Paddy McCartin signs with Sydney for the VFL season

Former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin has found a new football home for 2021 in a significant step towards an AFL comeback from a series of concussions for the ex-St Kilda forward.

Paddy McCartin will play with Sydney’s VFL team. Picture: Michael Klein

Paddy McCartin will play with Sydney in its VFL team this year.

The former No.1 draft pick signed with the Swans on Friday to play in their reserves team in 2021 as part of the revamped competition.

McCartin had been hoping to revive his AFL career from a series of concussions in last year’s drafts but was overlooked.

The Geelong Falcons graduate will join brother Tom in the Harbour City.

Sydney has one spot remaining on its AFL list and could yet sign McCartin during the pre-season supplementary selection period (SSP).

McCartin said his goal remained on gaining an AFL spot.

“It’s been a long time coming,” McCartin said.

“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in and around a club and a club environment.”

McCartin said lifestyle and family was behind his reason to move north as he looks for a fresh start.

He said he had remained committed to finding a second club.

“The last probably 12 months especially once I got my head right and feeling good,” he told the Swans’ website.

“It’s been a long journey to get to this point but I’ve taken a lot out of it and learnt a lot and I think that’s going to hold me in pretty good stead for what’s to come.”

The mid-season draft also looms as a possibility to reignite his stalled career if he fires in the first half of 2021 after it was announced last month the format would return this year.

McCartin last played an AFL match in Round 16, 2018 and has declared he was ready for a return to the highest level after receiving medical clearance to play.

He had been training with mates at his junior club St Joseph’s.

Originally published as Paddy McCartin signs with Sydney for the VFL season