“A good opportunity”: Swans welcome powerhouse challenge

SOUTH Barwon Football Club coach Mark Neeld says he is looking forward to his team taking on some of the Geelong Football League’s “powerhouse” sides.

The Swans will test their mettle against both of last year’s grand finalists St Mary’s (Round 10) and Leopold (Round 11) in the next two rounds.

Sitting fifth on the GFL ladder with six wins through nine rounds, South Barwon is fresh off two convincing wins against the league’s two bottom sides in Lara (127-37) and most recently St Albans (26-182).

“This is a good opportunity just to see how things are going against two of the competition’s powerhouse clubs halfway through the season,” Neeld said.

“Our focus preparation-wise will be maintaining the style of play we have played since Round 1.

“We’re an extremely young side, with maybe three players over the age of 25, so we won’t change our style too much.”

Several Swans also re-signed for 2024 last week.

Taylor Mulraney, Dylan Starkie, Kelly O’Neil, Todd White, Chris Hughes, Fraser Duryea, Austin Shepherd, Rowan Gough, and captain Matt Caldow to name a few announced their commitment to the Swans next year.

Caldow missed last weekend’s game against St Albans due to soreness but is expected to return to the side this weekend.

Swans Zac Urquhart and Will Sexton have suffered hamstring (Round 7) and hand (Round 9) injuries respectively and will miss extended time.

Former South Barwon junior Fraser Fort (Central Districts, SA) has played a crucial utility role for Neeld this season.

Used primarily in the backline, Fort has also been effective in both the ruck and forward line, kicking five goals against St Albans last weekend providing an extra marking target next to Swans key forward Andrew Bosely.

Neeld will also return to McDonald Reserve next season joining the Swans under a three-year deal at the end of last year.

Neeld said after a couple years off coaching duties, he was happy to be back in the full swing of a football season.

“I think this is my 26th year of coaching footy and I really enjoy it.

“South Barwon have welcomed me and my family with open arms, it is a really good community football and netball club, like other clubs around the region.

“The volunteers that volunteer their time are crucial and Thursday night meals are always a highlight of the week.

“I am really pleased Matt Caldow knocked on my door last year asking me to coach his side this season.”

South Barwon heads to Anthony Costa Oval to take on reigning premiers St Mary’s from 2.10pm tomorrow (Saturday June 24).