Sydney Swans’ best 23 firming as competition for spots heats up ahead of Round Zero

The Swans are in the process of nailing down their best 23 ahead of Opening Round next month. LACHLAN McKIRDY takes a look at who’s locked in and who’s still on the outer in Sydney.

Tom McCartin during Sydney Swans training on February 7, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ©Phil Hillyard )

The pillars of the Sydney Swans’ best 23 this season are starting to be put in place as they ramp up preparations for the 2024 campaign in training.

Regular match simulations and scenario-based training have become the focus with the squad as fit as ever.

In defence, Tom McCartin looks primed to be the leader down back as he advances on his stellar end to last season.

He and Dane Rampe continue to be incredibly vocal in marshalling their teammates. That position alongside them in the backline is likely to be taken by Jake Lloyd.

Tom McCartin will be the key man in Sydney’s defence this year. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Across halfback, Nick Blakey and Matt Roberts have formed a strong partnership as rebounding defenders with speed and lethal kicking accuracy.

Ollie Florent continues to spend time down back could play in the pocket to allow Rampe to play more off halfback.

The shape could still change if they want to bring in another key defender.

Joel Hamling has impressed with his fitness and agility since joining the Swans, but has primarily been playing against the main side and marking up on the likes of Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean.

It has been the same for Lewis Melican with the coaching set-up potentially just wanting to see who impresses most against the Sydney key forwards.

However, arguably the most impressive pre-season in Sydney’s defence belongs to Aaron Francis. Francis was used as a utility player for the Swans last year but training at fullback he has looked composed and a real presence in the air.

He was also troubling the likes of Amartey and McLean whenever the ball came in their direction.

Ladhams has played an important role in pre-season as a forward option and as strong competition for Brodie Grundy. Picture: Phil Hillyard

In the forward line, Robbie Fox has been predominantly deployed as a pressure half-forward and has been combining strongly with Tom Papley in early match simulations. Sam Wicks also looks primed to build off the best year of his career in 2023 and has been relentless with his tackling ferocity.

Another name looking to cement himself in the Swans’ team is Peter Ladhams. Injury has interrupted Ladhams’ career so far in Sydney but with fitness on his side he has proved a handful both as a key forward target and as a ruckman.

McLean’s engine is set to put him in good stead to lead the Swans’ line off half-forward as he continues to showcase his ability to take strong pack marks on the flank or bring the ball to ground near the goalsquare.

The midfield was always going to be the most hotly contested selection battle thanks to the Swans’ depth and there will be some hard decisions to make in the coming weeks.

Brodie Grundy clearly has the ruck role wrapped up and looks incredibly fit.

Match that with his silky hands at ground level and there are strong expectations he could recapture that all-Australian form.

Chad Warner also looks electric in the midfield and has been finding plenty of ball around the stoppages. James Rowbottom has also been in the thick of the action.

Chad Warner looks primed to recapture his best form early in 2023. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Former Pies’ vice-captain Taylor Adams also looks to have slotted in nicely alongside the likes of Warner to provide a steadying influence.

Errol Gulden has one of the wing spots to himself, even if he missed some training this week due to a flu he can’t shake. But James Jordon’s impressive pre-season has catapulted him into contention for the other. The balance will be also finding room for Justin McInerney and Braeden Campbell.

Isaac Heeney spent a bit more time in midfield playing against the likes of Warner and Adams, as did Luke Parker who still looks set to mainly be deployed in the centre. Angus Sheldrick will be in contention early in the year but may struggle to leapfrog those ahead of him.

A few players are still on lighter duties a month out from the start of the season. Will Hayward is being managed through some shin soreness and Sam Reid is still on a reduced program as he looks to return to the AFL.