Get ready for an exciting AFL showdown as the Sydney Swans take on the Western Bulldogs in a highly anticipated clash!
The Unveiling of a Superstar
In a highly anticipated move, Charlie Curnow, the superstar recruit, will don the Swans' guernsey for the very first time. This momentous occasion will see Curnow line up alongside key forwards Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald, creating a formidable forward line.
But here's where it gets interesting... the Bulldogs are entering the match with a depleted squad. Six Origin players are absent, and key player Adam Treloar is still nursing a calf injury. However, Ryley Sanders, who has been battling a hamstring issue, has been named in the squad, adding a glimmer of hope to the Bulldogs' lineup.
A Match of Contrasts
The Swans, on the other hand, will be missing notable players like Tom Papley and Justin McInerney, along with Chad Warner, who represented Western Australia recently. Despite these absences, the Swans are set to showcase their new recruit, Curnow, who is expected to make a significant impact.
The match will consist of four 30-minute quarters, with no time-on breaks. The action kicks off at 2 pm AEDT, and you won't want to miss a second of it!
Where to Watch
The only way to catch this thrilling encounter live on Thursday is on Fox Footy. Tune in via Foxtel on Channel 504 or stream it on Kayo Sports. Don't miss out on the excitement!
Squads and Lineups
Here's a breakdown of the squads for both teams:
Western Bulldogs Squad:
- Jedd Busslinger
- Cooper Hynes
- Matthew Kennedy
- Ryley Sanders
- Lachie Jaques
- Harvey Gallagher
- Oskar Baker
- Rhylee West
- Will Darcy
- Jordan Croft
- Nick Coffield
- James O'Donnell
- Connor Budarick
- Tom Liberatore
- Buku Khamis
- Louis Emmett
- Joel Freijah
- Will Lewis
- Lachlan Bramble
- Lachlan McNeil
- Bailey Dale
- Arthur Jones
- Bailey Williams
- Luke Kennedy
- Luke Cleary
- Michael Sellwood
- Lachlan Smith
- Zac Walker
- Sam Davidson
- Ryan Gardner
Notable Absences:
- Rory Lobb (Origin)
- Aaron Naughton (Origin)
- Tim English (Origin)
- Marcus Bontempelli (Origin)
- Sam Darcy (Origin)
- Ed Richards (Origin)
- Adam Treloar
- Lachie Carmichael
- Cody Weightman
- Laitham Vandermeer
- Josh Dolan
- Riley Garcia
Sydney Swans Squad:
- Hayden McLean
- Brodie Grundy
- Isaac Heeney
- Logan McDonald
- James Rowbottom
- Malcolm Rosas
- Angus Sheldrick
- Jai Serong
- Callum Mills
- Sam Wicks
- Braeden Campbell
- James Jordon
- Peter Ladhams
- Errol Gulden
- Nick Blakey
- Dane Rampe
- Riley Bice
- Joel Hamling
- Tom McCartin
- Caiden Cleary
- Matt Roberts
- Charlie Curnow
- Joel Amartey
- Corey Warner
- Lewis Melican
- Jake Lloyd
Absent Players:
- Chad Warner
- Jesse Dattoli
- Tom Papley
- Jevan Phillipou
- Riak Andrew
- Ned Bowman
- Billy Cootee
- Justin McInerney
- Will Edwards
- Max King
- Harry Kyle
Now, here's the part most people miss... this match is more than just a friendly clash. It's an unofficial simulation, a chance for both teams to test their strategies and players ahead of the 2026 AFL season.
So, who do you think will emerge victorious in this battle of the Bulldogs and Swans? Will the Swans' new recruit, Curnow, make a splash in his debut? Or will the Bulldogs surprise everyone with their resilient performance?
Let's discuss in the comments! Are you team Bulldogs or team Swans? Share your predictions and thoughts!
