Sydney's aged perfectly for the times: Swans flying high thanks to clever list built over previous seasons
Everything is just working for Sydney right now, sitting on top of the ladder, one game and a whopping 27% clear of their nearest rival.
It was a tough introduction to the AFL for the Sydney Swans’ Canadian recruit Mike Pyke.
It took him until the third quarter to get his first possession and that was only after he’d handed a free kick and subsequent goal away to Port Adelaide when he appeared unaware of the pre-season rule on kicking backwards.
Pyke also recorded two handballs and one mark in what was likely his first visit to the national capital since arriving in Sydney last year.
Not to mention he was part of the side that lost by 65 points in Sunday’s first round NAB Cup clash between the two sides in Canberra.
But none of it stopped Swans coach Paul Roos from praising for the former rugby union international.
Pyke, Roos said, remains in contention as a ruckman for the season proper alongside youngster Daniel Currie (Currie) who may return from injury next week.
Roos gave the imposing Pyke plenty of time on the field in a bid to help him adopt to his new code but he will need plenty more time yet.
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Everything is just working for Sydney right now, sitting on top of the ladder, one game and a whopping 27% clear of their nearest rival.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.