We joined the entire AFL community Australia wide, in celebrating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture and their contribution to our wonderful game, in the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round! Closer to home, our club was also celebrating the opening of our brand new amenities block, and our spectacular brand new playing attire! And didn't the weather turn it on just for us!
It was great to share with the Tweed Coast Tigers and the Ballina Bombers, and once Caleb Maguire, from the Under 12's, read the official dedication of the day, the siren sounded and the games took centre stage!
Swans U14’s vs Tweed Coast Tigers U14’s Friday night
With a full complement of players and coming off the back of a strong last game, the under 14’s turned up to the game positive and brimming with confidence.
From the start the Swans were dominating the clearances with slick hands around the contest and this resulted in an early lead. Playing his first game for the club, Josh Speak stopped any move forward for the Tigers as he bullocked his way through and set up the play from the back.
On a greasy night where the ball seemed to slip through many players fingers, Caleb was able to be clean with both hands and feet and seemed to get more involved as the game wore on. Sascha took the game on at every opportunity, while Django HS was again in and under every contest.
The quick movement from the Swans was a standout as they ran away with it in the last quarter with the repeated kicks inside 50 finally being rewarded. Well done under 14’s!
Superstars Swans Vs Tweed Tigers
Our youngest and brightest had the spectators cheering constantly showing off all of their ever improving skills and dash! Never a dull moment watching these champs size up the options, take great care to make the right decision, and then 3-2-1, make the right play!
I'm sure the older players could learn quite a lot from these kids, in how to handle pressure!! Keep it up Superstars, you guys rock!
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Swans Under 8's vs Tweed Tigers U8 Black
The 8's, under the guise of stand-in coach Luke's expert tutorship, began their game against the Tigers Black team from Tweed. It is evident now, that from the pre-game warm ups and into the game itself, that all the players are well and truly into the season, and playing fantastic footy!
Do not think for one moment that these diminutive bundles of energy are out there having a bit of a Sunday kick in the park! They are turning up and putting together some great passages of play, showcasing new skills all the time. Both teams kept running until the final siren sounded, and as is custom, they all shook hands, cheered each other and the umpire, and headed off the ground for a well earned rest!
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Voucher Winners
Brayden Malloy
Damien Hyde
Swans Under 10's White vs Ballina Bombers U10 Black
The 10's White team took on the Bombers U10 Black team in a fast moving and highly skilful display, with the ball constantly rebounding to both ends of the ground! The fast pace in the beautiful sunshine, with the brand new playing kits on, was a brilliant sight to see, and the players from both teams duly responded in a great contest.
Urged on by coach Rich, the Swannies played a fantastic brand of competitive footy. The desire from all players to get in and have a go is what is really strengthening this age group, not only for this season, but for the future as well. As with all the age groups, it is no surprise to see the massive improvements made since Round One. Keep it going!
Voucher Winners
Lachlan Bowker
Harvey Power
Swans Under 10's Red vs Tweed Tigers U10 Black
It was the 10's Red team up next against the Tigers from Tweed. In another highly entertaining game both teams once again showed that as the season progresses, each player really begins to reach their peak and then take it to the next level.
The 2 Under 10's teams are really establishing themselves a great core group of players, with varying levels of skill and experience on offer. With the more "seasoned" player able to play up to the Under 12's if needed, while the younger, or less experienced player, continues to develop in their own age group, it creates a depth that junior clubs like ours have always wanted. Coach John is steering the Red ship in the right direction!
Voucher Winners
Steele Burton
Sydney-Jack Baker
Swans Under 10 Girls vs Ballina Bombers U10G's
Our 10's Girls team, with the generous help of the Bombers, had a great game of footy on Sunday much to the delight of all who witnessed it! The confidence and improvement that each girl has shown is wonderful to see. To be part of a team that encourages, learns and laughs
together is such an important building block for young kids, and these girls along with Coach Corey's guidance are achieving that, each and every week. We often underestimate how big a deal it is for a new player, to just touch the ball or get a little hand pass away. Well done girls!
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Voucher Winners
Mihaela Butcher
Charlee Condon
Swans Under 12's vs Tweed Tigers U12's
The final game of this momentous day came down to our ever improving 12's outfit against the very strong Tigers from Tweed. The scene was set from the opening bounce, as the pressure and desperation was extremely high from both teams.
Bodies hit the packs hard, diving on the ball, bumps, shepherds, and tackling, and plenty of hard ball gets. It was a tough in and under style game and also one of the most entertaining games of the year!
The Swannies jumped out early but the Tigers always stayed close enough. It was an incredible game that seesawed constantly, with incredible and courageous acts from all players involved. When the final siren sounded, the Swannies were pipped by just 2 points!
How disappointed they were, this was a 10 goal turn around from the last time these 2 played! That's what made this game such a pleasure for everyone to watch. Congratulations to both teams!
Swans: 7.9.51
Tigers: 8.5.53
Goal Kickers: Tom Bowker 2, Louis Ashby 2, Caleb Maguire 1,
Malachi Canning 1, Lachlan Power 1
Voucher Winners
Madison Power
Lachlan Power
That brings an end to a fantastic round of footy. We have really enjoyed hosting all the clubs over the past three weeks, and now it's our turn to hit the road and travel to our neighbours homes! Keep an eye on the fixtures, and good luck Swannies!!