Match preview: Sydney vs. Essendon

Sydney Swans vs. Essendon Bombers

Saturday, 4 April, ANZ Stadium

Though it seems like a lifetime since the 2014 Grand Final, the result will no doubt be an unwanted presence that hangs over the Sydney Swans as though it was just yesterday, for the rest of the year.

This Saturday they take to the field against an unmeasurable Essendon Bombers at ANZ Stadium for their opening match of 2015.

Entering the season with yet another point to prove following their premiership defeat at the hands of Hawthorn last September, the Swans will be looking to put other teams on notice from game dot.

To aid in their quest to begin the year with a resounding bang, their much talked about recruit – and New South Wales bred player – Isaac Heeney will make his senior debut following a mature string of performances throughout the NAB Challenge, where he managed three goals over three games.

The 18-year-old discussed his nerves leading into the game at a press-conference prior to the official team announcement, and says he will be relying on his captain and coach to help in keeping them under control.

Touted as one of the best midfield pickups in last year’s draft, Heeney will have all eyes on him, perhaps even overshadowing the usual human headline, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. But whether or not the on-baller’s apparent extreme fitness will translate on to the big stage, is yet to be seen.

Having missed the last match-up between the two sides with injury, Buddy Franklin will be eager to continue his average of five goals per game against the Dons who have struggled to contain the forward in the past.

Buddy’s fitness remains unseen as a lack of match practice during the NAB Challenge leaves him mostly untried in 2015. Following a knock-out blow in the Swans’ nail-biter against the GWS GIANTS in the pre-season tournament, Buddy will be looking to let fly and dust off the cobwebs to get his season underway.

The Swans are likely to continue their changing placement of Sam Reid around the ground with all key forwards – Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Franklin – named to play.

Luke Parker will be another to watch for the Swans having managed 35 possessions against the Bombers in Round 19 last year.

Adding to the interest of this game, the Bombers have named a full strength squad in the face of their victory against the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal on Tuesday this week. Shortening their odds tenfold, Essendon will no doubt use their pent up frustrations about the doping matter as ammo against their highly favoured opponents.

As James Hird’s first game back at the helm of his beloved Bombers, emotions will be running rampant and surely spur his team on in front of what is likely to be a hostile crowd. But as a team that has missed the entire pre-season competition, whether or not they can take on the might of the Sydney Swans and win, may just be beyond emotions.

Adam Cooney will make his debut in red and black, adding pace to the back line and hopefully for them, a Brownlow Medallist’s experience to their game plan.

Tom Bellchambers will bear the brunt of the ruck work for the Bombers with the impact of Paddy Ryder’s exit from the club to be realised against experienced Sydney ruckman, Mike Pyke.  

John Longmire will coach his 100th senior game in this first match of the season for his Sydney Swans.

AFL NSW/ACT News

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) will line up for the Sydney Swans despite the abdominal injury suffered three weeks ago in his team’s NAB Challenge match against the GWS GIANTS. Following a trip to Canberra Hospital on the day of the incident, Jack has recovered despite recent weeks of tenderness, and will captain the Swans while his Co-Captain Jarred McVeigh (Pennant Hills) sits on the sidelines with injury.  

Sam Naismith (Gunnedah) has been elevated onto the Sydney Swans senior list following the placing of Alex Johnson on the long-term injury list due to a rare knee infection that has kept him on the sidelines for two years. Ruckman Naismith debuted in late 2014 and has played one senior game of football for the Swans.  

Tom Hawkins (Finley) is reportedly close to signing a major deal with the Geelong Cats with a four or five year deal supposedly on the table. Despite the start of the season, Hawkins has not yet signed on with the Cats but the Geelong faithful will be hopeful of securing his signature with the pairing of Mitch Clarke and Hawkins spreading teams thin throughout the NAB Challenge.

Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker (North Broken Hill) will make his official debut as Adelaide Captain against North Melbourne at home this Sunday. Despite rumours swirling of a rift between he, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane over the captaincy, Walker assured fans that all in leadership group are on the same page coming into the 2015 season.

All five NSW/ACT bred Hawthorn Hawks will play against Geelong on Easter Monday. Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah), Will Langford (East Sydney), Isaac Smith (Temora), Luke Breust (Temora) and Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) have all been named in the first game of the Hawks’ title defence.