AFL CANBERRA ROUND TWO 2011 $3.00 - neafl

neafl article
SWANS RESERVES
READY TO KICK
OFF NEW SEASON
By JOHN FORRESTER
By Natasha Lorenz
SWANS
THE SWANS RESERVES HAVE BEEN
COMPETING IN THE AFL CANBERRA
COMPETITION SINCE 2003 WHERE THEY
DOMINATED THE LEAGUE PLAYING IN
AND WINNING FOUR GRAND FINALS
BETWEEN 2005- 2008.
The implementation of the North East Australian
Football League (NEAFL) has changed the outlook of
AFL in Canberra. The Eastern Conference will include
the five Canberra based clubs and the two Sydney
based AFL clubs in the Swans and the GIANTS.
With restrictions placed on the Swans Reserves as to
how many listed players may be named in the team
and how many are allowed on the field at one time.
The Reserves have taken it in their stride making it
into the Preliminary finals last year only to be beaten
by eventual runners-up Eastlake.
New coach of the Swans Reserves, Henry Playfair
is excited about the new NEAFL competition and
believes it will benefit the Reserves as they prepare
for the Eastern Conference.
“I think it is a great initiative from the AFL, just to
raise another second tier competition in NSW and
Queensland, it lifts the profile of our reserves and
AFL Canberra… It gives our young players exposure to
AFL listed clubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast and GWS….
Anything that benefits our younger players to come
up and play seniors is a good thing.”
Playfair took over the Swans Reserves coaching role at
the start of the season after having to retire suddenly
last year. He is enjoying being a part of the Swans
again and is working closely with Swans Senior coach
John Longmire as to the style the Swans will play
throughout the season.
“I have really enjoyed it, it’s been fantastic to stay
involved in the club…I think it is hard to say what my
style will be, I am working that out myself….
I am certainly trying to implement what John is doing
at the senior level and trying to get the players ready
to step up to senior football.”
New draftees and rookies of the club began their preseason
training in November last year, where players’
fitness levels were the main focus before turning their
attention to skill development.
The Swans Reserves have started their pre-season off
strongly winning all of their practise matches against
the East Coast Eagles, Belconnen and the GIANTS.
Playfair said that he is looking forward to the season
starting this weekend against Eastlake and he is
hoping that the players take on board feedback and
are able to improve each week.
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