As Craig Bird this week becomes the first Swans player to debut in the opening round in four years, Sydneyswans.com.au remembers round one, 2004, when two young New South Welshmen took to the field in the red and white for the first time.
The Sydney Swans had defied the expectations of many the previous year by reaching the preliminary finals. As the new season dawned, the Sydney Swans welcomed two new players into the senior team: Paul Bevan and Jarrad McVeigh.
McVeigh and Bevan spoke to Sydneyswans.com.au this week, and shared their memories of that first game and the week leading into their debut.
Both players had excellent pre-seasons in the summer of 2003-04, but neither was sure they would take place in the senior side for the round one clash against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Relief came first for McVeigh.
“It was quite nerve-wracking, because I wasn’t sure if I was playing,” McVeigh recalls.
“I think Roosy told me on the Tuesday, so it was a bit of a relief to get that off my shoulders, so I could relax going into the game and focus on it.
“It was actually quite nerve-wracking, the whole week, but it was a great experience.”
Bevan had to wait a little longer to discover he was to debut, as he was a late call-up for the game.
“I was a late call-up for that first game, but it was definitely an exciting time,” said Bevan.
“My family came up for the game, so it was a good experience.”
The round one debut was a surprise for Bevan.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” he said.
“I would have been happy with a game later in the year. I didn’t set too high expectations, so to get a game that early was a bonus.”
“Round one is a goal for everyone during the pre-season, but to play any game for the Swans is a good incentive.”
After a strong showing in the pre-season, McVeigh had hoped to get a game in round one.
“I didn’t miss any sessions that year, if I can remember, said McVeigh.
“And I played pretty well in the pre-season games, so I thought I put my name up there, and fortunately I got the game.”
Bevan recalls the calming advice of then-captain Stuart Maxfield in the moment leading up to that first game.
“I remember Stuart Maxfield had a chat to me just before I ran out, he was a good help. He said relax, you’ve done all the work.”
Four years later, and 65 and 83 games later respectively, Bevan and McVeigh have
their own advice for any young debutants this weekend.
“Just to back themselves,” said Bevan.
“They’ve done all the work over the pre-season. Everyone has confidence in them to do a job. They don’t have to do anything too special, just do their job, and we have faith in them.”
“Take it all in, said McVeigh.
“When you run out, just have a look around and look at the crowd and enjoy it, then focus on what you have to do and just play your role in the team, and hopefully we can get a win.”
