Fraser Marris earns unique VFL chance with Sydney Swans

Fraser Marris will play for Sydney against GWS Giants at Melbourne's Holden Centre after a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales forced the teams to temporarily relocate south.

NAB League 19-year-old-listed footballers, such as Marris, were called on to help fill player shortages.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels talent manager Damian Ross said the inside midfielder, who is averaging 27 disposals a game in the statewide junior competition, would slot into the Swans' line-up.

"It is great for him. He is in absolutely the right form to be playing VFL footy," he told The Standard.

"I am sure he'll be nervous but he'll also be confident because he knows the type of player he is, being an inside mid, that he doesn't mind being in traffic so that style is not going to bother him at all.

"You'd like to think too with the speed of the game, as it opens up, he'll find himself in some really nice spots as well because he's a good runner. He's a clever runner.

"He is one of our favourites."

Ross said the NAB League, which changed from an under 18 to under 19 competition this season after coronavirus restrictions wiped out the 2020 season, was determined to help players earn opportunities at higher levels.

He said Marris' opportunity with Sydney came through unique circumstances but was deserved after standout performances for the Rebels, including two 38-disposal games.

"Any opportunities that we can find to expose them to VFL footy we do," Ross said.

"(South Warrnambool's) Marcus Herbert has been fortunate enough to play with Geelong."

The Sydney-GWS Giants' VFL match is at 5.45pm on Sunday.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.