Here is the match day guide and preview for the Swans round one clash against the Suns as the AFL returns for 2023.
Match details
- Who: Gold Coast Suns vs Sydney Swans
- When: Saturday 18 March, 8pm
- Where: Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast
- Weather: min 23, max 31. 5% chance of rain
- Click here to buy tickets
- Head-to-head record: Played 14. Swans 10 wins. Suns 4 wins.
Teams
Swans
With little recruitment done over the off-season, the Swans are running with a similar squad to last year but will be without a few injured veterans in Sam Reid, Tom Hickey and Robbie Fox. Peter Ladhams has a big job in front of him as the number one ruck after a disappointing debut season for the club, while Logan McDonald has been included on the bench after missing out on the grand final last year.
Suns
Gold Coast fans would be thrilled to see Ben King back in the line up, with the star forward missing last year due to an ACL injury. Suns Academy graduate Bodhi Uwland will make his AFL debut, while Ben Long will play his first game for the club after crossing from the Saints.
Click here for complete team line-ups.
2022 review and 2023 outlook
2022: Sydney Swans 3rd – 127.9% | 2067 points for | 1616 points against | 16 wins 6 losses
There was so much to like about the Swans’ 2022 season, but unfortunately it will be remembered for the embarrassing 81-point grand final loss to Geelong.
Let’s focus on the positives to start though shall we, Sydney unearthed gun youngsters in Chad Warner, Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey the pick of the lot. Some fringe guys like Ollie Florent, Will Hayward, Robbie Fox and Dylan Stephens all became consistent contributors. Buddy Franklin kicked over 50 goals again and delivered the moment of the year with his 1000th AFL goal, while Paddy McCartin was incredible in his comeback season.
There should be incredible optimism about the Swans heading into 2023, except for the one big negative hanging over their head and unfortunately, history isn’t on their side.
Since 1995, no team that lost a grand final by 40 or more points has gone onto win a final the following year. The Swans have recent experience as well, after losing the 2014 grand final to Hawthorn by 63 points, the Swans finished in the top 4 in 2015 but went out of the finals in straight sets.
The Swans have the side on paper to challenge once again in 2023, it’s just a question of whether they can overcome the scars of last year or not.
2022: Gold Coast Suns 12th – 102.8% | 1871 points for | 1820 points against
The Suns made a few big strides last year and there can’t be any excuses for them to not make their first finals appearance in club history.
Gold Coast secured a few big wins last year, beating finals sides Sydney, Fremantle and Richmond. However, they struggled with consistency and suffered some disappointing losses to bottom six sides in Hawthorn, GWS, and Essendon.
Ben King’s return is massive for the club, and they now boast a seriously potent tall forward line up after terrific form from Maboir Chol and Levi Casboult last year. Touk Miller is simply a star, while Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson are another year older and are ready to take the next step to make this a formidable midfield group.
There hasn’t been this much reason for optimism around Gold Coast since before Gary Ablett’s shoulder injury, so this is year for them to finally play finals and they have the perfect opportunity to showcase their potential at home against Sydney first up.
Last 5 meetings and Heritage Bank Stadium history
- 2022 round 8: Swans 8.13 (61) lost to Suns 10.15 (75) at SCG
- 2021 round 23: Swans 21.10 (136) defeat Suns 6.13 (49) at Marvel Stadium
- 2021 round 6: Suns 15.10 (100) defeat Swans 9.6 (60) at Metricon Stadium
- 2020 round 7: Swans 9.6 (60) lost to Suns 13.14 (92) at SCG
- 2019 round 15: Swans 14.9 (93) defeat Suns 7.9 (51) at SCG
The Suns have had the measure of the Swans lately, winning three of the last four clashes, including an upset win at the SCG last year.
Stewart Dew was a former assistant coach at Sydney and he loves coaching against his former club, with the Suns winning four of six against the Swans under his watch.
The sides have met six times on the Gold Coast with Sydney holding a 5-1 record. Although, they have only played there once since 2017 which the Suns won easily.
Pre match predictions
Return of the King: Ben King to kick 4 goals on his return to the AFL and lead the Suns to victory.
Ohh Errol: Errol Gulden to continue on from his hot pre-season form with 25 touches and a goal.
Have any pre match predictions of your own? Let us know in the comments below.
