The Swans and Giants kicked off their 2025 campaigns in an unofficial scratch match on Friday morning, with the heated rivals facing off in four 30-minute quarters while fielding majorly senior-level players.

The usual stars of Chad Warner, Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney, Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan featured across all four quarters, with coaches Dean Cox and Adam Kingsley utilising the unofficial match to prep their key personnel for Opening Round.

It remains a possibility that after a full pre-season match under their belt, the Sydney-based talents will be given less game time in the Community Series to ease their workload before an intense first home and away game against Hawthorn and Collingwood respectively.

The Swans claimed a 57-point win over GWS by the final siren, but both sides can take plenty of positives from a wet-weather occasion.

McCartin's positional change answers no questions

As anticipated through the pre-season, Cox's initial positional change since taking the reins from John Longmire was broadcast in action for the first time on Friday.

Tom McCartin was utilised in a swingman role for the first time since 2020, although the pre-season clash saw McCartin stationed inside 50 for the entirety of the February match simulation.

It was a trying performance from McCartin, who had to wrestle with a top-tier key defender in Jack Buckley for the whole two-hour run-through, with a free kick in the final minute providing McCartin with a confidence-boosting reprieve. The major put his name on the goalkickers list for the first time since 2020, but it was a hard-fought day out for McCartin.

Although McCartin struggled to look lively himself, his presence took attention away from his forward-line cohort, as Joel Amartey and Braeden Campbell capitalised on an entangled Buckley and the absence of Sam Taylor.

McCartin's positioning showed positive signs for his new role despite an underwhelming scoreboard effort, and thus the forward experiment should be likely to continue in the Community Series to gage another look at its potential impact.

Additionally, forward Sam Wicks spent time in the backline in replacement for McCartin, showing a glimpse of line-breaking ball use with a chiselling delivery to Braeden Campbell in the second quarter.

Shades of Adelaide for Amartey, Campbell poised for breakout campaign

In a high-scoring performance, the Swans ultimately cruised in the pre-season Battle of the Bridge, with Joel Amartey and Braeden Campbell dominating the scoresheet early on.

Amartey was praised by the commentary team for his leading and marking, which resulted in a sharpshooting six-goal haul for the day, reminiscent of his untouchable display at Adelaide Oval last year where the 25-year-old kicked nine.

Versatile utility Campbell stole the show early in the piece however as he spent the majority of the first half in the forward line. The recently re-signed Swan booted four goals in under a quarter and a half in promising signs for Sydney's offence in 2025.

Campbell missed just three games in 2024 but played six games as the substitute, including the grand final. However, the former Pick 5 looks poised for a breakout year and should solidify himself as a key component of Sydney's best 23.

Giants youngsters lay claim for Opening Round debut

A pair of Giants youngsters have made their case for Opening Round selection, with Cody Angove and James Leake each producing quality moments in their first 2025 hitouts.

Angove played impressively in his four-quarter effort, snagging the Giants' opening two goals, but remained desperate to influence the contest leaping for a smother with just eight minutes left in the contest, let alone in the significant downpour.

Angove was drafted with GWS' second selection at the 2024 National Draft, taken at Pick 24. A speedy half-forward, Angove demonstrated such skills with a chase-down tackle inside 50 rewarded with a free kick that resulted in the 18-year-old's second goal for the day.

James Leake and Oliver Hannaford only appeared in the final quarter of match simulation, however, it didn't take long for the former to make an impact.

Swung in a tackle after an inside 50 throw-in, Leake miraculously put boot to ball and dribbled through GWS' final goal for the encounter.

If more minutes are rewarded to the midfielder in the upcoming Community Series clash, the uncapped 19-year-old could produce more brilliance and perhaps earn an Opening Round call-up to the senior side.