Star South Barwon midfielder Sam James has labelled the annual opportunity to play on Anzac Day a “massive privilege” ahead of tomorrow’s blockbuster meeting with St Joseph’s.
Since 2009, the Swans and Joeys have been going head-to-head in a clash that annually draws a massive crowd.
Despite forecast rain, a battle between last year’s beaten grand finalists and the minor premiers is sure to draw plenty of interest from neutral GFNL followers.
“(We’re) very fortunate to play on that day,” James told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“It’s obviously a bit of a spectacle for the GFL.
“We know what it means, and we’re not going to take it for granted, that’s for sure.
“Hopefully it’s a bit better than last year.”
Not only did South Barwon suffer its tenth consecutive Anzac Day loss to St Joseph’s, but the 18-point defeat marked James’s last appearance of the season.
He suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery, ending his 2024 campaign.
However, James, who is in his fourth season at McDonald Reserve after arriving from North Warrnambool, is keen to help the Swans win an elusive premiership after suffering consecutive grand final losses.
“The boys are obviously extremely hungry,” he said.
“Pretty unfortunate with, obviously, getting so close. Hopefully, this year will be a bit different.
“We’ll try and have a good crack at it.”
Following the departure of assistants Andrew Hodgson (Werribee), Trent Rogers (Surf Coast), and Wayne Amos, third-year coach Mark Neeld has added former GFNL senior coaches Damien McMahon (Newtown & Chilwell) and Alex Tortora (St Albans) to his staff.
Former North Shore star and Newtown & Chilwell underage coach Kaine Marsh is also working under Neeld.
“The experience and knowledge that they bring is second to none,” James said.
“And it’s very refreshing to have new coaches on board, so the boys are gravitating towards that nicely.”
Recruits Paddy Bourke (Inverleigh) and Geelong VFL-listed Oscar Pollock (Port Fairy) have been named to make their senior debuts for South Barwon.
The Swans have also included Harry Cunningham.
Second-year midfielder Paddy Kelly will be on VFL duty with the Cats, while Dustin Burns and Round 1 debutant Jaxon Elzinga have been omitted.
St Joseph’s has made one change to the team that defeated Leopold at Lorne on Easter Saturday.
Gun defender Liam Betson replaces Ben Clark.
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