PRIZED signing Brent Arho will make his first appearance for Griffith when the Swans take on Farrer League premiers East Wagga-Kooringal on Saturday.
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The Swans will have their first trial game of the pre-season when they take on the Hawks at Gumly Oval at 4pm.
Arho will line-up at full-forward in his first game in the Riverina since helping Collingullie-Glenfield Park to the 2014 flag.
Mick Duncan, who had moved to the Gold Coast, will also line-up for Griffith, as well as recruits Ash Verhagen, Jacob Barrington, Toby Blissett, Rocky Perre and Luke Shannon.
Griffith coach Adrian Pavese is happy with how many players have made themselves available for the trial, which is part of the Swans pre-season training camp.
“About 90 per cent of our senior squad is playing, which is good,” Pavese said.
“Talking to people this morning, it would nearly have to be the first time we’ve had so many players available for the first trial game.
“It’s as good of a side we’ve had for a first trial game.”
Missing will be Guy Orton, James Toscan, Jacob Conlan, Alex Blissett and Jack Rowston.
Pavese expects a solid hit-out from the Hawks.
“Obviously we’re playing the Farrer League premiers, they’ll be red hot and we’re looking forward to the challenge there,” he said.
“They’ve got the best ruckman in the Riverina in Nick Hull, along with guys like Chris Gordon and Ben Absolum, so they’ve got some quality there. We’re looking forward to it.
“Being our first hit-out, I know we’re not going to be perfect but I want to see signs that we’re on the right path.”
Teenage recruit Jacob Barrington will shoulder the ruck duties, while returning player Richard Malone will slot in at full-back.
The Swans will spend Friday and Saturday night at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre as part of their camp, where more than 50 players will attend.
They will round out their preparation with a second trial game against Gungahlin at Barellan on April 1.
Meantime, the Swans have snared a late signing.
Griffith have secured the services of former Ovens and Murray League player Heath Northey, who has moved to town.
Northey will only play about 10 games due to work commitments but will provide another midfield option for the Swans.
Northey played with Wahgunyah last year and represented Tallangatta League.
Griffith team v East Wagga-Kooringal
B: S Daniel, R Malone, D Peruzzi
HB: L Shannon, A Verhagen, J Gastin
C: S Foley, J Iudica, L Conlan
HF: T Bruns, C Moore, T Blissett
F: M Duncan, B Arho, K Duncan
Foll: J Barrington, W Griggs, B King
Inter: A Coldwell, D Crack, R Perre, B Tarr, A Cappello, J Keenan.