Jack Buller

Sydney tipped to hand Mid-Season Draft recruit AFL debut for Brisbane trip

A second MSD selection is reportedly set to make their maiden appearance in the top flight.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Sydney are expected to hand Mid-Season Draft recruit Jack Buller an AFL debut on Friday night against Brisbane.

Buller traded WAFL club Claremont for the Swans after being drafted with the 15th and final pick in the mid-season count last month following a strong start to his 2023 campaign with the Tigers.

The 22-year-old, who stops the tape at 199cm, booted five goals from 19 disposals in his VFL debut last week against Sandringham to put himself on the selection radar within his first few weeks at the club.

Swans coach John Longmire expressed his delight in the form both Buller and fellow mid-season draftee Harry Arnold brought to the club's reserves unit.

"We picked up a couple of mid-season boys - Jack and Harry - and we had our first VFL win last week," the premiership coach told reporters.

"It was a really good game of footy and went right down to the last two minutes. They were great.

"Just to get two mature age, bigger bodies in our VFL team made a big difference and they did a great job."

Buller's impressive opening stint for the Bloods is now expected to see the Western Australian earn a debut in Round 14 when Sydney travel to the Gabba to take on the Lions.

According to 7 News reporter Ryan Daniels, Longmire is set to name Buller in his side to face the Queensland club this week.

A debut for Buller would see the tall forward become the second 2023 Mid-Season Draft selection to make his debut following Eagle Ryan Maric's first game against Adelaide last week.

Daniels has also reported that Buller's strong start in the Harbour City saw his six-month contract extended after just a pair of training sessions. The length of the extension is not yet known or confirmed.

Buller booted eight goals from five appearances for Claremont prior to being drafted, flexing his aerial dominance and strength before battling a calf injury.

Those traits were on show last week against the Zebras, with the Swans now hoping for the same when Buller makes his maiden senior appearance.

Sydney Swans player Jack Buller (Image by Sydney Swans, Phil Hillyard)

The Swans could enter this week's contest with a tall lineup should they call on Buller, with forward Joel Amartey likely to be considered for a starting role after being the sub last week against St Kilda.

Longmire will welcome the return of co-captain Luke Parker from suspension, while defender Nick Blakey is nursing a toe injury that could hamper his selection chances.

The aforementioned Arnold was also impressive in the VFL last week and could earn an AFL debut this year as the Swans look to aid their injury-hit defence.

Published by
Mitch Keating