Swans calling on the red and white’s

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is hoping to see a large red and white crowd at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday, February 19 when the club takes on the GWS GIANTS and Gold Coast Suns in the NAB Cup.

The Swans are ready to take on the AFL’s newcomers, the GIANTS and Suns, in what shapes to be one of the most exciting NAB Cup’s in recent years with three matches being played on the one night.

A side combining established stars with a number of new, young faces is expected to take to the field for the Swans’ first match of the year and the club wants to see all of its  supporters there  to cheer on the red and white.

“We’re really looking forward to playing in Blacktown and being part of history, with GWS GIANTS and Gold Coast Suns playing for the first time,’’ Longmire said.

“It will be a big day for football in this city and this state, and it’s great to see the game making advances in NSW, where I grew up and played all my junior football.

“We know we’ll have many of our loyal supporters at the game, dressed in red and white, to show they’re right behind us as we head into the 2011 season.”

The AFL’s expansion to 18 clubs has also resulted in around 100 new positions on AFL lists – some of which have been filled by  local NSW/ACT born players.

While this is fantastic for football in general, from a coaching perspective, it creates some uncertainty for the Swans.

“Both the GIANTS and the Suns are somewhat unknown quantities at this stage so we’re excited to see what they have to offer,” Longmire  said.

“But we’re just focusing on ourselves and getting everyone ready for what we hope will be a successful season ahead.

“We have a lot of exciting young players in our squad and I know they can’t wait to get out on the field and start playing.’’

Tickets are still on sale for the blockbuster event which will give footy fans three action-packed games on the one night.

To celebrate the start of the AFL pre-season competition there will be a number of activities the whole family can enjoy – from the AFL Big Kick to handball targets, face-painting and air-brush tattoos.

Longmire is calling on all Sydney Swans fans to join up as members and follow the club throughout the season starting with the NAB Cup on Saturday, February 19.

Kids can join the Swans as a Red Rookie and attend  three premiership games  for free in 2011, while there are also adult memberships and one-day ticket passes available – visit www.sydneyswans.com.au for more information.

The NAB Cup will be played at Blacktown Olympic Park on February 19 from 7.15pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.au. For more information on the match and for results, visit www.sydneyswans.com.au The Kids Fun Zone and gates open at 5pm.