Club by club: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams - which else of Sydney’s new recruits line up in round one?

Some nifty work at the trade table puts the Swans firmly back in the frame for another finals appearance. But which of their new acquisitions are there in round one?

The Swans both overachieved and underachieved in 2023, depending on who you ask. But it’s a season that has set them up for long-term success, particularly with an eventful trade period under their belt.

SYDNEY

Coach: John Longmire

Captains: Luke Parker, Dane Rampe & Callum Mills

What happened in 2023?

The Swans secured their finals berth by the skin of their teeth, but it so easily could have been a different story. The 2023 campaign became a year of fourth-quarter fade-outs, and they could have been just as easily out of the top eight as they could have been hosting a qualifying final in week one. The lack of consistency will be the biggest thing they look to improve ahead of a year where all their chips are in for a premiership tilt.

Where do they finish in 2024?

The Swans are rarely out of the finals picture and with some impressive reinforcements, they should be back in the top eight once again next season. Brodie Grundy looks like the perfect addition to elevate their talented, young midfielders. Sydney has also added plenty of experience to prepare it for another finals charge. It should be eyeing off at least a home final and pushing for another deep run in September.

Isaac Heeney will be looking to take a step up in 2024 as the new leader of the Swans’ forward line. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Biggest improver in 2024?

With Buddy Franklin now out of the picture, the Sydney forward line is Isaac Heeney’s to lead into the future. After getting the yips at stages throughout 2023, Heeney should recapture his All-Australian form and become a massive scoreboard threat. At his best, Heeney marks strongly and kicks truly, and if he can get off to a big start to the year his confidence will take him far.

X-Factor?

Chad Warner will be out to reach his own dizzying heights this season after an up-and-down 2023. Having seen his best mate Errol Gulden climb into Brownlow contention and set the competition alight, Warner will back himself to match his feats and even go one better. The focus this pre-season will be on building up his strength and fitness, and all signs point to the best version of Warner hitting the SCG for the Opening Round against Melbourne.

Coach status

Heading into his 14th season in charge of the Swans, John Longmire will be leading a side that has gone through a bit of a shake-up. There are plenty of new faces both on the park, as well as in the coaching box, with Leon Cameron and Mark McVeigh there to give him some fresh advice. There will always be talk about potential Longmire successors, but this year’s squad feels like the perfect example of a side that can be moulded into premiership contenders by the experienced coach.

Longmire won’t be short of advice with some key backroom staff appointments for 2024. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Who is in last year of contract?

Aaron Francis, Caleb Mitchell, Cooper Vickery, Errol Gulden, Harry Arnold, Harry Cunningham, Jack Buller, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, James Rowbottom, Lachlan McAndrew, Lewis Melican, Logan McDonald, Oliver Florent, Robbie Fox, Sam Reid, Will Edwards, Will Hayward.

Outs for 2024

Lance Franklin (retired), Tom Hickey (retired), Paddy McCartin (retired), Dylan Stephens (North Melbourne), Ryan Clarke (delisted), Will Gould (delisted), Hugo Hall-Kahan (delisted), Cameron Owen (delisted), Lachlan Rankin (delisted), Marc Sheather (delisted)

Errol Gulden is set to be an important cog for the Swans’ midfield yet again. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ins for 2024

Taylor Adams (Collingwood), Brodie Grundy (Melbourne), Joel Hamling (Fremantle), James Jordon (Melbourne), Will Green (Pick 16 – Draft), Caiden Cleary (Pick 24 – Draft), Patrick Snell (Pick 53 – Draft), Indhi Kirk (Cat B rookie)