Charlie Curnow has booted four goals in his first showing in Sydney colours as the club took down the Western Bulldogs in a scratch match 99-66.
The dual Coleman Medallist joined the Swans in the trade period, with the club handing three first round picks, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent to Carlton for his services.
And after another injury interrupted year in 2025, Curnow has trained strongly and hit the pre-season in good form.
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Charlie Curnow kicks a goal in his first Swans action. Sydney Swans
He kicked three of his goals off silver service from star midfielder Errol Gulden, a combo that will likely become quite common across the season.
“A sublime kick – what a start for Curnow,” commentator Damian Watson said on Fox Footy after the first goal.
Ex Swans star Dan Hannebery was equally impressed with the 29-year-old’s work across the afternoon.
“Great finish by Charlie. He’d be loving that. Gulden’s hit him up twice now. He’d be licking his lips whenever Errol’s coming towards him.”
The Bulldogs were considerably understrength for the scratch match on their home deck of Whitten Oval.
Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English, Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy, Ed Richards and Rory Lobb all didn’t play due to Origin, while Cody Weightman, Laitham Vandermeer and Adam Treloar missed with injuries.
Sydney was without Chad Warner, who played in Origin, while Tom Papley and Justin McInerney were their notable injury absences.
Star Dogs defender Bailey Dale had his afternoon cut short with a knee issue. He was spotted with a bandage on his knee after the game.
Curnow took full advantage of the understrength backline with his four goals, while the Bulldogs’ key defensive concerns across the summer seemingly remain.
Fellow Swans key forward Logan McDonald also kicked four in his first game back after missing the entire 2025 season.
No official stats were kept for the practice game, but Hannebery rated Gulden as the best player on the ground.
“He’s been my pick of the bunch. His run from forward 50 to defensive 50 is a sight to behold,” the Swans champion said.
“Impressive performance (by Sydney). They looked the stronger side, clearly the better side on paper and they played like it.
“Gulden looked like he had not missed a beat. It was super impressive.”
The other half of the Curnow trade was in action for Carlton on Wednesday night, with both Will Hayward and Ollie Florent playing well in their win over Brisbane.
For the Dogs, Matt Kennedy was strong in an undermanned midfield, while youngster Lachie Jacques looks like a potential round one bolter.
The Bulldogs will host Hawthorn on February 27 in their next pre-season hit-out, while Sydney hosts GWS the day before.