VFL 2026 Swans Reserves

[liz]

The worrying thing to me about the reserves are none of the younger guys are really standing up and yelling "pick me". Most of our better players are all older players who we already know are either not great at an AFL level or bit players who can play a role but are not match winners.

Injury is one factor. Bowman was being touted for an early season debut before he did his hammie. Dattoli was said to have had a strong pre-season before the foot setback. I don’t know how long Hanily was out with his foot problem but he was unavailable for the last intraclub and the two practice games. I think he returned, on limited minutes, in last week’s VFL practice match. Phillipou lost five or six weeks with his injury. Green was missing today with the broken foot. Hetherton has played little footy in the past year and that carried through into the start of the pre-season.

King and Andrew are, as we know, injured long term.

Give them another couple of weeks and Hanily and/or Dattoli might start rapping on the door. We’ll have to wait and see how long it takes Bowman to get back to the form that was impressing in the early intraclub games.

 

[bedford]

The worrying thing to me about the reserves are none of the younger guys are really standing up and yelling "pick me". Most of our better players are all older players who we already know are either not great at an AFL level or bit players who can play a role but are not match winners.

Jesse says hello !

 

[RUNVS]

Jesse says hello !

He might say hello, but he was not more impressive than Taylor Adams today, and we know for a fact that Taylor Adams, while a servicable player is not a world beater.

 

[bedford]

He might say hello, but he was not more impressive than Taylor Adams today, and we know for a fact that Taylor Adams, while a servicable player is not a world beater.

I was there live , he only came on in time on in the first , seriously have another look .
Adams is depth and butchered it

 

[Demons09]

Jack Kluske has been recruited by Perth Demons in the WAFL any info on him as a player, thats two now from Sydney joining Indhi Kirk.

 

[Neverwas]

To be fair, this was the first time these guys had played together at this level and a number of them are returning from injury and underdone. Hence a pretty ordinary performance.

It is quite clear though that we have very limited depth and the only potential senior elevations are Cunningham, Adams, McLean, Hanily, Dattoli, Hamling and Ladhams. They all looked a bit rusty and or underdone. Adams was vigorous but a lot of his disposals were turnovers. McLean was very fumbly.

By the time of the next game Billy Cootee should be back so here's hoping he emulates the Bice man and proves too good for this level.

All of the young draftees looked a long way off unfortunately.

By the time of the next senior game I would expect that Cunningham to ready for seniors.

 

[bedford]

Jack Kluske has been recruited by Perth Demons in the WAFL any info on him as a player, thats two now from Sydney joining Indhi Kirk.

Just a fringe player in the VFL , tries hard and can kick a couple , but no worldbeater

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Jack Kluske has been recruited by Perth Demons in the WAFL any info on him as a player, thats two now from Sydney joining Indhi Kirk.

That's a massive kick in the guts for us. Trained the entire preseason with the AFL side, and then just ups and leaves right before the VFL season starts!!

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Here is the mini-match from yesterday's game:

VFL Mini-Match, R1: Box Hill v Sydney

Extended highlights of the Hawks and Swans VFL clash in round 1

www.afl.com.au

 

[Adnico26Parker]

 

[Adnico26Parker]

 

[Mister B]

I was there live , he only came on in time on in the first , seriously have another look .
Adams is depth and butchered it

That was going to be my question. Was the 4o odd percent disposal efficiency because he was head down in the packs or much of it uncontested and just sloppy?

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Club's match review

The Sydney Swans VFL side have suffered a tough defeat in the Smithy’s VFL 2026 Season opener on Friday afternoon with a 36-point loss against the Box Hill Hawks (16.11.107 to 10.11.71).

In their first official hit out of the new season the Swans couldn’t surpress a fast-scoring Hawks contingent but showed periods of excellent fight under new VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski.

The side was bolstered with a raft of AFL-listed players, including Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli, and Taylor Adams who returned to play after sustaining injury in the pre-season. Meanwhile, it provided an opportunity to see last year’s draftees - in particular Jevan Phillipou and Liam Hetherton - against an opposition.

The Swans suffered a slow start kicking their first major 23 minutes into the first quarter. Cunningham and Ladhams showed their composure and experience with a chain of handball possessions, resulting in a goal from young forward Tom Hanily.

While the Hawks defence was able to shut down forward 50 entries in the first, the visitors settled to kick another goal halfway through the second. Jedd Longmire, a late in for the team to replace Will Green, kicked the team’s second with an uncontested mark in the goal square. Dattoli also hit the scoreboard. Inaccuracy in front of goal meant the Swans still trailed by seven at halftime.

The third quarter told another story however as the Swans were kept scoreless after the long break until the 24th minute. James Tidemann slotting a major to bring the deficit back to 28 points. The Hawks ran away with the game and before the final change had extended their lead to 51 points.

Three quick goals from Hayden McLean, Joe Harrison and Taylor Adams

3

Taylor Adams

Age

32

Ht

181cm

Wt

85kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

24.9

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.4

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

4.8

5star

CL

5.0

5star

D

20.4

5star

K

12.4

5star

HB

8.0

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

5.9

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

18.2

5star

K

11.0

4star

HB

7.2

5star

M

4.4

4star

T

3.0

5star

CL

2.2

4star

early in the final quarter showed fight from the Swans before the Hawks responded in similar fashion. VFL-listed Luke Giacometti closed out the game with his first goal in red and white.

Ladhams was the dominant ruck finishing the game with 24 hit outs, 19 disposals and six clearances. Likewise, Adams was prolific in the midfield with 27 disposals and eight tackles.

Hanily proved to be instrumental in front of goal with seven score involvements from 22 touches. VFL captain Nic Shipley also enjoyed a strong outing with 21 disposals and four tackles.

The Swans return to Melbourne on Saturday, April 4 for a clash with Port Melbourne after a Round 2 bye. They will play at ETU Stadium from 1:00pm AEDT.

Hawks too good for Swans in VFL season opener

The Swans go down to the home side by 36 points.

www.sydneyswans.com.au

 

[Mister B]

Incredible scenes in Tassie with their first VFL win as they begin preparations for entry into the AFL.

Had a crowd that already surpasses Gold Coast's AFL average crowd and comes close to that of GWS's AFL crowd.

In true A/VFL fashion, they seemed to cop the raw end of the umpiring against a Vic side.

There are reports coming through that after the game was won, a strapping rooster from Launceston was seen running down the street with a Tassie jumper on, a crown on top of his head and a pair of swans budgie smugglers but no pants. Do you know anything about this The King! ?

 

[The King!]

Incredible scenes in Tassie with their first VFL win as they begin preparations for entry into the AFL.

Had a crowd that already surpasses Gold Coast's AFL average crowd and comes close to that of GWS's AFL crowd.

In true A/VFL fashion, they seemed to cop the raw end of the umpiring against a Vic side.

There are reports coming through that after the game was won, a strapping rooster from Launceston was seen running down the street with a Tassie jumper on, a crown on top of his head and a pair of swans budgie smugglers but no pants. Do you know anything about this The King! ?

Be interesting how crowds go all year , it's just VFL of course .

Ahhh no not me , too many ladies would be excited

 

[Kiama Chris]

Club's match review

The Sydney Swans VFL side have suffered a tough defeat in the Smithy’s VFL 2026 Season opener on Friday afternoon with a 36-point loss against the Box Hill Hawks (16.11.107 to 10.11.71).

In their first official hit out of the new season the Swans couldn’t surpress a fast-scoring Hawks contingent but showed periods of excellent fight under new VFL Head Coach Nick Malceski.

The side was bolstered with a raft of AFL-listed players, including Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli, and Taylor Adams who returned to play after sustaining injury in the pre-season. Meanwhile, it provided an opportunity to see last year’s draftees - in particular Jevan Phillipou and Liam Hetherton - against an opposition.

The Swans suffered a slow start kicking their first major 23 minutes into the first quarter. Cunningham and Ladhams showed their composure and experience with a chain of handball possessions, resulting in a goal from young forward Tom Hanily.

While the Hawks defence was able to shut down forward 50 entries in the first, the visitors settled to kick another goal halfway through the second. Jedd Longmire, a late in for the team to replace Will Green, kicked the team’s second with an uncontested mark in the goal square. Dattoli also hit the scoreboard. Inaccuracy in front of goal meant the Swans still trailed by seven at halftime.

The third quarter told another story however as the Swans were kept scoreless after the long break until the 24th minute. James Tidemann slotting a major to bring the deficit back to 28 points. The Hawks ran away with the game and before the final change had extended their lead to 51 points.

Three quick goals from Hayden McLean, Joe Harrison and Taylor Adams early in the final quarter showed fight from the Swans before the Hawks responded in similar fashion. VFL-listed Luke Giacometti closed out the game with his first goal in red and white.

Ladhams was the dominant ruck finishing the game with 24 hit outs, 19 disposals and six clearances. Likewise, Adams was prolific in the midfield with 27 disposals and eight tackles.

Hanily proved to be instrumental in front of goal with seven score involvements from 22 touches. VFL captain Nic Shipley also enjoyed a strong outing with 21 disposals and four tackles.

The Swans return to Melbourne on Saturday, April 4 for a clash with Port Melbourne after a Round 2 bye. They will play at ETU Stadium from 1:00pm AEDT.

Hawks too good for Swans in VFL season opener

The Swans go down to the home side by 36 points.

www.sydneyswans.com.au

Good to hear that after an interrupted preseason Hanily is putting his hand up quite strongly.

 

[bedford]

That was going to be my question. Was the 4o odd percent disposal efficiency because he was head down in the packs or much of it uncontested and just sloppy?

In packs , has no fear

 

[Kbroome]

I just worry that we can't seem to develop anyone thats over 6'0 tall. We do a good job at developing the half back flankers but we can't develop the tallish midfielder or contested beast. We don't help ourselves by always going for the 5"10 player over the 6"2 player

 

[Elfreeve]

E

I just worry that we can't seem to develop anyone thats over 6'0 tall. We do a good job at developing the half back flankers but we can't develop the tallish midfielder or contested beast. We don't help ourselves by always going for the 5"10 player over the 6"2 player

Eh get that to an extent but does Dawson not count? Mills, if not actually currently playing there.
Warner doesnt fit the criteria but, looking for a Cripps basically? there are few.

McCartin and Melican have played no where else.
Amartey is our product.
There have been few KPP and thats frustrating, but seems more connected with drafting than coaching

Kyle down the line? but would that be our development, or just a good player

 

[Kbroome]

E

Eh get that to an extent but does Dawson not count? Mills, if not actually currently playing there.
Warner doesnt fit the criteria but, looking for a Cripps basically? there are few.

McCartin and Melican have played no where else.
Amartey is our product.
There have been few KPP and thats frustrating, but seems more connected with drafting than coaching

Kyle down the line? but would that be our development, or just a good player

I was more referencing no key position players.

Even with Dawson we basically played him as a half back flanker not exposing his true on ball ability.

Mills is probably the only one but it was for what 3 years before he was better use at half back.

My whole point is that if we draft someone that isn't a key position that is over 6'0 they are basically all but destined to be turned into a half back flanker (e.g. Bowman, Bice)

Went back through the draft history and you have to go back to 2018 in which Rowbottom probably fits that category as the last player we draft that was over 6'1 or so and wasn't a half back flanker that played over say 10 or so games at senior level

 

[momentbymoment]

Its telling me 1 of 2 things and I can't tell which one it is because of how shocking the side is for the last 2-3 years:

1. We have had a horrific run of drafting
2. We are expecting too much from youngsters before they get selected that they are bound to have a stinker performance in this side

1.
I choose 1.

 

[Elfreeve]

I was more referencing no key position players.

Even with Dawson we basically played him as a half back flanker not exposing his true on ball ability.

Mills is probably the only one but it was for what 3 years before he was better use at half back.

My whole point is that if we draft someone that isn't a key position that is over 6'0 they are basically all but destined to be turned into a half back flanker (e.g. Bowman, Bice)

Went back through the draft history and you have to go back to 2018 in which Rowbottom probably fits that category as the last player we draft that was over 6'1 or so and wasn't a half back flanker that played over say 10 or so games at senior level

Maybe its ended up that way, doesnt mean its by design.
Under utilizing Dawson was very annoying, and he wasn't the only one. But its a diff coach now.

Been playing finals mostly the last few years, even if we drafted a Mills or Dawson last year would they be selected as a mid right now instead of our current group?? they would have to have started start as a half back flanker. or half forward flank.

cleary has got games but not in the midfield and doesnt have that height, but same sort of scenario.
maybe Kyle makes it.
dont see Bice as a mid for now at least

 

[Neverwas]

I just worry that we can't seem to develop anyone thats over 6'0 tall. We do a good job at developing the half back flankers but we can't develop the tallish midfielder or contested beast. We don't help ourselves by always going for the 5"10 player over the 6"2 player

We developed McAndrew. He's doing OK....

 

[Kbroome]

Maybe its ended up that way, doesnt mean its by design.
Under utilizing Dawson was very annoying, and he wasn't the only one. But its a diff coach now.

Been playing finals mostly the last few years, even if we drafted a Mills or Dawson last year would they be selected as a mid right now instead of our current group?? they would have to have started start as a half back flanker. or half forward flank.

cleary has got games but not in the midfield and doesnt have that height, but same sort of scenario.
maybe Kyle makes it.
dont see Bice as a mid for now at least

Yep I think its a bit of both we haven't really needed much midfield time to be filled by someone alongside we naturally draft the high speed baller users over the more contested tough players.

Think we can probably just lower the amount of "skinny flankers" we draft each year and draft an extra contested player or two

 

[Kbroome]

We developed McAndrew. He's doing OK....

Was more talking about non talls, seems like we do pretty well developing Rucks. But then we let them go a year or two before they break out. Lets hope we don't do the same with Green