NAB Cup Round 4 Preview

By James Raptis and Tara Waniganayaka

Greater Western Sydney GIANTS v St Kilda (Blacktown International Sportground, March 16)

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have announced a close to full strength squad for their upcoming practice match against St Kilda on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportsground.

The GIANTS will be looking to bounce back after suffering a loss to Essendon last week at Manuka Oval in the NAB Cup.

Forwards John Patton and Jeremy Clarkson will return alongside midfielders Devon Smith and Lachie Whitfield in the 28 man squad to take on the Saints.

St Kilda finished fourth on the NAB Cup ladder, narrowly missing out on a Grand Final appearance. The Saints will provide a good test for the GIANTS who are looking to reclaim some of the early form they achieved in the NAB Cup.

The Giants form was promising before last Friday, defeating Sydney before narrowly losing to Brisbane and Carlton – the two NAB Cup Grand Finalists.

GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy told GWSGIANTS.com.au, “We’ve brought a number of players back to the side and I think we’ve got a pretty good side to play against the Saints.”

“In comes big forwards Jon Patton and Jeremy Cameron, as well as Steve Gilham, and we’ll also have a look at Lachie Whitfield and Will Hoskin-Elliott.

“They’re a number of changes to our line up and we can’t wait to get to Blacktown. It’s the first time St Kilda has ever set foot in the Greater Western Sydney area so it’s going to be a great game.”

The match is at 2pm on Saturday, and entry is free for all AFL members on presentation of their 2013 membership card. General admission is $5 for adults and juniors under 15 are admitted free.

Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide (AAMI Stadium, March 16)

Newly announced co-captains and NSW/ACT players Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh will join the rest of the Swans squad tomorrow to take on Port Adelaide in their final NAB Cup trial match at AAMI Stadium.

The reigning premiers will bring out some of their strongest names in their line up for the fourth round of the Nab Cup this Saturday, with Jack and McVeigh set to take the field with fellow NSW/ACT players including premiership forward Lewis Roberts-Thomson, as well as Tony Armstrong and rookie Dane Rampe.

Following a shaky start and single win in the competition so far, the Swans are determined to make the most of this last pre-season opportunity to trial their up-and-coming players and settle their side.

An injury-ridden squad and a delay of a month in training following their 2012 Grand Final win has made it difficult for the team to re-establish ground.

However, club coach John Longmire told SwansTV that the squad line-up shows confidence in the ability of Armstrong and Rampe to compensate for the absence of three senior players following an expensive Round 3 ruling out premiership players Alex Johnson and Ted Richards.

“Tony Armstrong has done pretty well, Dane Rampe has done well, so those players will play again this week and will get another opportunity as well.”

“Ted Richards’ ankle was a little bit sore last week, which is a different injury from what he had last year, so he’ll have this week off.”

Rampe in particular has proven to be an asset to the team, making impressive appearances in the Swans’ two previous NAB Cup matches.

In further encouraging news, defender Nick Smith will be making his first appearance of 2013 after knee surgery, reuniting the star back six from the 2012 premiership. Fellow defensive players Mitch Morton and Marty Mattner will also be appearing on field after sitting out the pre-season due to knee and hip complaints.

“They won’t play the entire game but they will probably play a half each, so they’ll come back in and it will be good to see them again at senior level for the first time in 2013,” said Longmire.

NAB Cup Round 4 – Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide; Saturday March 16, 1pm, AAMI Stadium