Ex-Saint Paddy McCartin takes step towards first AFL game in four years with strong practice match for Sydney Swans

Sydney recruits Paddy McCartin and Peter Ladhams made an impression despite the Swans losing their practice match to the Giants

Sydney ruck recruit Peter Ladhams kicked two goals in Friday night’s practice match at Lavington Sports Ground. Picture: Mark Jesser

Sydney coach John Longmire has stopped short of declaring recruit Paddy McCartin a certain Round 1 starter despite the ex-Saint’s stellar display down back on Friday night.

McCartin’s strong performance came in the Swans’ 31-point practice match loss to the Giants in Albury, on a night Tom Papley (hamstring) and Callum Sinclair (concussion) went down with injuries.

The 2014 No.1 draft pick last played an AFL game in 2018 and spent last year competing at second-tier level, but Sydney’s decision to take a punt on him could prove a masterstroke.

He was once a big-bodied forward but his switch to defence looks to have revived his prospects after repeat concussions threatened to end his career.

Sydney coach John Longmire was pleased with Paddy McCartin’s performance down back. Picture: Mark Jesser

McCartin’s rebirth as an AFL footballer, in a new role, would be an early season fairytale, particularly given his brother Tom is set to share a key defensive post with him.

“He’s fit in well over pre-season down back and been able to take some intercept marks,” Longmire said.

“Now it’s just a matter of flying hours in that role. We’re hopeful he can show continuous improvement.

“There are still some areas he needs to work on but he’s able to read the ball (well).

“We’ve got another game to go and we won’t be making any big statements just at the moment. We‘ll get through next week and then we’ll sit down and work out what it looks like.”

Our pre-season fixture comes to a close as GWS record a 31-point victory.

McLean (2), Ladhams (2), Sheldrick (2), Parker, Gulden, Franklin, Florent, Hayward, Reid, Bell the goal scorers. pic.twitter.com/18j81PA6oL

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) February 25, 2022

McCartin looms as one of at least two additions to the Swans’ team from last season, with former Port Adelaide big man Peter Ladhams also set to partner Tom Hickey in the ruck.

Ladhams kicked two goals against the Giants and provided a tall target, along with Lance Franklin – who played three of the six quarters – Hayden McLean, Will Hayward and, later, Logan McDonald.

Franklin’s involvement went to plan and he is expected to face North Melbourne in Sydney’s Community Series match next week, to ensure enough game time before playing the Giants again in Round 1.

But Longmire was unsure on the severity of Papley’s hamstring issue after he exited the game in the first quarter.

Lance Franklin kicked a goal and played three quarters against the Giants in Albury. Picture: Mark Jesser

“Obviously, it’s bad enough for him to pull up and not play from there on in, but we don’t know at this stage – we’ll have to see,” he said.

None of Callum Mills (Achilles), Sam Naismith (knee), Joel Amartey (groin), Marc Sheather (foot), Corey Warner and Colin O’Riordan (both concussion) and Lewis Melican played.

Mills is in a race against time to be ready for Round 1, but Longmire said he made positive progress in the past week.

“He’ll have a big session on Monday and we’ll see how he goes through the course of the week,” he said.

“His progress last week was sound and we’ll see how he goes this week before we make a decision on him.”