Sydney Swans list analysis: Grundy and Jordon to come in, but big improvement to come from within

Overall, there are a lot of positives to take out of season 2023 considering they made an elimination final despite rarely playing at their highest level. The potential is there for next year, but a few of their big-name players will be hoping for better performances.

The exciting thing for Sydney fans is that so many of their best players are 26 and under, meaning their premiership window is far from over.

SYDNEY SWANS AFL LIST

1. Chad Warner

Age: 22 | Games: 60 | 2023 Games: 21 | Contract ends: 2025

Warner didn’t quite hit the heights of 2022, but he still polled the Swans’ second-most Brownlow votes this season. He was targeted more by teams and got back to his best by the end of the year after coming back from a calf injury.

2. Hayden McLean

Age: 24 | Games: 53 | 2023 Games: 22 | Contract ends: 2027

A breakout year for the forward/ruck having previously never played more than 12 games in a season. His marking became a key part of his game, particularly in the elimination final loss to Carlton, while he has shown he is more than capable of matching it with the best ruckmen in the competition.

3. Dylan Stephens

Age: 22 | Games: 43 | 2023 Games: 13 | Contract ends: 2023

A frustrating year for Stephens after a strong 2022 season means his time at the Swans has come to an end after requesting a trade. Had 27 touches in the opening game against the Suns but struggled for consistent opportunity at AFL level. Will be a handy pick-up with North Melbourne his likely destination.

4. Ryan Clarke

Age: 26 | Games: 97 | 2023 Games: 16 | Contract ends: 2023

Could be another Swan who has played his last game for the club. Despite playing his most games in a season for Sydney, Clarke has often been the sub and more regularly been the one to drop out of the team. While he has strong tagging ability, there are a few younger midfielders pushing for his place and it could lead to a tough call.

5. Isaac Heeney

Age: 27 | Games: 177 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2028

Injury impacted Heeney’s season after last year’s All-Australian selection. He finished the campaign with just 30 goals and had a particularly quiet start to the year. With Franklin’s retirement, Heeney is now the big-name player in the Swans forward line and will need to take on that mantle in 2024.

6. Logan McDonald

Age: 21 | Games: 44 | 2023 Games: 20 | Contract ends: 2024

Felt like a breakthrough season for McDonald on the field. His goalkicking was markedly improved and finished as the Swans’ second-best for the year (32). We also saw glimpses of his work rate around the ground. Overall, there were plenty of promising signs after his third season in the AFL.

7. Harry Cunningham

Age: 29 | Games: 185 | 2023 Games: 24 | Contract ends: 2024

One of the most consistent seasons of Cunningham’s career, the 29-year-old played every game as part of Sydney’s defence. There were concerns about what role he would play this year after only 10 games in 2022, but he proved a steady hand in a backline that was ravaged by injury.

8. James Rowbottom

Age: 23 | Games: 93 | 2023 Games: 24 | Contract ends: 2025

The tackle machine broke the record for the most tackles in a season by a Swan (176) and is ranked as elite in the area by Champion Data. Didn’t have as big a year offensively but is a vital cog in the Swans’ midfield and is one of many who will continue to improve.

9. Will Hayward

Age: 24 | Games: 137 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2024

Despite reports linking him to Adelaide, it’s clear that Hayward’s future is in Sydney. Part of the leadership group at the Swans, he is growing in experience and will pass 150 games next season. Needs to find a way to impact the scoreboard more regularly but his contested marking ability is one of the strongest in the side.

10. Aaron Francis

Age: 26 | Games: 69 | 2023 Games: 15 | Contract ends: 2024

In his first year in Sydney, Francis proved that he had a role to play at both ends of the ground. He’s a strong contested mark and received plenty of opportunities as a result of the club’s extensive injury list. However, his form probably warranted more AFL selection, so how he’s used in 2024 will be interesting.

11. Tom Papley

Age: 27 | Games: 164 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2028

Finished as the Swans’ leading goal-kicker again (37) but much like his team, Papley had a very up-and-down season. However, he played all but one game in 2023 and considering the injuries he carried, it was full of strong output and effort once more. If he can get a good run in the off-season, 2024 feels like a big season for Papley.

13. Ollie Florent

Age: 25 | Games: 142 | 2023 Games: 24 | Contract ends: 2024

It was another composed year from Florent who has become a staple of this Swans team. Averaged just shy of 20 disposals a game and went within centimetres of the winner against Port Adelaide at home. It’s now time for the 25-year-old to take his game to the next level and become a game-changer.

14. Callum Mills

Age: 26 | Games: 155 | 2023 Games: 20 | Contract ends: 2029

The co-captain was set for a big 2024 until a Mad Monday incident gone wrong looks set to rule him out for half the season. He struggled for consistency this year and he’ll be feeling the pressure even more to deliver on the field when he’s back. If they can start the year strongly without him, it will give Mills plenty of freedom to calmly slot back into the midfield.

15. Sam Wicks

Age: 24 | Games: 50 | 2023 Games: 11 | Contract ends: 2023

It was a big second half of the season for Wicks who cemented himself as one of the best small-pressure forwards in the competition. The Academy product had a brain snap against the Lions, but his return sparked the Swans’ winning run. Still looking for a new contract but seems certain Sydney will look to re-sign him.

16. Braeden Campbell

Age: 21 | Games: 48 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2025

Campbell’s third season in the AFL was easily his best as he found a home on the Swans’ wing. Only missed one game through suspension and found some of his best footy, particularly in the important win against Essendon. Dropped off in the final rounds, so building on his performances will be key this off-season.

17. Will Gould

Age: 22 | Games: 4 | 2023 Games: 4 | Contract ends: 2023

Sydney fans cried for Gould to get his opportunity in the side, and unfortunately, the defender wasn’t able to make the most of it in his four games. By the end of the VFL season, he had been pushed up forward and it feels as though any chance of becoming as Swans regular has passed him by.

18. Jacob Konstanty

Age: 18 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2024

Another player that Sydney fans will have to be patient for, Konstanty built up a solid resume in the VFL. In a similar boat to Papley and Wicks, the Swans are hoping to build up his forward-pressure game. Has been a reliable goal kicker in the reserves, and unfortunately found himself wound up in the incident with Mills.

19. Peter Ladhams

Age: 25 | Games: 52 | 2023 Games: 9 | Contract ends: 2025

There are big question marks over the future of Peter Ladhams. A serious ankle injury this season limited him to nine AFL games, and he struggled for form in the VFL. Ill-discipline has also been a concern over his time at the Swans. With the impending arrival of Brodie Grundy, Ladhams will have to fight for his place in the side, if he’s prepared to.

20. Sam Reid

Age: 31 | Games: 181 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2023

Didn’t play a single game due to a hamstring injury but Reid’s experience could mean the Swans keep him around. He’s the longest-serving player on their list and was working hard to get his body right at the end of the year in preparation for 2024. With three young key forwards, even if he doesn’t play, they could benefit from Reid’s guidance.

21. Errol Gulden

Age: 21 | Games: 67 | 2023 Games: 24 | Contract ends: 2024

The Swans’ best player of 2023, hands down. Drafted behind Campbell in 2020, it’s Gulden that has become the standout product of that draft. Earned All-Australian honours, averaged 26.8 touches a game and finished equal fourth in the Brownlow. Not bad for his third season, and there’s plenty more where that came from.

22. Nick Blakey

Age: 23 | Games: 102 | 2023 Games: 24 | Contract ends: 2031

Pushed through knocks and injuries to play every game for the Swans and felt like a breakthrough establishing himself in defence. His run off halfback was consistently a bright spark of the Swans’ attack and he continued to get better as the year went on. If the Swans can recruit some strong defensive pillars, it should give Blakey more room to play to his creative strengths.

23. Lance Franklin

Age: 36 | Games: 354 | 2023 Games: 13 | Contract ends: RETIRED

The end of an illustrious career, Franklin retired due to injury but the Swans still got glimpses of his best in 2023. His return to form sparked the winning streak that helped them make finals and his work off the field with their young key forwards has set them up for the years to come.

24. Dane Rampe

Age: 33 | Games: 230 | 2023 Games: 15 | Contract ends: 2025

The experienced defender signed a two-year extension earlier in the season. Missed portions of the year through injury and there has been a lot of talk that he’s coming to the end of his career, but the Swans are a better side when he’s on the field thanks to his leadership.

25. Cooper Vickery

Age: 18 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2024

The defender played 10 games in the VFL and will be working on building up his size before a potential AFL debut. Suffered a foot injury halfway through the season and his focus will be on rehab to hit the ground running in 2024.

26. Luke Parker

Age: 30 | Games: 283 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2025

Parker continues to be one of the most reliable contested-ball winners in the Swans’ side. Averaged the third-most touches and the most contested possessions for Sydney and his move forward almost got them over the line against Carlton in the elimination final. Might have played the most games on Sydney’s list but still has a lot of good footy in front of him.

27. Justin McInerney

Age: 23 | Games: 72 | 2023 Games: 19 | Contract ends: 2026

An annoying calf injury kept him out for a large chunk of the Swans’ run to finals, but it was another solid year for McInerney. Will want to work on his consistency and try and bring his disposal average up, but his speed is set to make him a crucial player for the years to come.

28. Will Edwards

Age: 20 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2024

The key defender played 18 games in the VFL and averaged over three marks a game as he looks to build on his ability. At 197cm, the potential is there for Edwards to develop into a strong option as an intercept player but will need more time to develop.

29. Angus Sheldrick

Age: 19 | Games: 9 | 2023 Games: 7 | Contract ends: 2025

Looks set to be the next ball magnet off the Swans’ production line and earned a Rising Star nomination after his 29 disposals against West Coast. A syndesmosis injury curtailed his season, but he knows what it will take to succeed in the AFL and will come back stronger.

30. Tom McCartin

Age: 23 | Games: 110 | 2023 Games: 15 | Contract ends: 2027

McCartin is arguably the Swans’ most important player for the future and will be the leader of their backline in the years to come. His reading of the game is second to none and he is growing in confidence with his intercept ability. It was a big relief to see him return following his concussion concerns and it’s exciting to think what his potential could be.

31. Tom Hickey

Age: 32 | Games: 151 | 2023 Games: 12 | Contract ends: RETIRED

A combination of injury and poor form contributed to a quiet year for Hickey, but he also seemed to play with a renewed sense of belief once he announced his retirement. Always put his body on the line and now gets to spend more time with his family, not much more could be asked of him.

32. Jaiden Magor

Age: 19 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2023

Magor had a really strong second half of the year at VFL level as he was pushed into the midfield as a ball-winner. Had 27 disposals in the win over the Giants and the exciting SA product has plenty of potential. Will be an interesting one to see if it’s enough for the Swans to offer the rookie another deal.

33. Marc Sheather

Age: 21 | Games: 3 | 2023 Games: 3 | Contract ends: 2023

An unfortunate injury meant Sheather couldn’t build on his three senior appearances and didn’t play in the VFL either for the rest of the year. A local product elevated to the rookie list, could be another one of the players moving on to make way for an aggressive trade period. He will go down as having the most unusual first goal in Swans history.

34. Matthew Roberts

Age: 20 | Games: 7 | 2023 Games: 6 | Contract ends: 2025

There is a lot of excitement around Roberts and what he could bring to the Swans’ side, but he has a lot of competition in front of him if he wants a regular AFL spot. Averaged 27 touches in just five VFL games and should look to the likes of Gulden and Campbell for advice on how to take his footy to the next level.

35. Caleb Mitchell

Age: 19 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2024

Another winger on Sydney’s books, Mitchell averaged just shy of 15 touches in the VFL this season. Will require a bit of work but the talent is there, and his big frame should give him a strong foundation to build on.

36. Joel Amartey

Age: 24 | Games: 28 | 2023 Games: 15 | Contract ends: 2026

Another young forward who had a breakthrough year, Amartey finally got a relatively clear run of injury and made the most of it. His marking ability is strong, and while he finished with 20 goals for the season, it’s a clear area of improvement as he would feel like he should have had more. The potential is there with McLean and McDonald to make a dangerous trio.

37. Corey Warner

Age: 19 | Games: 3 | 2023 Games: 3 | Contract ends: 2025

The younger brother of Chad, Warner made his debut this season and showed some promising flashes in the AFL. Averaged over 22 touches a game in the VFL but really progressed in the second half of the year. He is an elite runner, and the siblings could prove a damaging combination in the years to come.

38. Harry Arnold

Age: 24 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2024

Picked up in the mid-season draft, Arnold was recruited with an eye to the future as a defensive prospect. Was a consistent contributor in the VFL and he improved week on week, but he could come into serious consideration after a big pre-season. Regularly took 5+ marks and had 20+ disposals.

39. Paddy McCartin

Age: 27 | Games: 63 | 2023 Games: 4 | Contract ends: RETIRED

McCartin’s retirement was a big blow for the Swans as his form was a big reason why they made the 2022 grand final. Like Rampe, he brought a steady hand in defence and was sorely missed throughout the season. After a career impacted by concussions and brain injuries, the footy world is hoping for the best for McCartin and excited to see what his next chapter could be.

40. Cameron Owen

Age: 19 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2023

Picked up in the rookie draft, at 203cm there is a lot of excitement about what Owen could be moulded into. Didn’t have a big impact at VFL level but playing all 18 games is a good first step. Time will tell if the Swans see enough in him to offer a new deal, but the Tasmanian may find it hard.

41. Lachlan Rankin

Age: 20 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2023

Rankin is another player who hasn’t been able to quite realise his potential following two years in Sydney. Averaged just shy of 20 disposals a game in the VFL but had 20+ touches in each of his last seven games of the year. Ended the year strongly which could be enough to earn himself a new deal.

42. Robbie Fox

Age: 30 | Games: 87 | 2023 Games: 20 | Contract ends: 2024

Fox played the most games of his career in 2023 and became a reliable member of the Sydney defence. His form tapered off in the back half of the year and was named as a sub for the elimination final against Carlton after 16 straight weeks in the team. Has a role to play going forward but will need to work on a few technical aspects this off-season.

43. Lewis Melican

Age: 26 | Games: 60 | 2023 Games: 8 | Contract ends: 2024

Injury has decimated Melican’s career, which is why it was great to see him return for the elimination final and have a strong game against Carlton. He has since been given another one-year contract and in patches this year looked like he had gotten his confidence back. Could be a shrewd move for the Swans if he can hit the ground running.

44. Jake Lloyd

Age: 30 | Games: 223 | 2023 Games: 23 | Contract ends: 2025

Mr Reliable delivered again for the Swans with Lloyd’s cool hand getting them out of plenty of tricky situations. Didn’t see as much of the ball as usual, with the kick-ins shared around more frequently, but his kicking out of defence is a big part of the Swans’ game plan. Should be the solid lockdown back that the likes of Blakey and Florent grow around.

45. Hugo Hall-Kahan

Age: 20 | Games: 0 | 2023 Games: 0 | Contract ends: 2023

Another Sandringham Dragons product in Sydney, the Swans may find it hard to hang on to Hall-Kahan. In the VFL, he only had one game with more than 20 disposals, but he did kick 23 goals for the year. Quite a few players in front of him in the same position which will make his path at the Swans tough.

46. Lachlan McAndrew

Age: 23 | Games: 2 | 2023 Games: 2 | Contract ends: 2023

At 209cm, the Swans are hopeful they can turn McAndrew into a ruck product for the future. Injuries meant he got his AFL chance before most were expecting, but he didn’t look completely out of place. Averaged 28 hit outs in the VFL and as a local Manly boy, it feels like the club should extend his deal.

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47. Jack Buller

Age: 22 | Games: 1 | 2023 Games: 1 | Contract ends: 2024

The Swans were licking their lips when they managed to get Buller in the mid-season draft, and he was immediately thrown into AFL action two weeks later against the Lions. While he didn’t have an impact at senior level, he kicked 22 goals in eight games in the VFL and looks like another strong forward option. Will benefit immensely from his first pre-season in the AFL system.