ON the eve of the Sydney Swans’ season opener against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday night, Ben Broad counts down the big stories affecting the Swans over the pre-season.
10. Baaaaallllleeeeee!!!
Former Swans premiership ruckman Jason Ball was elected unopposed to the club’s board in early February. Feeling he could add a fresh voice to the table as a recently retired player, 'Bally' put his hand up and got the nod.
The Swans family continued to grow over the summer. While Michael O’Loughlin became a dad to daughter Taya during last year’s finals and Darren Jolly and his wife Deanne had Swans fans chewing their fingernails in the lead-up the grand final, baby fever continued over the summer. Ben Mathews, Brett Kirk and new Swan, ‘Spida’ Everitt, have all celebrated new births since last season.8. New rules
While many fans, coaches and players called on the AFL’s rules committee to quit tampering with the rules, it hasn’t happened. Many have been critical already of the law change prohibiting a player placing his hands on his opponent’s back during a marking contest. Time will tell as to how the rule change will be viewed.7. TV rights deal done
After months of to-ing and fro-ing, Channels 10, 7 and Foxtel finally agreed to terms with the AFL in early February, putting the final touches on the richest television broadcast deal in the history of Australian sport. The result appears to leave footy followers in all parts of Australia with easier access to watch the game.6. The Swans on the bus go …
The profile of the Sydney Swans just continues to grow. It almost seems like you can’t go anywhere in Sydney these days without seeing Barry Hall or Adam Goodes posted somewhere around the city. Now, you’ll even see them staring back at you as you sit at the traffic lights, with the Swans decking out a bus to carry passengers around the city while promoting the club at the same time.5. Swans lead Aussies to victory
Five Sydney Swans played a part in the International Rules series, with four coming away with a win from the spiteful contests. Irishman Tadhg Kennelly impressed for the home side while Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Schneider and Nick Davis did likewise for the Australians. Barry Hall was also inspirational and captained the side in game two – a 38-point win to Australia.4. Glimpse into the future
While trade time was perhaps the Swans’ biggest coup last year, coach Paul Roos added to his impressive young list by picking up a bunch of talented youngsters at last year’s AFL national draft. Daniel O’Keefe (pick 15), Daniel Currie (49), Peter Faulks (65) and Jesse White (79) have all showed glimpses during the off-season, while rookies Nick Smith, Matthew O'Dwyer and Luke Brennan also look capable of developing into regular stars of the future.3. Brighter start in 2007
What’s going on in the Harbour City? It’s February and March and the Swans are winning games – something that hasn’t occurred in past years. Yep, that’s right, the red and whites went 3-2 during their pre-season campaign - a creditable loss to an impressive Western Bulldogs line-up and wins over Collingwood (twice) and Richmond. That form, combined with the list appearing to be in better shape overall, has Swans fans optimistic about the season ahead.2. Longmire in charge
There was a reshuffle among the Swans assistant coaches during the off-season. While Ross Lyon departed to take the helm at St Kilda and John Blakey joined the assistants team from Brisbane, perhaps the biggest change came in the form of John Longmire filling the role of coaching coordinator. That meant Longmire took charge during most of the pre-season, furthering his own development while giving senior man Roos the chance to save himself for the regular season.1. The big man arrives
After a year of “will he or won’t he?” conjecture, the Swans finally got their man when former St Kilda and Hawthorn champ Everitt was traded. Everitt is just what the Swans need, and his pairing with Darren Jolly is likely to see the 2005 premiers challenge strongly again for this year’s flag. Although 32, 'Spida' is still arguably the best tap ruckman in the game and eager to prove his worth in a new jumper.
