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Lachlan McKirdy is a sports reporter for The Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports, primarily focused on covering the AFL in NSW. On top of his work with the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, he also has a strong passion for covering cricket and the Olympic sports, with previous experience working for the International Olympic Committee. He has won awards for his journalism, including from Cricket NSW, while loves bringing a multimedia edge to his work through video and audio means.

@LMcKirdy7

Lachlan McKirdy

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ANALYSISAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Luke Parker of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the round 23 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium, on August 16, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

McKirdy: Parker deserved so much more than bitter Swans ending

Luke Parker’s departure from the Swans will sting for Sydney fans. LACHLAN MCKIRDY explains why a player hailed a “Blood for life” will finish his AFL career at North Melbourne.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Matt Roberts and Nick Blakey of the Swans look dejected after the AFL Grand Final match between Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 28, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Swans’ off-season focus: How to conquer mental demons

It’s obvious the Swans are packed with talent on the field, but with two chokes on footy’s biggest stage in three years, John Longmire needs to spend summer conquering mental demons. LACHLAN McKIRDY unpacks how.

AFL

Giants James Peatling celebrates a goal during the AFL Semi Final match between the GWS Giants and Brisbane Lions at Engie Stadium on September 14, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

How unknown Giant became AFL’s most-wanted man

Just over 12 months ago, James Peatling was toiling in the VFL or playing as GWS Giants’ super sub. Now, he’s become the AFL’s most in-demand player ahead of the trade period. LACHLAN MCKIRDY finds out how.

AFL

Portrait of Sydney Swans key forwards Logan McDonald, Hayden McLean and Joel Amartey ahead of the 2024 AFL Season. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ÃÂ©Phil Hillyard )

Weakest link? Where to now for Swans’ tall timber

Sydney’s tall timber is coming under the microscope in the wake of demolition at the hands of the Lions. Do the Swans persist with Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean or head to the trade table, asks LACHLAN MCKIRDY.

Sydney

‘Too great’ to risk Mills? Carbon copy of Cats GF haunts Swans

An injury cloud hovered over the Swans all GF week. But while there was no risk taken with Callum Mills, Isaac Heeney and Logan McDonald played hurt. Right call? Lachlan McKirdy unpacks it.

AFL News

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Dane Rampe of the Swans is seen after the AFL Grand Final match between Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 28, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Delusion, tears: The ‘hollow’ reality for shattered Swans

Sydney’s stars say the pain of Saturday’s Grand Final loss to Brisbane is worse than 2022, opening up on the “hollow” realisation of another missed opportunity. LACHLAN MCKIRDY takes you inside the Swans rooms.

AFL

Sydney's Tom Papley dejected after the final siren during the 2024 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at the MCG on September 28, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard(Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

How ‘uninspired’ Swans rounded off decade of disappointment

This year, the Swans were supposed to put three painful grand finals behind them. And yet, after a near-perfect season, they’ve once again failed on the biggest stage.

AFL

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Braeden Campbell (L) of the Swans and Errol Gulden of the Swans pose for a photo during a media opportunity following the 2020 AFL Draft at Lakeside Oval on December 10, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Home-grown Swans: NSW talent powering Sydney’s flag pursuit

No longer are the Swans made up of Victorian imports. A full third of the Sydney side – plus coach John Longmire – were born, bred and built north of the Barassi Line. Those who know them best reflect on their journey.

VideoAFL News

MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024: 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade. Logan McDonald. Picture: Mark Stewart

GF Track Watch: Key Swan ‘won’t be at 100 per cent’, Lions’ flex

While the Swans ruled out Callum Mills due to his hamstring injury, a key tall was on light duties today and will go into the grand final not quite at full fitness. Plus Brisbane’s flex at the ‘G.

AFL

Retiring Swan at ‘peace’ with 2022 Grand Final disaster

When Callum Mills was under an injury cloud, Sam Reid was the first name that came to mind after the Swans’ last grand final appearance. Reid reflects on the disastrous 2022 decider.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/lachlan-mckirdy