Swans and Bulldogs Capital clash
The Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs return to Manuka Oval this Saturday for the first and only AFL premiership match in Canberra this year.
It is a must-win game for the Swans and Bulldogs coming off losses to Carlton and Collingwood respectively over the weekend.
These two teams met in the nation’s capital this time last year when the Western Bulldogs overcame the Swans by 38-points.
Months later, the two went head to head in an elimination final at the MCG where the Bulldogs came from 17-points down at halftime to clinch a five-point victory.
The loss also marked the retirement of two Swans legends – captain Brett Kirk and coach Paul Roos.
The Swans have been dealt a major blow today with news star midfielder and Best and Fairest winner Kieren Jack has been ruled out for 4 to 6 weeks with an ankle injury.
The Swans will be looking to their senior players to lift the club to their first win at Manuka Oval since 2008 and break a five-game losing streak against the Western Bulldogs.
Swans coach John Longmire said the club is looking forward to Saturday’s match.
“We enjoy playing in Canberra, there’s a big Swans following in Canberra which we really enjoy getting down there and playing in front of some terrific supporters,” Longmire said.
“We play the Bulldogs who really pushed Collingwood. I think they were even at the start of the last quarter and just through Collingwood’s sheer brilliance they kicked out of it.
“We really look forward to it, we can’t wait to get down there but we need to improve on Friday night.”
Longmire said the Swans have a few players in their reserves who will help fill the hole left by Jack’s injury.
“There are a few players who have been playing well in our twos. Nathan Gordon on our rookie list is going quite well, Luke Parker is another kid who is going well, Lewis Johnston’s been playing well so there’s a few,” he said.
“We’re confident we’ll get a player in who will hopefully do a real job for us. We’ll change our mix a little bit which we need to do to cover for Kieren but we’ll work through that during the week.”
Before the premiership match will be the much anticipated clash between the Sydney Swans reserves and GWS GIANTS. Both clubs are currently undefeated in the NEAFL competition.
Tickets are selling fast to the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs match and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au to secure tickets to the blockbuster match.
Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs
Where: Manuka Oval
When: Saturday, May 7
Time: 1.10pm
Curtain raiser: Sydney Swans v GWS GIANTS, NEAFL, 9.10am
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
