Blacktown International Sportspark, Saturday, March 9, 7pm (AEDT)
MISSING
Sydney Swans: Nick Smith, Marty Mattner, Kurt Tippett and Gary Rohan will sit this one out, with question marks over Shane Mumford and Lewis Roberts-Thomson.
Gold Coast: Nathan Bock, Seb Tape, Trent McKenzie, Tom Lynch and Liam Patrick won't play.
LAST WEEK
Sydney Swans: The Swans added some experience back into the line-up against St Kilda, with Lewis Jetta, Jude Bolton and Josh Kennedy all returning in impressive fashion. Some youngsters, like Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe, also had their moments. There were better signs for the premiers than in week one, but coach John Longmire will expect another step up in Blacktown.
Gold Coast: It was either glass half full or half empty last week, depending on how you choose to look at it. Gold Coast gave up seven goals in the opening term and trailed by as much as 53 points in sweltering heat in Townsville. But the Suns fought back, kicking seven of the last eight goals to go down by only 13 points. With David Swallow, Jarrod Harbrow and Harley Bennell leading the way, there were some decent signs.
WHAT THEY SAY
Sydney Swans: "We were competitive for three quarters of every quarter and then we dropped away and were uncompetitive and went into our shells a bit and didn't help each other out. We'll look at the positives out of it, but we think we can really improve." - Dan Hannebery
Gold Coast: "Hopefully the boys can walk away knowing that they’re good enough to run out a side and skilful enough to fight back. Our ability to start having some chemistry isreally good (and) our boys down back are getting to know one another better." – Guy McKenna
WE SAY
Sydney Swans: The Swans have rarely been in contention at the pointy end of the pre-season and a late start to this year's NAB Cup due to their premiership win made that even less likely. But the season proper is getting mighty close and Longmire will expect to see some typically hard, competitive Swans football for extended periods this week against a Suns side they meet again in round two at the SCG.
Gold Coast: Coach Guy McKenna appears very content with Gold Coast's form in the pre-season and will expect another competitive showing in Blacktown against the premiers. The spotlight is going to be on the Suns in2013, with many believing it is time for them to take a big step forward, and this will be an important practice match.
Please note, there is no radio broadcast available for this match.
