pie fell out of the team at the end of 2024 but could be one to benefit from a change of coach and earn his way back into the side. Not only is he vocal and taking several of the club’s newest names under his wing, he looks fit and was thriving when attacking the ball around the stoppages.

Caiden Cleary

Got a taste of AFL footy in 2024 and he looks determined for more. Was working extensively with both McVeigh brothers on his consistent target hitting while matched it physically with some of his teammates.

Originally published as Track watch: Swans get physical at training as hints of Cox game plan emerge