AFL chief broadcasting and commercial officer Gillon McLachlan yesterday revealed the league had finalised its NAB Challenge schedule, with the Swans and the Tigers to line up in the February 29 clash.
It will be the second successive year Sydney has played in a AFL pre-season trial in the Riverina.
AFL NSW-ACT general manager Dale Holmes described Sydney’s return as a positive outcome for the region.
“The community response was overwhelming and bringing the Swans and Tigers NAB Challenge to the region this year is reward for the support shown by Narrandera Shire Council and the broader community,” Holmes said yesterday.
“We’re covering a lot of ground this pre-season so more fans have access to the elite competition and its players.
“I would really encourage people to come and support the game at Narrandera and also help celebrate Australian football’s 150th birthday.
“We’re taking the 150th celebrations to Narrandera.”
Southern NSW AFL boss Paul Habel was pleased with the announcement that Sydney and Richmond were playing in Friday week’s pre-season encounter.
“Southern NSW AFL is very pleased with the teams coming to Narrandera,” he said.
“We’re pleased to welcome any AFL teams to the region.
“Of course, after the success of the Swans and their involvement prior to, during and after the game last year was fantastic.
“And we’d also expect Richmond to receive significant support from around the region.”
Habel praised the Swans’ professionalism during the club’s 2007 visit to the region.
Both clubs are expected to name near full-strength squads for Narrandera’s second straight pre-season game.