A massive season opener for both teams going back and forth for the best part of three quarters. Until finally in the fourth the Swans on home soil took control and our young guns stood up and blazed away to a 98-69 victory on a glorious day down in Thanh Long Sports Center.
This game showed us that the Swans are in good hands going forward with our youth being the key talking point at the end of the contest. Although, we can’t forget the BIG return of much loved Swan great Timmy Pickert showing us all his leadership on the ground and doing some magical defending from half back until his arch nemesis, the hamstring, got him again. All hoping Timmy will be right to go next week for the Anzac day test against Hong Kong, who rumour has it are bringing over a strong contingent of experienced lads.
In the first quarter it was the Warriors who flew out the traps getting on the board scoring two quick goals and indicating to the Swans this ain’t going to be a walk in the park. As the quarter progressed the Swans managed to wrestle back two goals of their own with monster ruck man and a standout all day, big Jed nailed our first. Then after great pressure by the boundary to force a turnover followed by a great finish from Will Sandman at the very end of a close quarter to finish up at a tight 25-21 to Malaysia.
Going out for the second quarter we were all well aware that we were going to have to battle all day for this one. It was our midfield powerhouses who took the stand with Jono scoring a bomb from the middle of the ground, Tish bullying his way through all afternoon, Sean Milner always adding his experience around the ground and adding to the scoresheet and Hung scoring a screamer from the boundary that got everyone up and about. Swans just about in the lead with the sides going in 42-36 at the half.
At the start of the second half both teams went blow for blow but it was Irish giant Eoin putting on a great display and linking up well with the King of the North Spence who finished the day top scorer with three big ones. The Warriors would not go away and if it wasn’t for our defence made up of legends Billy, Nate, JB and Timmy guiding our future talent in defence Jakob and Fionn who we all could see were improving as the day progressed with some great spoils and tackles. Brady’s experience from playing hard footy in the London AFL was also clear and well needed by the Swans in much warmer conditions then he’d be used too.
As we entered the fourth with a slender 63-51 lead we had to keep the pressure up and give it everything and it was there when the big man up front Cam King put his hand up and finally put his name on the scoresheet after a difficult day for forwards on the smaller ground. The quarter finished off with another indication that the future is looking bright with Patty scoring his second of the day and young Sam, who’s come up through the Aus kick, scoring a great goal and wheeling off in celebration as the Swans added the final nail. The Swans marching on too a hard fought victory against a great outfit from Malaysia. Great effort from the Warriors and a massive thank you for coming over.
Final score Swans 14.14=98, Warriors 10.9=69
SWANS. 2.1, 6.6, 9.9, 14.14 (98)
WARRIORS 2.5, 5.6, 7.9, 10.9 (69)
GOALS
Swans: Jed, Will, Hung, Jono (2), Tish (2), Sean, Spence (3), Patty (2), Sam, Cam K.
Great hit out for the Swans as we prepare for Anzac day against Hong Kong on the 20th of April at RMIT in a massive event where the women’s team will get there highly anticipated first hit out of the year as they will have a massive target on there back as they go to defend their Asian Champs crown.
Also you can’t miss the opener for the day, the Legends VS All stars game starting at 10am. For further information, all details for the day have been posted on the Swans website and Facebook. Looking forward to seeing a massive crowd down at RMIT on the 20th.
Hoooooooooonk!
