With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
We saw the Swans surge into the finals action last year, how will the red and white go in this season under new coach Ash Baker?
SCOOP: Welcome Ash to the BFNL coaching ranks - tell us a bit about yourself and how you landed the job at the Swans...
ASH BAKER: I'm a former coach of the Swans, not unfamiliar with the surroundings. I met with fellow teacher and outgoing coach Chris Maple and post those discussions (in a round-about way) I was appointed.
S: What sort of footy can we expect to see from the Swans in 2025?
AB: We'll aim to continue the hard work done from previous years. In a nutshell, method at the contest, spread well and good use of the footy should hold us in good stead.
S: What challenges do you think playing an extra two games with less breaks present now each team has the opportunity of playing each other twice?
AB: It certainly evens up the draw, no excuses. Recovery/fatigue may play a role but on the positive we get the opportunity to get more games into our group.
S: Have you watched any vision of the Swans in preparation or is it a clean slate approach?
AB: I've watched plenty of vision and saw a few games live so I’m aware of our immediate strengths and areas required for improvement.
S: Tell us about AFL newcomer Bigoa 'Biggie' Nyuon and the flexibility he brings.....
AB: Biggie is excited to be on board. At the moment we've targeted a key role in defence for him. He's quick and at 200cm has the versatility to go forward or pinch hit in the ruck if required. But predominately back at this stage for Biggie.
S: You lose Lauchlan Dalgleish, Rhys Perry and Keegan Mellington all handy types - have you the depth to cover them and challenge again at the pointy end when the whips are cracking?
AB: It does hurt losing players, there's no shying away from that but we have an exciting group ready to impact at the level now in their 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of senior footy at BFNL level.
S: What has impressed you most at the Swans on and off field over your short time in the job?
AB: On field - commitment of the players especially in a busy four-week block before Christmas. Their willingness to learn is also a huge plus.
Off field - Giving the players every chance of success providing the professional support needed - i.e. strength and conditioning, physio (Tuesdays), trainers (Tues & Thurs) and the addition of a new list manager.
S: 2023/24 Coach Chris Maple remains at the club - what is his new role?
AB: Chris will work with our junior coaches ensuring development and further education.
S: Club Best and Fairest Will Liston is also a big loss - are we likely to see Tristan Maple spend more time through the midfield or is his niche essentially off half back?
AB: We anticipate a similar role for Tristan (Half back/mid) as he continues to grow and develop.
S: Carisbrook trio Harry Butler and the Rinaldi brothers Lewis and Zach impressed, especially in the second half of the season - how are they travelling and what roles have been earmarked for them?
AB: Harry only played 9 games last year - he's up and firing which is really exciting for us. Zak Rinaldi hasn't missed a beat and will again be given a forward/mid role while Lewis is playing in the NT at the moment. Given his numbers especially in the second half of the season you can lock in a starting midfield role.
PLAYER INS:
B. Nyuon (North Melbourne AFL), T. Mitchell (Geelong West)
PLAYER OUTS:
R. Perry (Sebastopol), L. Dalgleish (Drysdale), K. Mellington (Horsham), W. Liston (WA - work placement)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
Tristan Maple (Footscray), Paddy Simpson (train-on Carlton).
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 15 vs Ararat (A)
March 22/23 vs North Ballarat (A, date pending ground availability)
IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)
AB: Lake Wendouree and Redan
FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)
AB: Melton
