Staying or going: The latest intel on every Sydney Swans player after disappointing season
Sydney has put its entire list under the microscope after a disappointing season, with several big-name veterans facing uncertain futures at the club. See who could stay and who could go.
Injuries might have cruelled Sydney’s season, but for the majority of the year they also were a long way from the team that played in last year’s grand final.
While they found some form late in the year with big wins over Fremantle and Brisbane, some disappointing losses to the likes of Essendon and Port Adelaide, at home, are the ones that will really sting when they reflect on their season.
As a result, first-year coach Dean Cox has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to be aggressive in the trade market and look for ways to improve his squad.
There are a lot of star players that would be considered untouchable – especially the likes of Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey – but if there are deals to be done, there could be some big calls made by the Swans.
They also go into the off-season with the unusual position of having several veteran players still off contract with their futures up in the air. With exit meetings happening this week, those decisions should be made sooner rather than later.
Then their attention will turn to which players they could attract to Sydney. Carlton key forward Charlie Curnow sits atop the list, as unattainable as he might be. But that will just be the starting point as they look for help in both attack and defence to try and rocket up the table.
If a deal for a player like Curnow is to get done, the Swans know they might have to be more flexible with which players they give up. And that could leave a few players nervous when the trade period comes around.
1. CHAD WARNER
Age: 24 Games: 108 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2027
Warner was priority No.1 for the Swans this year, and they got his future wrapped up earlier this season, at least for the next two years. The 24-year-old showed flashes of his best across the season but wasn’t quite able to get back to his All-Australian heights as one of several Swans who struggled for consistency in 2025. It’s clear the club values Warner, given the size of his deal in the range of $1.3-1.4m a season, but with that price tag comes even more expectation next year.
Status: Staying
2. HAYDEN McLEAN
Age: 26 Games: 98 (2025 games: 19) Contract ends: 2027
It was a slow start to the year for McLean after a later pre-season, but the 26-year-old ended up being the Swans’ most consistent key forward in terms of game time. He also produced his best average goals per game in his career. McLean is never going to be the No.1 key forward for the Swans, but he toiled hard and found some good form by season’s end. His ability to perform as a back-up ruck to Brodie Grundy is also a huge bonus. But the Swans’ key forward search could throw up any option this off-season.
Status: Likely Staying
3. TAYLOR ADAMS
Age: 31 Games: 229 (2025 games: 4) Contract ends: 2026
Injury played havoc with Adams’ year, particularly early in the season when his experience could have been vital for a Swans side missing plenty of star quality. Unfortunately, it adds to concerns for Adams from the end of 2024 that he might not have a place in the best 23 for the Swans, having stayed in the VFL towards the end of this season. At 31, he may look for a move if there are no guarantees for his future, while also creating some space for the Swans.
Status: Watch this space
4. BRODIE GRUNDY
Age: 31 Games: 242 (2025 games: 22) Contract ends: 2027
Since moving to the Swans from Melbourne, Grundy has more than lived up to his end of the bargain with two sensational years, and in 2025, he has been rewarded with selection in the All-Australian squad. His meticulous preparation means his best footy is still ahead of him, and he has a big role to play in the Swans’ revival over the next two years.
Status: Staying
5. ISAAC HEENEY
Age: 29 Games: 224 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2028
Heeney produced another All-Australian calibre season and, along with Grundy, was the Swans’ most important player in 2025. He is a midfield star, a genuine A-grader, and played every game for Sydney this season. He will always be the No.1 name on the whiteboard for Dean Cox.
Status: Staying
6. LOGAN McDONALD
Age: 23 Games: 70 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2028
After a 2024 campaign where it felt like McDonald made huge steps in his development, an ankle injury suffered in the preliminary final lingered into pre-season and ongoing complications meant he didn’t get on the field. He is a high pick and the Swans still believe in him, but there has always been belief from the WA clubs that he could be lured home despite his recent contract extension. As they search for players like Charlie Curnow to add to their forward line, McDonald could be a potential name to go the other way.
Status: Likely staying
7. HARRY CUNNINGHAM
Age: 31 Games: 219 (2025 games: 11) Contract ends: 2026
The Swans took a big step up this season when Errol Gulden returned to the team, but it was Cunningham’s composure that went unheralded after missing the first half of the year. Remains an important part of their defensive plans, and that won’t change going into 2026 for Dean Cox.
Status: Staying
8. JAMES ROWBOTTOM
Age: 24 Games: 140 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2028
The industrial midfielder got through a mountain of work again this season, but wouldn’t be alone in feeling as though he didn’t have the attacking output he would have wanted. With so many games under his belt at just 24, he is an important leader for the Swans’ midfield, and that will continue into next season.
Status: Staying
9. WILL HAYWARD
Age: 26 Games: 184 (2025 games: 21) Contract ends: 2029
Hayward finished the season as the Swans’ second-highest goalkicker this season but wasn’t able to have the consistent game-breaking impact his new contract would have demanded. He only kicked multiple goals in six of his 20 games, but he remains one of the best medium forwards in the competition on his day. The question remains just how aggressive the Swans want to get, but more than likely Hayward is off limits.
Verdict: Likely staying
10. AARON FRANCIS
Age: 28 Games: 84 (2025 games: 10) Contract ends: Off contract
Francis doubled his games from last season for the Swans, but still fell out of the team as players returned from injury in a sign that he is on the fringes of the squad. He was moved to the rookie list this season, but it’s hard to see the value for either party in another year, especially when other veterans might be placed on the rookie list.
Verdict: Likely going
11. TOM PAPLEY
Age: 29 Games: 196 (2025 games: 11) Contract ends: 2028
A serious heel injury threw a massive spanner in Papley’s year, but by the end of the year, it was still clear how much of a barometer he is for their forward success. There’s a demand for small forwards in the open market, but with a big contract and cult hero status at the Swans, he’s unlikely to be one they part ways with.
Verdict: Staying
12. ANGUS SHELDRICK
Age: 21 Games: 29 (2025 games: 20) Contract ends: 2027
Sheldrick emerged as an important role player for the Swans through the midfield, making the most of the injuries around him to play 20 games this season. He had several breakout games, especially against Brisbane at the Gabba, but will look to build on his consistency in the coming years after signing a two-year contract extension.
Verdict: Staying
13. OLLIE FLORENT
Age: 27 Games: 184 (2025 games: 16) Contract ends: 2029
It was a frustrating year for Florent, who became the main victim of Cox’s big selection calls when he was axed for underperforming. He eventually returned to play the last three games, but he certainly wasn’t banging the door down with his form. Cox has remained adamant that Florent is contracted and a required player, but talk remains that the 27-year-old could be a name mentioned at the trade table.
Verdict: Watch this space
14. CALLUM MILLS
Age: 28 Games: 174 (2025 games: 12) Contract ends: 2029
The skipper finally made his return in the second half of the season and showed his absolute class playing off halfback. He was regularly among the Swans’ leading ball-winners and will have his sights set on a full 2026 campaign, at long last.
Verdict: Staying
15. SAM WICKS
Age: 25 Games: 87 (2025 games: 21) Contract ends: 2028
Wicks was one of the big winners from Cox’s first year in charge, relishing a move to defence and shutting down some of the best small forwards in the competition. He was rewarded with the biggest contract extension of his career and will be a vital part of the Swans’ defence going forward.
Verdict: Staying
16. BRAEDEN CAMPBELL
Age: 23 Games: 94 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2028
The Academy product played every game of the season for the first time in his career in a massive sign of the trust Cox has in him. He played the majority of the time forward, and at times played as a defensive forward with some impressive scalps along the way. He certainly could have value at the trade table if the Swans need to land a big player, but his future remains in Sydney.
Verdict: Likely staying
17. JAMES JODDON
Age: 24 Games: 114 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2027
Jordon has played every game for the Swans since moving from the Dees and further enhanced his status as one of the AFL’s best taggers. It’s easy to forget that Jordon is only 24 and has plenty of footy ahead of him, and with the Swans’ midfield brigade fit and firing, he will be a crucial cog.
Verdict: Staying
18. JESSE DATTOLI
Age: 19 Games: 3 (2025 games: 3) Contract ends: 2027
A stress reaction in Dattoli’s back put a line through his pre-season and meant he was always chasing his tail throughout the season. He managed three matches towards the end of the year, but it was clear he was still lacking the fitness that a full off-season brings. The Swans are bullish on his prospects and are excited for his future.
Verdict: Staying
19. PETER LADHAMS
Age: 27 Games: 63 (2025 games: 10) Contract ends: Out of contract
Ladhams played the same number of matches this season as he did the last two years combined, and reports suggest he’s set to sign a new contract with the Swans. He’s a handy back-up ruckman who has strong AFL potential, but it’s clear he remains behind Grundy in the pecking order for now.
Verdict: Likely staying
20. RIAK ANDREW
Age: 20 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2027
The raw defender had most of his year disrupted by a serious shoulder injury, before he was then handed a five-match suspension for using a homophobic slur in a VFL match. The Swans clearly see potential in the 20-year-old after handing him a contract extension, but he’ll want to make things up for the Swans in 2026.
Verdict: Staying
21. ERROL GULDEN
Age: 23 Games: 103 (2025 games: 10) Contract ends: 2028
Gulden is the Swans’ most important player. Their form reversal once he returned from an ankle injury proved that. He is absolutely off limits, no matter what the Swans are planning this trade period. Not much more needs to be said.
Verdict: Staying
22. NICK BLAKEY
Age: 25 Games: 151 (2025 games: 23) Contract ends: 2031
Similar to Chad Warner, Blakey couldn’t get back to his All-Australian heights but still had plenty of highlight moments throughout the year. His run out of defence remains unmatched in the AFL, and if the Swans can get their best defence on the park, his two-way ability will be key to Cox’s play style.
Verdict: Staying
23. NED BOWMAN
Age: 18 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2027
The Swans used a first-round pick to select Bowman last year, and while he didn’t make his AFL debut, he was close to selection on numerous occasions. Selected as a medium forward, he ended up playing a lot of his VFL season off the halfback line. It will be interesting to see where he sits after another pre-season campaign.
Verdict: Staying
24. DANE RAMPE
Age: 35 Games: 272 (2025 games: 21) Contract ends: 2025
No player has played more game on the Swans’ list than Rampe but his future remains up in the air after a lack of certainty from Cox throughout the season. The most likely option looks to be a spot on the rookie list, and it’s clear he still has at least 12 months of good football ahead of him.
Verdict: Likely staying
25. BEN PATON
Age: 26 Games: 75 (2025 games: 4) Contract ends: 2025
Earlier in the season it appeared as though Paton would earn a role in the Swans’ best 23, but he wasn’t able to make the most of that opportunity. However, it’s clear he’s a handy role player if needed. If Cox wants a player content to be the back-up, Paton could be the experienced option.
Verdict: Watch this space
26. RILEY BICE
Age: 24 Games: 16 (2025 games: 16) Contract ends: 2026
Bice impressed throughout the opening weeks of the season, but after a strong stretch of games, it was evident that Bice would benefit from another pre-season to build his fitness. The Swans like his game-breaking ability and are eager to see how he develops.
Verdict: Staying
27. JUSTIN McINERNEY
Age: 25 Games: 109 (2025 games: 17) Contract ends: 2026
McInerney produced some of his best football this year, playing an integral role through the midfield and even starring in games. A knee injury cut short his season but as he heads into a contract year, it’s clear his best football is ahead of him and the Swans will be excited for what the future holds.
Verdict: Staying
28. WILL EDWARDS
Age: 22 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2027
Edwards has had a torrid injury stretch after an infection in his leg last season, before more leg issues this year. But he remains highly-rated as a key defender prospect for the Swans, earning a contract extension and remains in Cox’s plans if he’s able to get a full pre-season under his belt.
Verdict: Staying
29. JOEL HAMLING
Age: 32 Games: 105 (2025 games: 14) Contract ends: Out of contract
It wasn’t clear what Hamling’s role was this year, particularly after playing a few games as a key forward. But it was evident that Hamling impressed when he played as the third tall defender. While there’s a world where the 32-year-old remains at Sydney, he also holds some value for the Swans and could be on the move.
Verdict: Watch this space
30. TOM McCARTIN
Age: 25 Games: 152 (2025 games: 20) Contract ends: 2027
A brief forward line cameo earlier in the year was quickly put to bed and McCartin resumed his rightful place in defence, where his performances included keeping Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron goalless. Cox is unlikely to move him around this pre-season, but he will be integral to the Swans’ defence.
Verdict: Staying
31. INDHI KIRK
Age: 20 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: Out of contract
After two years on the list, Kirk has yet to break through for his debut, and a tough call could be coming for the son of a club legend. He’s shown flashes of his talent at VFL level and will hope to take another step up, whatever 2026 holds.
Verdict: Likely going
32. BLAKE LEIDLER
Age: 19 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: Out of contract
The Swans took a punt on Leidler, who was unfortunately weighed down by injury throughout the year. He is a young defensive prospect with potential, but the Swans are running out of spaces on their rookie list.
Verdict: Watch this space
33. CAIDEN CLEARY
Age: 20 Games: 17 (2025 games: 12) Contract ends: 2027
An early suspension halted Cleary’s chance to make an impression early, and while he had a decent run of games, by the end of the season, he was both the specialist sub and then dropped for the final round. He’s a talented ball-winner at VFL level, but will be challenged to find a way to have an impact when he isn’t playing through the midfield at senior level.
Verdict: Staying
34. MATT ROBERTS
Age: 22 Games: 48 (2025 games: 18) Contract ends: 2027
Roberts was one of the Swans’ more consistent players in the first half of the year, but unfortunately, by season’s end, he was out of the team. Overall, he’s still had a strong impact over the past two years, with age well and truly on his side, but he should be playing AFL each week and will be looking for a guarantee that he gets more senior opportunities.
Verdict: Likely staying
35. CALEB MITCHELL
Age: 21 Games: 3 (2025 games: 1) Contract ends: Out of contract
Mitchell is the last member of the Swans’ 2022 draft class on their list, and it appears he won’t be there for long after another year where he failed to make an impact. It’s more than likely Mitchell will be delisted, with Cox preferring other wing options throughout the year despite numerous injuries.
Verdict: Likely going
36. JOEL AMARTEY
Age: 25 Games: 61 (2025 games: 8) Contract ends: 2026
It looked as though Amartey got his body right in 2024 to have the best season of his career, but hamstring and groin issues meant he only played eight matches this season. When he played, he looked strong and powerful, and even despite some wayward kicking, he is the Swans’ best key forward option.
Verdict: Staying
37. COREY WARNER
Age: 21 Games: 23 (2025 games: 14) Contract ends: 2027
Warner had a strong pre-season to force his way into Sydney’s best 23, but a lack of polish with some of his ball use saw him relegated to the VFL for the second half of the year. Like his brother, he’s re-signed on a two-year extension and at just 21, the Swans are still confident there is plenty of good footy ahead of him.
Verdict: Staying
39. JACK BULLER
Age: 24 Games: 10 (2025 games: 9) Contract ends: Out of contract
One of the most intriguing prospects on the Swans’ list, Buller was Sydney’s main key forward by the end of the year after not playing an AFL match for nearly two full seasons. He made the most of his opportunity with some strong contested marking, while his accuracy in front of goal could use some work. There’s a world where he stays with the Swans, but if they are searching for another key forward, he might look for more game time.
Verdict: Watch this space
40. TOM HANILEY
Age: 20 Games: 8 (2025 games: 8) Contract ends: 2027
Hanily came from the clouds to earn a debut in opening round, and the mid-season draftee showed some promising signs with his game style compared to Papley throughout the year. He couldn’t keep his place in the side, but it’s clear the Swans like his work rate in the VFL and want to keep him around.
Verdict: Likely staying
41. PATRICK SNELL
Age: 20 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2027
There were strong hopes that Snell could establish himself early in his career as an AFL-quality defender, but the Swans just haven’t seen the consistency that has been required of him at VFL level. He is contracted and young, so patience will win out, but the defender will want a big pre-season to put pressure on their current backline.
Verdict: Staying
42. ROBBIE FOX
Age: 32 Games: 105 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: Out of contract
Injuries have interrupted a fair chunk of Fox’s career, and 2025 was no different as he was unable to get on the field this season. He went from the Swans’ best in the grand final to barely playing for 12 months, and out of contract, his future remains up in the air. The Swans like his utility value, and both parties’ preference is to stay the course.
Verdict: Likely staying
43. LEWIS MELICAN
Age: 28 Games: 101 (2025 games: 17) Contract ends: 2027
It wasn’t quite the free run from injuries that Melican had in 2024, but the defender showed some of his best form this season and is a key part of the Sydney back line. He is also part of the club’s leadership group, and his pairing with McCartin is key for the Swans going forward.
Verdict: Staying
44. JAKE LLOYD
Age: 31 Games: 271 (2025 games: 22) Contract ends: Out of contract
Like many of his other teammates, Lloyd found himself in the VFL during 2025, but was the one player to take the axing to heart to bounce back and have a real impact. He still has immense value, particularly in his new forward role, but the veteran may also be given permission to see if he can find a long-term deal away from the club.
Verdict: Watch this space
45. WILL GREEN
Age: 19 Games: 0 (2025 games: 0) Contract ends: 2027
When you select a ruckman in the first round of the draft, there is certainly a lot of pressure to perform, but credit to Sydney, they haven’t rushed Green into the AFL. He didn’t quite take the leaps they would have wanted this season in reserve level, but it’s clear he’s a talented ruckman and will be hoping to make his debut next season.
Verdict: Staying
Originally published as Staying or going: The latest intel on every Sydney Swans player after disappointing season
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