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Sydney Swans draftee Chad Warner believes he is ready to make an early season debut in the red and white, after an impressive first pre-season in the harbour city.
The East Fremantle product, taken at pick 39 in last year’s draft has made an immediate impression on coach John Longmire and his coaching staff, putting himself in the frame for a round one spot against Adelaide.
“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for,” Warner told Sports Drive on Tuesday.
“I’m striving towards that; it’s been my goal ever since I’ve got here.”
“Hopefully off the back of the practice games we’ve had I can play well in the Marsh series. That will be my best chance of starting round one.”
The Willetton junior averaged 18 disposals in the successful under 18’s championships for WA in 2019, and had a dominant colts campaign for the Sharks, averaging 27 disposals and 6 tackles.
Warner’s competitiveness in match practice has been a standout trait in his time at the Swans, senior coach Longmire even having to tell him to pull back at times.
“He (Longmire) was telling me before a practice game against some of our team mates to calm down, because I like to have a crack, he just wanted me to make sure I knew what I was doing so no one comes off second best.” He said.
The 18 year old is likely to feature in the opening game of the Swans Marsh Community Series opener this Saturday against GWS, with their second match against North Melbourne on March 9th.
IMAGE: AFL Website.