Match Preview: Swans vs. Dockers
By Isabelle O’Brien
Where and When: Drummoyne Oval, Sydney, Sunday 16th March 4.10pm EDT
Watch: Live streamed at 
sydneyswans.com.au
The Sydney Swans will welcome back a number of stars back into the side for Sunday’s NAB Challenge match against an injury plagued Fremantle.
Fremantle – players docked due to injury
Dockers fans have had a bittersweet start to the 2015 NAB Challenge, with their 18-point victory over Melbourne seeing three star casualties.
Paul Duffield, Michael Barlow, and David Mundy were all subbed out during the game, with Duffield appearing victim to the most serious injury having to be helped to the clubrooms from the ground by the team doctor in the last quarter.
Barlow was subbed at three-quarter-time with an ankle injury sustained in the first half, and Mundy taken out in the last term with an apparent foot injury.
Despite the setbacks, the Dockers forward lines starred, with Matt Taberner and captain Matthew Pavlich teaming up to kick three goals apiece.
Midfielders Lachie Neale (28 possessions) and Stephen Hill (23) owned the midfield, with their explosive speed and exquisite skills contributing to the victory.
The return this weekend of All-Australian duo Nathan Fyfe, looking bulkier than ever, and Aaron Sandilands will be a timely return for the side, with defender Garrick Ibbotson and youngster Lachie Weller included in the 29-man squad.
Fremantle’s Nathan Fyfe returns to play Sydney this weekend. Source: AFL Media
Fremantle Squad:
1 Hayden Ballantyne; 5 Garrick Ibbotson; 7 Nat Fyfe; 8 Nick Suban; 9 Matt de Boer ;10 Michael Walters; 11 Tom Sheridan; 12 Jon Griffin ;13 Tendai Mzungu; 14 Lachie Weller; 16 David Mundy; 17 Hayden Crozier ;18 Luke McPharlin; 19 Connor Blakely;22 Tanner Smith ;23 Chris Mayne; 24 Max Duffy; 27 Lachie Neale ;28 Brady Grey;29 Matthew Pavlich; 30 Zac Clarke; 31 Aaron Sandilands; 32 Stephen Hill ; 33 Cam Sutcliffe; 35 Michael Apeness; 36 Alex Silvagni; 37 Michael Johnson; 38 Jack Hannath; 46 Clancee Pearce
Sydney– the stars return
Sydney fans will greet the return of key players with open arms following a disappointing first round defeat.
The Swans had a tough start to the NAB Challenge, which resulted in a 36-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in Coffs Harbour last weekend. Sunday’s clash will see them return to the field keen to notch up their first win of the Challenge.
Adam Goodes, Lance Franklin, Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Derickx, and Jake Lloyd have all been named to return in the squad, and Swans Academy graduate Isaac Heeney retains his spot in the side, after an impressive first outing against the Lions.
Swans assistant coach John Blakey praised the young recruit.
“I thought he was quite solid, and showed he’s going to be a good player for us,” Blakey said.
Also among the best from Sundays lost was the Swans impressive midfield of Josh Kennedy, Kieran Jack, and Luke Parker, that the Dockers will need to pay close attention to.
Tall forward Sam Reid will miss out this week, following an ankle injury that saw him limping off in the second quarter against the Lions. He is only expected to miss one week.
Buddy Franklin returns to play Round 2 of the NAB Challenge against Fremantle this Sunday. Source: AFL Media.
Sydney Swans Squad
14. BIRD, Craig 7. CUNNINGHAM, Harry 19. DERICKX, Tom 23. FRANKLIN, Lance 37. GOODES, Adam 39. GRUNDY, Heath 4. HANNEBERY, Dan 5. HEENEY, Isaac 17. HISCOX, Jack 33. JACK, Brandon 15. JACK, Kieren 32. JETTA, Lewis 12. KENNEDY, Josh 11. LAIDLER, Jeremy 44. LLOYD, Jake 6. MITCHELL, Tom 3. McVEIGH, Jarrad 35. NAISMITH, Sam 13. NANKERVIS, Toby 26. PARKER, Luke 38. PYKE, Mike 24. RAMPE, Dane 25. RICHARDS, Ted 42. RICHARDS, Xavier 27. ROBINSON, Daniel 16. ROHAN, Gary 2. SHAW, Rhyce 40. SMITH, Nick 22. TOWERS, Dean
Previous five encounters
Their only two encounters of 2014 saw the Sydney Swans come out on top both times. While Fremantle sees the return of all-Australian stars Fyfe and Sandilands, and are coming off a win, the return of several Swans stars could help overcome the disappointment of last week’s loss.
QF, 2014 Swans 13.15.93 def. Fremantle 10.9.69
RD 5, 2014 Swans 13.14.92 def Fremantle 11.9.75
2PF 2013 Fremantle 14.15.99 def Swans 11.8.74
RD 8 2013 Swans 11.4.70 drew Fremantle 9.16.70
RD 2 2012 Swans 14.10.94 def Fremantle 12.9.81
