Huge steps forward: Sydney Swans’ new faces, young guns on song against GWS Giants

The Swans made some massive moves in the off-season, with their new faces in Brodie Grundy and James Jordon making their presence felt against the Giants, with some big improvement from some young forwards.

Lachlan McKirdy

@LMcKirdy7

4 min read

February 22, 2024 - 1:54PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

AFL

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The Swans’ young brigade has provided a glimpse of just how good they can be with Chad Warner and Logan McDonald putting in dominant displays during their 26-point pre-season win over the Giants.

The first practice match for both sides had a fierce intensity from the opening bounce with the cross-town rivals bringing the physicality.

High-profile recruit Brodie Grundy was dominant around the early stoppages and looked to have the better of Kieren Briggs. But the opening term was a tale of the Giants’ defence with Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley and Connor Idun rekindling their successful partnership from last year.

Warner kicked the first goal of the game before the Giants hit back through Ryan Angwin and Toby Bedford. But as the Swans became more patient with their forward 50 entries, they had more success moving the ball quickly.

Will Hayward impressed, finding plenty of space to roam around as a target, while Warner and Braeden Campbell added to the scoreboard.

Logan McDonald really stepping up in this game. Has four goals now and is dominating his match-up in the goal square.

Swans with a six goal lead at the moment.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) February 22, 2024

In the second term, James Jordon played to his potential with a solid chase-down tackle on Callum Brown that created an easy goal for Joel Amartey. The Swans’ link-up play was much improved as they found more marks inside 50.

At their best, the Giants’ midfield run was reminiscent of some of their Orange Tsunami form as Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield all got in on the action.

The Giants were able to put on a run of goals as Aaron Cadman and Jesse Hogan both had a strong start to their campaigns.

But it was the speed of the Swans’ work around the midfield that continued to catch the eye, and they created plenty of scoring opportunities for their forwards.

McDonald finished with four goals, while Hayward had three of his own, as the Swans took the lead and held onto it for the rest of the match.

Logan McDonald kicked four goals for the Swans against the Giants. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images.

KEY FORWARDS HAVE A DAY OUT

For a couple of years, the Swans and Giants have been two of the better teams in the AFL without having a forward consistently go on and kick 50+ goals regularly.

But the early signs are promising for both clubs with their young key forwards dominating early in the season.

Logan McDonald has had a strong pre-season and some extra size has helped him around the contest. He marked strongly and was eager to work around the ground, and he built on his ability last season to finish his opportunities.

Hayward’s form also creates an interesting headache for John Longmire as his marking ability means he has the talent to play as the third tall if required.

Down the other end of the ground, Aaron Cadman had a quiet start to the game but built into the match. He had a second win from the third quarter onwards and his set shots looked superb. His combination with Jesse Hogan was also eye-catching and he was a strong target for his midfielders as they swept forward.

Giants Jesse Hogan tackled by Sydney's Nick Blakey at Tramway Oval on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

SWANS’ BACK-HALF RUN

At its best, the Swans’ run off halfback is as good as any team in the competition. And while Nick Blakey was a standout yet again on Thursday, he had plenty of assistance from the likes of Ollie Florent, James Jordon, Braeden Campbell and Matt Roberts.

There was a sense of urgency anytime the ball was near their defensive 50, with most players taking the opportunity to play on wherever possible.

Campbell in particular looked lethal with his left boot, while Blakey had the highlight of the day as he kicked the final goal of the game from a passage that he started inside his own defensive 50.

Competition for spots in the Swans’ backline is going to be as tight as ever, but speed looks to be a priority. There is a sense that Blakey has what it takes to play as a hybrid third tall along with Tom McCartin and Dane Rampe. That will give John Longmire’s side the platform to launch plenty of excitement from their own half.

Brodie Grundy and Kieren Briggs go toe-to-toe in their sides’ practice match on Thursday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

STOPPAGE SPOTLIGHT

Brodie Grundy is set to make an immediate impact on the Swans’ midfield as he delivered a composed presence to their stoppage work.

The young Swans’ midfield has been crying out for the class of an elite ruckman and they’ve got that in Grundy. He dominated the bounces and his work rate around the ground was impressive.

In terms of centre bounce appearances, Isaac Heeney spent the first few terms predominantly in the midfield, while Justin McInerney and Luke Parker also spent a fair bit of time around the ball.

However, the Swans looked most dangerous when Chad Warner was around the centre, and he set up the first goal of the third term beautifully for McDonald.

The Giants didn’t rotate too frequently around the centre bounces with Tom Green building into the game in the second half.

Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Josh Kelly also spent a lot of time around the ball. The interesting note was the support for Briggs in the ruck with Jake Riccardi pinch-hitting more regularly than Cadman.

Giants Tom Green ragdolls Sydney's James Jordon during Thursday’s practice match. Picture: Phil Hillyard

YOUNG TALENT TIME

For the Swans, most of their youngsters were saved for the VFL game taking place after the seniors. But there were some cameos for Will Edwards, Angus Sheldrick and Corey Warner who all had their moments.

But for the Giants, young Academy product Harvey Thomas looked strong and finished with a goal to cap off a great display. Josh Fahey and Toby McMullin also impressed as they look to push for selection in the opening round.