Over the past several years, former Geelong goalkicker Daniel Menzel has had more than his fair share of struggles. With the worst possibly behind him, he is set to join the Sydney Swans after being signed as a delisted free agent.
The news should excite Swans fans who have been looking forward to CEO Andrew Ireland making one last important move before he leaves his position with the team.
Indeed, this would be considered a significant move. Menzel’s presence shores up a frontline that depended heavily last season on both Lance Franklin with 57 goals and youngster Will Hayward, who was the Swans’ next best scorer with 28 goals. Bettors, who believe this move strengthens the Swans roster might want to inquire now about the latest bet365 bonus in anticipation of the new season.
The signing of Menzel removed any doubt about which way the team has decided to go. In recent weeks, there was noise that the team had an interest in rookie Richmond premiership forward Jacob Townsend. After both players cleared a medical examination, it was simply a matter of deciding which player was prepared to help the Swans now. The clear choice was Menzel.
For the time being, Townsend and Tigers’ official are satisfied with the outcome. The team remains committed to keeping Townsend in the fold as he continues his development into a top player.
Throughout his 73-game, 136-goal career, Menzel has shown the kind of talent that could earn him a place among the top players in the League. Unfortunately, he has struggled to stay on the field due to a series of serious injuries, including four procedures on his knees.
In an ironic twist, it was a nagging injury that affected his 2018 season with Geelong. After starting the season with a strong 15 goals in the first 5 games, he went to the sidelines for 11 weeks with a groin injury that just wouldn’t mend. He was slowed for the remainder of the season. Based on his recent medical exam, he looks healthy and ready to get back into action.
One man who is happy to see Menzel’s arrival is Swans’ head of football Charlie Gardiner, who told reporters:
“Dan is a great talent and a proven performer at senior level with Geelong. He brings a wealth of footy experience to our group and we are confident he can add real value to our squad,” Gardiner said. He later added, “Dan has shown tremendous character to work through his injury challenges in his career to date and has shown in his past three seasons that he’s still got a lot to offer at senior level. We hope that a change of scene and a new environment will only strengthen his football. Dan will add to our attack and our scoring ability and has a lot to offer our team and our young and emerging forwards.”
According to Menzel, “I’m really thankful and excited at the opportunity the Swans have given me and I’m looking forward to getting into the club and training with my new teammates.”
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