JLT: Sydney Swans v North Melbourne

Sydney v Nth MelbourneSunday February 19, 2:05pm
at Coffs Harbour International Stadium

Sydney are out to erase their memory of last seasons Grand Final defeat while the Roos will look to fresh new faces to carry their 2017 campaign.

Lineups

Sydney Key Ins: Shaun Edwards, Sam Reid
Sydney Key Outs: Lance Franklin, Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Aliir Aliir

North Melbourne Key Ins: Nathan Hrovat, Marley Williams
North Melbourne Key Outs: Scott Thompson, Todd Goldstein, Robbie Tarrant, Ben Brown

What To Expect

Surprisingly the Swans have named a fairly competitive side to face the Roos. If past pre seasons are anything to go by, coach Longmire normally selects his weakest side to avoid injuries. It will be great to see Sam Reid back in action for the Swans, if he can stand up in this game without Buddy, his name will be moved into the team for round 1. It’s the start of a new generation at Arden St with no Petrie, Harvey or Firrito wearing the blue and white stripes in 2017. The Wolf is anticipating all players moving around different positions to give Brad Scott a clearer idea of how they want to set up this season. For this reason, the Wolf thinks the Swans should have enough structure to take home the win.

Rising Star Watch

Sydney’s first pick in the 2016 Draft Oliver Florent ($41) makes his club debut in this fixture. He’s a smart user around goals and could be in line to replace the injured Tom Papley in the early rounds of 2017. For the Roos, young Ryan Clarke ($10) played 6 matches last year and averaged 17.5 disposals per game including a 27-disposal effort against Collingwood. With the experience lost in their midfield, the Wolf thinks Clarke is in for a big year and the price of $10 will not be around if Clarke can have 20 or more disposals here.

How It’s Shaping Up

Swans By 10

Recommended Bets

Best: Sydney 1-39 ($2.00)