Versatile young local product Dan Robinson is set to reap the rewards of two solid years on the rookie list after being selected to make his senior debut for Sydney against Carlton at the SCG on Friday night.
Robinson is the only change to the Swans side that beat Hawthorn last round. The 20-year-old third-year player from Mosman comes in for Jake Lloyd.
“I’ve still got the shakes I think, I’m still in shock but really excited,” Robinson said. “Horse (coach John Longmire) grabbed me from the change rooms and took me up to match committee. All the coaches were there, so it was a bit confronting walking in but great news coming out.”
Longmire said Robinson’s NEAFL form had demanded selection. “He has worked really hard at his game, can take a good mark overhead and can play a number of positions so he really deserves this opportunity”, he said.
Meanwhile, the GWS Giants are hoping to celebrate Heath Shaw’s 200th game with a fourth win in a row, when they play Ryan Griffen’s old team Western Bulldogs in Melbourne on Saturday.
Coach Leon Cameron has made two changes to the side that beat Adelaide with Aidan Corr coming in for the suspended Phil Davis and Lachie Whitfield returning from illness in place of Zac Williams.
Cameron said Corr had been unlucky to miss out last round but was being groomed for a long future at the club.
“Aidan’s played six games this year and he’s really starting to learn his craft as a key defender,” Cameron said. “He’ll have his ups and downs but we see him as a long-term player for this footy club and we can see that he’s going to hold down one of those key posts for the next 10 years we hope.”
The coach suggested Williams, too, was unlucky, a casualty of a side with a small injury list and in good form.
“It’s great for the coaching staff because it means you’ve got a full book of players to choose from but it’s hard for the players, especially Zac,” he said.
“He’s had three sub opportunities and really hasn’t had a great opportunity to get stuck into a full game but his time will come. In one way it’s good that these players are doing a hard apprenticeship so when they do come in, they value it so much, but I also understand it’s frustrating for them as well.”
Originally posted by THE AGE.
