Swifts v Kalkee
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Ground: North Park, Stawell, Saturday, 2.20pm.
Umpires: N. Duxson and G. Rigby.
Last time they met: Round 12, 2013. Kalkee 19.12 (126) d Swifts 11.8 (74).
THE Swifts believe they are capable of pulling off the upset of the young season on Saturday against Kalkee.
The Baggies will be at home at North Park for the second consecutive week, and are coming off a big win over Natimuk United.
The final 53-point margin was set up by a strong first-quarter performance.
Swifts coach Paul Hanns said his side would need another fast start.
“We’re hoping the gap between us and Kalkee has narrowed with a few of our kids stepping up to play senior footy now,” he said.
“It gives us some more run, and some of the senior recruits have added more experience to the side as well, which we probably lacked last year.
“We definitely see leg speed as a key to beating Kalkee.”
Julian Carr and Damien McDonald will strengthen the Baggies’ line-up, and prized acquisition Luke Mitchell is a chance to make his debut for the club after returning from an overseas trip.
For Kalkee, the concentration is solely on getting a first win for the season.
Adam Carter will return after playing in a cricket grand final at the weekend, but fellow key forward Josh Beddison is unavailable for selection.
Coach Trevor O’Brien said he was still learning about many of the opposition clubs in his first year in the league.
“They had a good win against Natimuk United at the weekend and they’re higher than us on the ladder, so we’ll certainly show them respect,” he said.
“I’ve heard they’ve improved from last year, but I don’t know how good they were last year.
“We’ll focus on us, but prepare for them as well – I don’t know how good they are, I don’t know how good Natimuk United is and I don’t know how good we are at this stage.”