Match Preview: Swans vs. Lions
By Bronte Kerr
WHERE AND WHEN: Coffs Harbour International Stadium, Friday, March 6, 7.10pm AEDT
TV: Live on Fox Footy from 7pm AEDT
Ticketing: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NABCCFH15
The clash between the Swans and the Lions will see a raft of promising new players make their debut, in addition to a number of players donning new colours ahead of the 2015 season.
Following a scrappy win over an uninspired St Kilda, the Lions will face the Swans, determined to put their best foot forward against last years grand finalists.
Footy fans are encouraged to come along early and watch the young guns of the AFL in action when the QBE Swans Academy take on the Brisbane Lions Academy at 4.10pm as the curtain raiser.
Brisbane Lions- A revamped forward line
For Lions fans, tomorrow evening’s game promises to be a particularly exciting one.
Recently appointed Captain Tom Rockliff will lead the Lions, who will unveil their new look forward line.
Expectations are high for the Brisbane side, who are expected to benefit greatly from the off-season additions of star midfielder Dayne Beams from Collingwood, Allen Christensen from Geelong and former Carlton midfielder Mitch Robinson.
New recruit Dayne Beams will line up tomorrow evening in a squad that also features younger brother Claye.
The former Collingwood player has already turned heads since joining the lions at the end of 2014.
Eager fans will have to hold out to see Christensen in action, with the Lions opting to omit the highly valued midfielder from tomorrow evening’s side.
The 2011 premiership player has recently overcome back surgery in September and is due to be unleashed when the Lions take on the Suns at Metricon Stadium on the 20th of March.
The Lions will field a strong squad when they take on the Swans, despite being without key defenders Pearce Hanley and Matt Maguire.
Dayne Beams and Tom Rockliff of the Lions jostle for position during a training session. Image: AFL Media
BRISBANE LIONS SQUAD
1. Luke McGuane, 4. James Aish, 5. Mitch Robinson, 6. Josh Green, 7. Jed Adcock, 8. Rohan Bewick, 9. Dayne Beams, 10. Daniel Rich, 12. Stefan Martin, 14. Brent Staker, 15. Dayne Zorko, 17. Claye Beams, 18. Nicholas Robertson, 21. Daniel Merrett, 22. Marco Paparone, 23. Matthew Leuenberger, 24. Liam Dawson, 25. Daniel McStay, 26. Tom Cutler, 27. Darcy Gardiner, 28. Lewis Taylor, 29. Jaden McGrath, 30. Jack Redden, 32. Sam Mayes, 33. Michael Close, 35. Ryan Lester, 38. Thomas Rockliff, 42. Justin Clarke, 47. Zac O’Brien
Sydney Swans- A fresh faced side
The Swans will field a relatively inexperienced side, with Jarrad McVeigh, Kurt Tippett, Lance Franklin, Adam Goodes and Ted Richards all set to miss tomorrow evening’s game.
New recruits Issac Heeney, Abe Davis and Jack Hiscox along with rookie Lewis Melican will all don the red and white for their first competitive game with the Swans.
Tough midfielder Isaac Heeney had his fate sealed when he was committed to by the Sydney Swans Academy in November of last year.
Averaging 18 disposals in his six games with the Swans’ reserve side, Heeney will be an invaluable addition to the Swans side.
Heeney will be joined by impressive on-baller Tom Mitchell, who is set to step up into a more senior role in the 2015 season.
Also included in the squad are four players who are yet to play a senior game at AFL level- Toby Nankervis, George Hewett, Daniel Robinson and Harry Marsh.
Swans hold high hopes for tough midfielder, Isaac Heeney. Image: AFL Media.
SYDNEY SWANS SQUAD
2. Rhyce Shaw, 4. Daniel Hannebery, 5. Isaac Heeney, 6. Tom Mitchell, 7. Harry Cunningham, 9. Abaina Davis, 11. Jeremy Laidler, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Toby Nankervis, 14. Craig Bird, 15. Kieren Jack, 16. Gary Rohan, 17. Jack Hiscox, 20. Sam Reid, 21. Ben McGlynn, 22. Dean Towers, 24. Dane Rampe, 26. Luke Parker, 27. Daniel Robinson, 29. George Hewett, 31. Harrison Marsh, 32. Lewis Jetta, 33. Brandon Jack, 35. Sam Naismith, 38. Mike Pyke, 39. Heath Grundy, 40. Nick Smith, 42. Xavier Richards, 43. Lewis Melican
PREVIOUS FIVE ENCOUNTERS
If history is anything to go off, the Swans are sure favorites for tomorrow night’s game. The Swans hold a 26-21 head to head record against the Lions, with the Brisbane Lions being held winless since round 22, 2009. With the Swans missing many of their key players and Brisbane boasting some impressive additions to their forward line, the Lions will be looking to reverse its previously poor record against the Sydney side.
Round 7, 2014, Swans 18.15 (123) d Lions 6.8 (44)
Round 6, 2013, Swans 17.13(115) d Lions 8.7 (55)
Round 15, 2012, Swans 16.14 (110) d Lions 9.9 (63)
Round 24, 2011, Swans 18.11 (119) d Lions 9.13 (67)
Round 11, 2011, Swans 17.14 (116) d Brisbane Lions 7.9 (51)
The Swans will take to the field as favourites at 1.40 while the Lions are at 2.85.
Main Image Courtesy of AFL Media
