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Swans to watch in 2010

SPEEDY defender Brett van Groningen is one player to keep an eye on for Swan Districts in the colts this season.

The 18-year-old recorded some impressive results at last year’s WA State Screening tests, including third overall in the Agility run and fourth in the 20m sprint, with a time of 2.84 seconds.

He was also selected to play in the West Coast intra club match last February, and won the D.C Goddard Shield after finishing fifth in the club’s best and fairest votes at the 2009 colts awards.

van Groningen has an attacking mindset across half-back, and has also shown that he can run and carry, as well as chase down opponents with his explosive bursts of pace. 

Sam Pullman, who is the grandson of ‘60s ruckman Allen Mycock had a stellar season in the colts, and is another player to watch.

The 18-year-old was included in the backline for the 2009 colts Team of the Year, alongside Brett Hodge (Perth) and Luke Symonds (Subiaco).

Pullman has been described as a utility player, whose athletic ability and overhead marking are his greatest strengths.

He also recorded the second fastest time in the 20m sprint at the WA State Screening tests. The time of 2.86 seconds was the third fastest statewide.

MEANWHILE Swan Districts football manager Matt Peach says new recruits Matt Riggio (North Melbourne) and Tom Roach (North Ballarat/Richmond) will bring plenty of added depth to the Swans midfield brigade this season.

But despite suffering from shin splints, Peach said Riggio would be right to go for the Swans round 1 clash against West Perth at Arena Joondalup on Saturday March, 20. 

“Matt has trained really well with us so far, and we think he will be a real asset to our midfield,” he said.

“He’s got a strong body for a teenager, and he will add a lot of value to our line-up.”

As for Tom Roach:

“You’ll see him along the wing this season because he’s a good user of the ball, and he’s an elite runner,” Peach said.

While the absence of teen sensation Nic Naitanui from the side may have put a damper on the spirits of some Swans supporters, Peach pointed out that big man Llane Spaanderman did an exceptional job in the ruck last year and would no doubt continue his good work in 2010. 

“Llane carried the ruck responsibilities last season, with Nic only playing six or seven games due to injury and AFL duties, so I think he’s more than capable of handling that sort of workload again this year,” he said.

Spaanderman amassed 352 hit-outs last year in his 20 games, at an average of 17, while Naitanui (122 hit-outs) averaged 20 in just six games.