AFL

'We can do anything': Swans up for Lions test

Mar 13, 2026

(L-R) Charlie Curnow and Matt Roberts. — The Swans got the season off and running in fine fashion and next face the defending premiers. -AAP Image

Spearheaded by a rejuvenated Charlie Curnow, a new-look Sydney now believe their scintillating best footy can go with the AFL's best.

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And for defender Nick Blakey, there's no better way to test that theory than by going toe-to-toe with the reigning premiers.

Marquee recruit Curnow worked his way into his first game as a Swan, kicking three goals against former club Carlton.

Beyond his own goal kicking feats, Curnow also looms as the player who can open up Sydney's attack for others to flourish.

"You bring the best forward in the comp into the team and everyone looks for him," Blakey told AAP following the win over Carlton.

"Early we were just banging it into him a bit. He's got such a big presence, he's an extremely good player - so that's normal.

"But once we start shifting the ball around and play our game style with speed, there's going to be boys open and everyone will get their lick of the ice cream."

With Brisbane Lions captain Harris Andrews and fellow defender Darcy Gardiner suspended, along with attacking dynamo Zac Bailey, Curnow will be licking his lips.

The Swans will believe they can genuinely take it up to Brisbane, especially on their home deck.

"Couldn't ask for a better challenge. We've had a great win (against Carlton) and, we get to do it again," Blakey said.

"We've got great belief in this group. We love playing for each other. We love playing with each other and we can do anything."

Blakey insists the Swans don't have a point to prove after missing finals in 2025, but want to show they can be a consistently good team again.

"And what a challenge, we verse the back-to-back premiers, they've got a few new players, and it'll be on. There's no doubt about that," he said.

"It'd be a big game back here at the SCG again and a great test."

Classy half-back Blakey, 26, is excited by what a team headlined by Curnow but also including the likes of Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney can deliver - provided the Swans "put our egos to the side".

"We've got a lot of good players. It's pretty scary when you look around," Blakey said.

"I took a moment in the warm-up (against Carlton) and just looked around at the calibre of players we've got.

"Our biggest enemy is going to be ourselves and if we can all just really back in our system and play our role, no one needs to do anything crazy ... we'll be a good team, and that's going to be the biggest challenge."