Sydney outperformed an undermanned Western Bulldogs in the club’s match simulation hitout on Thursday afternoon.
With the Bulldogs without Origin stars Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Ed Richards and Aaron Norton, the Swans took an early lead at Witten Oval and never looked back.
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Charlie Curnow scored four goals and was a big hit in his unofficial debut for Sydney Guernsey, while fellow newcomer Malcolm Rosas also dazzled and Logan McDonald looked healthy and looking forward to the future.
Artie Jones was clearly a “standout” for the Bulldogs, and young ballwinner Riley Saunders showed signs in extra time in midfield.
“Lick your lips”: The swan’s gaze provokes new recruits
Charlie Curnow scored four goals against the Bulldogs on Thursday and was squarely integrated into Sydney’s front line.
Just 12 minutes into Match Simulation play, Curnow burst free after coming off a stoppage and scored a beautiful exit kick from Erol Gulden.
“It’s a combination they’ve been talking about all summer. Charlie’s eyes would have lit up with Gruden’s sensational kick,” former Swans star Dan Hanneberry said on the Kayo Sports broadcast.
“It’s a combination that will have every Swans fan and coach licking their tongues.”
Curnow made his second major appearance midway through the second term, this time with a direct goal assist from Errol Gulden, this time exploding down the hallway and firing a long shot to a former Blue player who created space in the pocket.
“Every time Errol goes to the hoop with his shoulders, he’s licking his lips because he got hit twice by Gruden,” Hanneberg said.
And while he scored two goals at the main change, he could have had more as there were some ‘almost’ moments that didn’t go his way at Witten Oval.
“(He) looks like he’s ready. Looks like he’s got a point to prove, right?” said Kayo caller Damian Watson.
Curnow’s third major of the afternoon came after he was again free inside 50 and again accurately kicked from a set shot.
He scored his fourth goal late in the game after coming too close to goal and slipping out from behind. Finish your work quickly.
“Today was a rich day for Charlie Curnow…he was fantastic in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Rosas, the Swans’ other off-season newcomer, was also impressive with his attacking pressure and goal-seeking ability.
The former Sun kicked his first goal in Swans colors within minutes of the match, overcoming intense pressure and diving into the front of the goal.
“How lively. He’s exactly what they’ve been missing at times,” Hanneberry said.
“They had Papley and Hayward, but Pap’s always needed a special kind of support to grind and create.
“His liveliness up front brings other players into the game. Charlie and Logan worked together very well and created a great contest. Their pressure is increasing at center forward.”
Rosas also hit two majors by halftime, providing a truly exciting small forward element in Papley’s absence.
He continued his solid work in the second half, hitting hard and fast contests.
“He’s a big impact player today. When he’s around the ball, something happens. The Swans haven’t had a player like that for a while,” Hanneberry said on the final day.
As Hanneberry pointed out on the air, Rosas and Papley would form a dangerous combination for Dean Cox.
Check out Foxfooty.com.au’s coverage of the Dogs-Swans again in the blog below.
western bulldogs team
5. Jed Basslinger, 6. Cooper Hines, 8. Matthew Kennedy, 9. Riley Sanders, 11. Lachie Jacks, 12. Harvey Gallagher, 13. Oscar Baker, 14. Riley West, 15. Will Darcy, 16. Jordan Croft, 17. Nick Cofield, 18. James O’Donnell, 19. Connor Budalic, 21. Tom Liberatore, 24. Book Kermis, 25. Lewis Emmett, 27. Joel Freier, 28. Will Lewis, 29. Lachlan Bramble, 30. Lachlan McNeill, 31. Bailey Dale, 32. Arthur Jones, 34. Bailey Williams, 35. Luke Kennedy, 36. Luke Cleary, 37. Michael Selwood, 40. Lachlan Smith, 41. Zak Walker, 42. Sam Davidson, 43. Ryan Gardner
absence: Rory Robb*, Aaron Norton*, Tim English*, Marcus Bontempelli*, Sam Darcy*, Ed Richards*, Adam Treloar, Lachie Carmichael, Cody Weightman, Latham Vandermeer, Josh Dolan, Riley Garcia
An asterisk indicates an Origin player.
sydney squad
2. Hayden McLean, 4. Brodie Grundy, 5. Isaac Heaney, 6. Logan McDonald, 8. James Rowbottom, 10. Malcolm Rosas, 12. Angus Sheldrick, 13. Jay Theron, 14. Callum Mills, 15. Sam Wicks, 16. Braden Campbell, 17. James Jordan, 19. Peter Radhams, 21. Errol Gruden, 22. Nick Blakey, 24. Dane Lampe, 26. Riley Buys, 29. Joel Hamling, 30. Tom McCartin, 33. Kayden Cleary, 34. Matt Roberts, 35. Charlie Curnow, 36. Joel Amartey, 37. Corey Warner, 43 Lewis Merican, 44, Jake Lloyd
absence: Chad Warner*, Jesse Dattori, Tom Papley, Jevan Philippou, Liak Andreu, Ned Bowman, Billy Coutee, Justin McInerney, Will Edwards, Max King, Harry Kyle