Preview 2026 Opening Round Swans vs Carlton Thurs March 5

[rustycrate]

Personally, I think the R0 team will contain Curnow & McDonald, with not a lot of change beyond that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if McDonald lined up in defence.

I don’t see Rosas as a superior player to our incumbents.

Serong might start …. but only if McDonald is forward.

I’m not convinced Cox sees Rowy in his best midfield mix. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him at HF, or even on the selection fringe.

Adams is the forgotten man …. hard to know if he’s still seen in the best XXII mix.

B: Cunningham McCartin Wicks
HB: Blakey Melican Serong
C: Chad Mills Gulden
HF: Campbell Curnow Jordon
F: Dattoli Armatey Papley
R: Grundy Heeney Sheldrick
I: McDonald Cleary McInerney Rowbottom McLean

I'd like to see Serong instead of Lloyd. That gives us 3 talls, 2 smalls in Cunningham and Wicks plus Blakey.

Your list has no ruck backup unless that is Amartey. I chucked in McLean replacing Roberts. McInerney to be 7th defender.

Otherwise I like it.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I'd like to see Serong instead of Lloyd. That gives us 3 talls, 2 smalls in Cunningham and Wicks plus Blakey.

Your list has no ruck backup unless that is Amartey. I chucked in McLean replacing Roberts. McInerney to be 7th defender.

Otherwise I like it.

Interesting comment by Keane that they saw that Serong would play on mediums or smalls (ie not a KPD) but all the footage has him wrestling with the big boys and that the "breakouts" would be Edwards and Dattoli. Not sure that this applies to Rd0 but will we see Serong used as a KPD? Or longer term as the Rampe replacement?
I'm massively in favour of three talls in defence but wonder if we might not see that straight away with Rampe filling that role.

 

[rustycrate]

Interesting comment by Keane that they saw that Serong would play on mediums or smalls (ie not a KPD) but all the footage has him wrestling with the big boys and that the "breakouts" would be Edwards and Dattoli. Not sure that this applies to Rd0 but will we see Serong used as a KPD? Or longer term as the Rampe replacement?
I'm massively in favour of three talls in defence but wonder if we might not see that straight away with Rampe filling that role.

I thought about that too (Serong playing on mediums and smalls). That is why I thought him replacing Roberts who doesn;t play on talls where Serong can. But Rampe can do both too and will probably start instead of Serong. If Rampe needs a rest then Serong if he is up to it.

 

[caesar88]

Hard to do a best 22 without knowing who is doing what at training, how they go in the match sims, pre-season games, who will be injured or fit, etc. So as usual have taken the easy way out and gone for the bones of a best 23 with blank spots up for grabs.

B - Cunningham, Melican, A
HB - Wicks, McCartin, Blakey
C - Gulden, Warner, McInerney
HF - McDonald, Curnow, Jordon
F - Papley, Amartey, Rosas Jnr.
Foll - Grundy, Heeney, Rowbottom

I/C - Mills (C), Campbell, B, C, D

Spot A - Obviously for a third tall/medium defender who can play on smalls as well if needed. I don't think it's a given that Rampe will have that spot and I don't think we have brought Serong in to play VFL; I think it's more likely we've brought Serong in so that Rampe can be the depth we need, and I think that's reflected in us delisting and re-rookie listing him. Edwards is also a smokey here after being given a shout-out by Chris Keane.

Spot B - I want to say this is Sheldrick's spot but his track record in pre-season is extremely dubious so can easily see a scenario where someone like Cleary or even a Roberts out-performs him in a pre-season game and claims an extra mid spot instead. Regardless of who it is, I think we need an extra contested sort of player in this spot anyway.

Spots C & D - I think these could be any of the number of outside running types on our list (Bice, Roberts, Lloyd, even Kyle) or another small forward (Cleary or Sheldrick in that role, or Dattoli, Hanily), or an extra tall (McLean or Ladhams)

A few other random thoughts

I think Wicks & Cunningham can be in the same team and I think they should be. I do think there is a changing of the guard between those two, with Wicks representing the future, but we saw this year that Cunningham also makes a positive difference to our defence. Having these types who are genuine defenders can help free up players like Blakey and Mills to do what they do best which is launch a lot of our rebound (and Wicks showed he is more than handy in this space anyway.)

I think Rosas Jnr. will get games, at least at first (whether he keeps his spot will be another matter.) It's not that common for a club to heavily pursue a player and then not play them. We seem to really like what he brings and keep noting that he's a point of difference (not sure I see that myself - like Papley & Campbell aren't super creative and fast respectively??) so I think they'll give him every chance to show that.

I think at this stage given his history it would be reckless to plan any of our structures around Mills going forward, whether that's in the midfield or in defence. He's just not reliable these days and should be treated as a cherry-on-top kind of player we can slot in where needed, not someone we are building our structures and tactics and game plan around, holding our breath waiting for an injury to pull the rug out from underneath us. So I have him retaining his captaincy that despite popular opinion, he earned, but basically just becoming a utility in the Blicavs mould for us.

And that's about it really. The rest I think all (Grundy and Wicks aside) need to be better than what they were this year if we're to give the flag a serious shake next year. More important than anything I've written here though is what Cox & co do to address the biggest issue with this list, which lies in their chests and between their ears.

 

[rustycrate]

Hard to do a best 22 without knowing who is doing what at training, how they go in the match sims, pre-season games, who will be injured or fit, etc. So as usual have taken the easy way out and gone for the bones of a best 23 with blank spots up for grabs.

B - Cunningham, Melican, A
HB - Wicks, McCartin, Blakey
C - Gulden, Warner, McInerney
HF - McDonald, Curnow, Jordon
F - Papley, Amartey, Rosas Jnr.
Foll - Grundy, Heeney, Rowbottom

I/C - Mills (C), Campbell, B, C, D

Spot A - Obviously for a third tall/medium defender who can play on smalls as well if needed. I don't think it's a given that Rampe will have that spot and I don't think we have brought Serong in to play VFL; I think it's more likely we've brought Serong in so that Rampe can be the depth we need, and I think that's reflected in us delisting and re-rookie listing him. Edwards is also a smokey here after being given a shout-out by Chris Keane.

Spot B - I want to say this is Sheldrick's spot but his track record in pre-season is extremely dubious so can easily see a scenario where someone like Cleary or even a Roberts out-performs him in a pre-season game and claims an extra mid spot instead. Regardless of who it is, I think we need an extra contested sort of player in this spot anyway.

Spots C & D - I think these could be any of the number of outside running types on our list (Bice, Roberts, Lloyd, even Kyle) or another small forward (Cleary or Sheldrick in that role, or Dattoli, Hanily), or an extra tall (McLean or Ladhams)

A few other random thoughts

I think Wicks & Cunningham can be in the same team and I think they should be. I do think there is a changing of the guard between those two, with Wicks representing the future, but we saw this year that Cunningham also makes a positive difference to our defence. Having these types who are genuine defenders can help free up players like Blakey and Mills to do what they do best which is launch a lot of our rebound (and Wicks showed he is more than handy in this space anyway.)

I think Rosas Jnr. will get games, at least at first (whether he keeps his spot will be another matter.) It's not that common for a club to heavily pursue a player and then not play them. We seem to really like what he brings and keep noting that he's a point of difference (not sure I see that myself - like Papley & Campbell aren't super creative and fast respectively??) so I think they'll give him every chance to show that.

I think at this stage given his history it would be reckless to plan any of our structures around Mills going forward, whether that's in the midfield or in defence. He's just not reliable these days and should be treated as a cherry-on-top kind of player we can slot in where needed, not someone we are building our structures and tactics and game plan around, holding our breath waiting for an injury to pull the rug out from underneath us. So I have him retaining his captaincy that despite popular opinion, he earned, but basically just becoming a utility in the Blicavs mould for us.

And that's about it really. The rest I think all (Grundy and Wicks aside) need to be better than what they were this year if we're to give the flag a serious shake next year. More important than anything I've written here though is what Cox & co do to address the biggest issue with this list, which lies in their chests and between their ears.

Good thoughts. But again Grundy rucks the whole game unless chopped out by Amartey or McDonald.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I thought about that too (Serong playing on mediums and smalls). That is why I thought him replacing Roberts who doesn;t play on talls where Serong can. But Rampe can do both too and will probably start instead of Serong. If Rampe needs a rest then Serong if he is up to it.

I'm pretty sure that Serong will be up to it whenever the time comes. The composition and tactics of the back seven is what I think about the most. Much of the rest is either self evident or something like McLean vs Ladhams as second ruck and you won't know until the team is read out.
I can see a group that contains both Rampe and Serong with McCartin, Melican, Wicks, Cunningham and Blakey but it looks too slow and all the exit eggs in the Blakey basket. For mine it needs Bice but who does he replace?
If Cox puts Mills back there then there's no point in Rampe. And so on and on...

 

[rustycrate]

I'm pretty sure that Serong will be up to it whenever the time comes. The composition and tactics of the back seven is what I think about the most. Much of the rest is either self evident or something like McLean vs Ladhams as second ruck and you won't know until the team is read out.
I can see a group that contains both Rampe and Serong with McCartin, Melican, Wicks, Cunningham and Blakey but it looks too slow and all the exit eggs in the Blakey basket. For mine it needs Bice but who does he replace?
If Cox puts Mills back there then there's no point in Rampe. And so on and on...

I agree. We have a nice problem now. Genuine competition for spots.

 

[bedford]

I agree. We have a nice problem now. Genuine competition for spots.

And getting rid of a couple of Horse fav's helped us get this way

 

[Kiama Chris]

Hard to do a best 22 without knowing who is doing what at training, how they go in the match sims, pre-season games, who will be injured or fit, etc. So as usual have taken the easy way out and gone for the bones of a best 23 with blank spots up for grabs.

B - Cunningham, Melican, A
HB - Wicks, McCartin, Blakey
C - Gulden, Warner, McInerney
HF - McDonald, Curnow, Jordon
F - Papley, Amartey, Rosas Jnr.
Foll - Grundy, Heeney, Rowbottom

I/C - Mills (C), Campbell, B, C, D

Spot A - Obviously for a third tall/medium defender who can play on smalls as well if needed. I don't think it's a given that Rampe will have that spot and I don't think we have brought Serong in to play VFL; I think it's more likely we've brought Serong in so that Rampe can be the depth we need, and I think that's reflected in us delisting and re-rookie listing him. Edwards is also a smokey here after being given a shout-out by Chris Keane.

Spot B - I want to say this is Sheldrick's spot but his track record in pre-season is extremely dubious so can easily see a scenario where someone like Cleary or even a Roberts out-performs him in a pre-season game and claims an extra mid spot instead. Regardless of who it is, I think we need an extra contested sort of player in this spot anyway.

Spots C & D - I think these could be any of the number of outside running types on our list (Bice, Roberts, Lloyd, even Kyle) or another small forward (Cleary or Sheldrick in that role, or Dattoli, Hanily), or an extra tall (McLean or Ladhams)

A few other random thoughts

I think Wicks & Cunningham can be in the same team and I think they should be. I do think there is a changing of the guard between those two, with Wicks representing the future, but we saw this year that Cunningham also makes a positive difference to our defence. Having these types who are genuine defenders can help free up players like Blakey and Mills to do what they do best which is launch a lot of our rebound (and Wicks showed he is more than handy in this space anyway.)

I think Rosas Jnr. will get games, at least at first (whether he keeps his spot will be another matter.) It's not that common for a club to heavily pursue a player and then not play them. We seem to really like what he brings and keep noting that he's a point of difference (not sure I see that myself - like Papley & Campbell aren't super creative and fast respectively??) so I think they'll give him every chance to show that.

I think at this stage given his history it would be reckless to plan any of our structures around Mills going forward, whether that's in the midfield or in defence. He's just not reliable these days and should be treated as a cherry-on-top kind of player we can slot in where needed, not someone we are building our structures and tactics and game plan around, holding our breath waiting for an injury to pull the rug out from underneath us. So I have him retaining his captaincy that despite popular opinion, he earned, but basically just becoming a utility in the Blicavs mould for us.

And that's about it really. The rest I think all (Grundy and Wicks aside) need to be better than what they were this year if we're to give the flag a serious shake next year. More important than anything I've written here though is what Cox & co do to address the biggest issue with this list, which lies in their chests and between their ears.

Wicks, Cunningham and Rosas Jr agree 100%. Mills I get your thinking but don't think as a match committee they can take that approach. He needs to have a role (or roles) befitting what he can be. My choice would be sharing midfield and 8th defender. If he crashes you deal with it.
As Rusty says you need a defined second ruck (or rucks) to allow Grundy 15-30% time out. A lot will then depend on if you play 2 or 3 permanent tall forwards. My choice is two but there's a good argument to be had.
Good to see you back on the board.

 

[Callipygian]

I'd like to see Serong instead of Lloyd. That gives us 3 talls, 2 smalls in Cunningham and Wicks plus Blakey.

Your list has no ruck backup unless that is Amartey. I chucked in McLean replacing Roberts. McInerney to be 7th defender.

Otherwise I like it.

I like it but I'd have Bice ahead of Cleary and perhaps juggle a bit where they're all named.

I reckon Dattoli and Rosas are fighting for one spot. Rosas starts favourite but that could change over the pre-season. Cootee could conceivably put pressure on that spot too. Ditto Cleary, although he's not really a small forward like Dattoli and Rosas.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I like it but I'd have Bice ahead of Cleary and perhaps juggle a bit where they're all named.

I reckon Dattoli and Rosas are fighting for one spot. Rosas starts favourite but that could change over the pre-season. Cootee could conceivably put pressure on that spot too. Ditto Cleary, although he's not really a small forward like Dattoli and Rosas.

If we run two tall forwards we have room for 4 small forwards (resting midfielder, second ruck and Jordon not included). In that case you could have Papley, Rosas, Campbell and Dattoli with Hanily up your sleeve. Cleary and Lloyd on the fringe. Or another resting midfielder instead of one of those 4.
If we run three you're probably right.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Had a wander over to the Carlton board to see if I could get a sense of what their Rd0 team might look like. Without trying to be a smartass it looks like a team of spare parts.
Weitering looks lonely with Dean (yes draftee) and Florent to keep him company.
Same midfield plus Chesser who couldn't get a decent run at West Coast.
Very raw Hudson O'Keeffe with McKay and Hayward in the forward line.
If we can't win this pretty comfortably at home we are in a bucket of trouble.

 

[Millky95]

Had a wander over to the Carlton board to see if I could get a sense of what their Rd0 team might look like. Without trying to be a smartass it looks like a team of spare parts.
Weitering looks lonely with Dean (yes draftee) and Florent to keep him company.
Same midfield plus Chesser who couldn't get a decent run at West Coast.
Very raw Hudson O'Keeffe with McKay and Hayward in the forward line.
If we can't win this pretty comfortably at home we are in a bucket of trouble.

Their mids could still get ontop of us which is always the concern. Can't always rely on a Heeney masterclass

 

[RUNVS]

Had a wander over to the Carlton board to see if I could get a sense of what their Rd0 team might look like. Without trying to be a smartass it looks like a team of spare parts.
Weitering looks lonely with Dean (yes draftee) and Florent to keep him company.
Same midfield plus Chesser who couldn't get a decent run at West Coast.
Very raw Hudson O'Keeffe with McKay and Hayward in the forward line.
If we can't win this pretty comfortably at home we are in a bucket of trouble.

I don't know, I think Peter Hudson, Ryan O'Keefe and Harry McKay would make a pretty good forward line.

 

[strauchanie59]

Their mids could still get ontop of us which is always the concern. Can't always rely on a Heeney masterclass

In the four games we've played against them since 2023, they've scored 51, 74, 65 and 62 points in those matches, even with Curnow in the side.

While our midfield disappearing act could still happen (and probably will happen throughout 2026), I'd back us in to score more than them because I struggle to see where their goals are coming from. Outside of McKay and Hayward, who's stepping up for them?

And then begs the question, can a backline of Weitering, Lewis Young, Brodie Kemp and a first-gamer in Harry Dean stop our attack? Maybe to a degree, but if Curnow doesn't get off the chain, then Amartey and McDonald are proven goalkickers along with Paps, Campbell and Heeney/Chad resting forward.

Our lists are fairly similar in terms of age and games played, but the difference in quality is night and day.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Even if pis*ed, we win.

 

[Kiama Chris]

In the four games we've played against them since 2023, they've scored 51, 74, 65 and 62 points in those matches, even with Curnow in the side.

While our midfield disappearing act could still happen (and probably will happen throughout 2026), I'd back us in to score more than them because I struggle to see where their goals are coming from. Outside of McKay and Hayward, who's stepping up for them?

And then begs the question, can a backline of Weitering, Lewis Young, Brodie Kemp and a first-gamer in Harry Dean stop our attack? Maybe to a degree, but if Curnow doesn't get off the chain, then Amartey and McDonald are proven goalkickers along with Paps, Campbell and Heeney/Chad resting forward.

Our lists are fairly similar in terms of age and games played, but the difference in quality is night and day.

My prediction is that we kick 15 goals vs their 10.

 

[Edmund hunt]

I'm just excited to see the view from my new reserve gold class membership seating. I have a feeling it will be better then my GA membership seating i've had for the last 10 years.

 

[RUNVS]

I'm just excited to see the view from my new reserve gold class membership seating. I have a feeling it will be better then my GA membership seating i've had for the last 10 years.

Oh look who thinks he is better than the rest of us now

 

[bedford]

Welcome , another brown dog

 

[Kiama Chris]

I'm just excited to see the view from my new reserve gold class membership seating. I have a feeling it will be better then my GA membership seating i've had for the last 10 years.

This will be my 14th year sitting with my kids behind the camera in the Churchill. Well worth it. I take the monthly payment option too, no extra.
Enjoy.

 

[Edmund hunt]

This will be my 14th year sitting with my kids behind the camera in the Churchill. Well worth it. I take the monthly payment option too, no extra.
Enjoy.

I'm up in bay 314 of the victor Trumper stand.

 

[Punts]

Bay 311 row h

No idea if any good

 

[strauchanie59]

Bay 311 row h

No idea if any good

Great view of the ground on top of the half forward flank looking towards the city.

 

[Punts]

Great view of the ground on top of the half forward flank looking towards the city.

Cheers