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UNSW students ready to fly in AFLM season opener

Just weeks after UNSW formalised its partnership with the Sydney Swans, the famous 'bloods' take to the field for the first time in 2022.

Published on the 18 March 2022 by UNSW Media

Just weeks after UNSW formalised its partnership with the Sydney Swans, the famous 'bloods' take to the field for the first time in 2022. Their season will open with a local derby against their crosstown rivals the Greater Western Sydney Giants. 

Of the 10 UNSW students and Elite Athlete Program members on the current playing list for the Swans, eight will line up for Saturday's season opener, including Commerce student Angus Sheldrick, who will make his senior debut.

Pulled from the 2021 AFLM draft, Sheldrick was speechless when head coach John Longmire called him with the news.

“Horse (John Longmire) called me and asked me why I thought they should pick me this weekend. I went through a couple of points about the way I play and he agreed and told me to bring my strengths on the weekend,” Sheldrick told sydneyswans.com.au.

“I was lost for words, it took a few minutes for the news to sink in. I said ‘thank you so much’ and told him I would do everything I could to prove him right.

“Dad was lost for words too, he didn’t know what to say, he was just super proud of me. Mum was a little more frantic and just started going crazy with her excitement.”

Longmire believes Sheldrick will make an impression on debut.

“It’s great to give another player their first jumper for the Sydney Swans,” he said.

“We know he’s really hard, he’s a massive competitor and we’re really excited to see what he can do. He’s really impressed us so far and we know whatever happens from here, he will just keep improving.”

Alongside Sheldrick will be another seven UNSW students, including co-captain Dane Rampe (Master of Commerce), UNSW-ES Bulldogs recruit Errol Gulden (Bachelor of Arts), James Rowbottom (Bachelor of Commerce), Dylan Stephens (Bachelor of Arts and Business), Sam Wicks (Bachelor of Commerce), Hayden McLean (Bachelor of Construction Management) and Logan McDonald (Bachelor of Arts and Business).

Bachelor of Construction Management student Kieren Briggs has been listed as an emergency for the GWS Giants. 

The match will take place at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park at 5:10pm on Saturday and will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, Kayo and 7Mate.

Sydney Swans players and staff with UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Attila Brungs

UNSW celebrated the formalising of its partnership with the Sydney Swans in February. Photo: Sydney Swans