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WA young gun Angus Sheldrick’s new role in first pre-season at Sydney Swans

Headshot of Jordan McArdle
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Angus Sheldrick.
Camera IconAngus Sheldrick. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

WA young gun Angus Sheldrick will train with Sydney’s forwards during his first AFL pre-season as he learns a new role for 2022.

The Claremont and Christ Church Grammar School product trained with the Swans for the first time on Tuesday alongside fellow West Aussie Corey Warner after the pair spend the pre-Christmas period in Perth.

Sheldrick, a first-round draft bolter who defied predictions by getting snapped with pick 18, expects to become an inside midfielder at AFL level in years to come.

The 18-year-old made a name for himself in the engine room for Christ Church, where he averaged 37 possessions a game last season, and Claremont where he also won their colts fairest-and-best despite only playing nine of a possible 21 games.

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But for now, he will develop his forward craft and slot in across half-forward.

“I’ve just moved to the forward-line recently so some of the forwards like Will Hayward have helped me out,” Sheldrick told the club website.

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“I think I’ll be moving to the half-forward line this year so I’ll probably be a smaller-type forward who can hopefully kick a couple of goals throughout the year.

“I got drafted as an inside mid and I think I’ll develop into that in a couple of years.”

Sheldrick, Corey Warner and second-year WA Swans Logan McDonald and Chad Warner had permission to train together at Revo Fitness Stadium for the first half of pre-season so they could spend time with family and family at home during the Christmas break before heading to Sydney.

Top-five pick McDonald, who booted nine goals in seven games during in his debut season, declared he has “unfinished business” this year as he looks to cement his spot in the seniors.

“Obviously I was happy but not happy at the same time with how my season went last year,” McDonald said.

“I feel like I’ve got unfinished business so I’m just trying to get stronger, put on size, get fitter and learn to work smarter.

“Hopefully I can cement my spot and play a few more games in 2022 and help us win games.”

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