Charlie Soars as Lance Stands Apart: Swans’ Hype is Real
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox remains cautious in drawing parallels between Charlie Curnow and the legendary Lance Franklin. Curnow, who is set to make his official Swans debut against his former team, Carlton, on Thursday night at the SCG, brings a buzz to the season opener.
Charlie Curnow’s Impact on the Swans
Despite Curnow’s impressive credentials, Cox emphasizes the unique stature of Franklin in the sport. He noted, “Lance sits in a league of his own—he’s one of the top five players ever to play the game.” Even though Curnow shares a similar narrative of excitement around his debut, Cox believes their playing styles differ.
The excitement surrounding Curnow is evident, and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledges the significant attention the forward generates for the Swans. Dillon highlighted the team’s historical success with prominent key forwards, stating, “The Swans have a great track record of recruiting big key forwards.” He believes Curnow could thrive at the SCG, having previously scored over 80 goals in a season.
What to Expect in the Season Opener
This match promises to be an emotional affair, featuring a mix of familiar faces. Carlton will debut seven new players, including former Swans Will Hayward and Oliver Florent. Their arrival adds an additional layer of intrigue to the season launch.
- Debuting for Sydney:
- Charlie Curnow (Formerly from Carlton)
- Jai Serong (Ex-Hawthorn defender)
- Malcolm Rosas Jnr (Former Gold Coast forward)
- Debuting for Carlton:
- Jakob Weitering (Expected to recover from injury)
- Ben Ainsworth
- Campbell Chesser
- Liam Reidy
Excitement at the SCG
Dillon emphasized that every game at the SCG is a notable event. The matchup against Carlton, highlighted by the presence of ex-Swans players, creates a thrilling atmosphere to kick off the season. With both teams adjusting to significant player changes, the stakes are high as they vie for early-season momentum.
As the season begins, the spotlight will be on Curnow, the Swans’ hype, and the overall clash with Carlton, showcasing a rich blend of talent and history.
