Sydney remains open to Paddy McCartin playing in the revamped VFL

Sydney overlooked Paddy McCartin in last month’s national and rookie drafts, but the former No.1 draft pick could yet pull on the red and white in 2021.

Paddy McCartin takes a shot on goal. Picture: Julian Smith

Former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin remains a chance reviving his AFL career, with Sydney still weighing up whether to take a punt on the concussion-prone forward.

The Swans have confirmed they remained in talks with McCartin, who took time away from the game last year to help his recovery from a series of head knocks, about playing with their reserves side in the revamped VFL in 2021.

But any plans for the Geelong Falcons graduate to train with Sydney alongside brother Tom have been paused because of COVID-19.

Paddy McCartin following a head knock in 2019. Picture: Scott Barbour

It’s understood players, such as those attempting to gain a list spot through the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP), outside of senior AFL squads have been banned from training until further notice because of coronavirus outbreaks.

AFL clubs could invite up to six players to train with them from Wednesday when clubs return to pre-season.

Sydney list boss Kinnear Beatson said last month that McCartin was “very keen” to play in the second-tier with the Swans.

“He’s still very keen to move up to Sydney and play in our East Coast League team,” Beatson told the Swans’ website.

“I know Chris Smith (Sydney Academy General Manager) is in constant contact with him and his manager about that, so that situation continues to evolve and we will monitor it as we go forward.”

Sydney, which has one list spot remaining, said in the lead up to the national and rookie drafts that it would consider recruiting McCartin, who has spent the summer training with GFL club St Joseph’s.

Paddy McCartin training with St Joseph’s last year. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

But it overlooked the 35-game AFL player, leaving his immediate playing future in limbo.

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.

The 24-year-old has recently spent time in Sydney in between stints training locally.

Joeys coach Paul Carson said they would welcome McCartin back to the club but stressed they wanted him to get another AFL chance.

“He’s always welcome at our footy club and we’ll do whatever we can to help him keep following his dream,” Carson said.

“The prospect of that (playing GFL) is very exciting but we’re hoping it’s not the case.”

Originally published as Sydney remains open to Paddy McCartin playing in the revamped VFL