Player Watch Samuel Swadling

[Jen2310]

Sam Swadling (Collingwood)​

Swadling was a third-round selection, No.37 overall, but don’t let that fool you. He was an under-18 All-Australian, has a knack for finding the Sherrin, has already proven himself against men in the WAFL, and is creative with his hands. The Magpies are attempting to rebuild their Nick Daicos-led midfield – and just delisted Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae – so there are opportunities, but it is more likely that Swadling eases his way in across half-forward.

The eight AFL draftees primed to make an instant impact in 2026

Every club hopes to find a draft gem who can improve their fortunes immediately. We have identified which of this year’s draftees could do exactly that.

www.theage.com.au

 

[WanderingDude]

Sam Swadling (Collingwood)​

Swadling was a third-round selection, No.37 overall, but don’t let that fool you. He was an under-18 All-Australian, has a knack for finding the Sherrin, has already proven himself against men in the WAFL, and is creative with his hands. The Magpies are attempting to rebuild their Nick Daicos-led midfield – and just delisted Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae – so there are opportunities, but it is more likely that Swadling eases his way in across half-forward.

The eight AFL draftees primed to make an instant impact in 2026

Every club hopes to find a draft gem who can improve their fortunes immediately. We have identified which of this year’s draftees could do exactly that.

www.theage.com.au

The pies might have more half-forwards than back flankers. Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae weren’t getting senior games. We needed clearance players.

 

[Jen2310]

The pies might have more half-forwards than back flankers.

He's training in the midfield, so I don't think he'll start half forward.

 

[sr36]

He's training in the midfield, so I don't think he'll start half forward.

Midfield would be VFL - if he gets a look into the AFL team next season, which is what they're talking about, it'd likely to be somewhere else.

 

[Jen2310]

Midfield would be VFL - if he gets a look into the AFL team next season, which is what they're talking about, it'd likely to be somewhere else.

That’s a fair point. And they don’t like that push kids in the guts too early so starting half forward makes sense.
He’s played there before too

 

[windchimes]

The pies might have more half-forwards than back flankers. Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae weren’t getting senior games. We needed clearance players.

That’s as may be, however it’s pretty standard practice for draftees, particularly if they’re not mature aged, to ease their way into seniors via one of the flanks.

You’d be hard pressed to find two or three players from each draft that are ready to come in and play inside mid at AFL level fresh off the bat (say an Ashcroft here, a Lalor there)

 

[TW Sherrin]

I'd be surprised if there isn't a new addition to the midfield next season. Rolling with the same guys is going backwards.

The new addition(s) could be Perryman, DeMattia or one these new kids. Whatever happens the teams improvement depends on someone new in the midfield.

 

[Matrix10]

I'd be surprised if there isn't a new addition to the midfield next season. Rolling with the same guys is going backwards.

The new addition(s) could be Perryman, DeMattia or one these new kids. Whatever happens the teams improvement depends on someone new in the midfield.

Spot on , first to go , is Lipinski . Not a ball winner , weak at the contest , slow , yes he links up well at times , but that's not enough to cover his deficiencies Next

 

[Chunky Steak]

I agree that Perryman is the first one to go in. Has the experience, big strong body etc. Can do a job and help Nick and co while these kids develop. Not convinced on HDM or Allan yet - a very strong start to next season is a must.

If any of the newer kids end up being good enough to get a game at some stage in 26, I think that can only be viewed as a bonus - no expectations, plenty of hopes and good vibes.

Edit: curious to see what Anderson can offer as a big, mature body with proven ability at senior level (albeit at Sturt).

 

[WanderingDude]

Spot on , first to go , is Lipinski . Not a ball winner , weak at the contest , slow , yes he links up well at times , but that's not enough to cover his deficiencies Next

I was a bit disappointed in Lipinski last season. He was not consistent. Given our issues with inside 50 delivery I would be surprised if he is first out. I look forward to him being left out, it would mean the team has taken big steps forward. The match committee picks him and he has been the second highest ranked player on the pies list according to Champion Data.

 

[Soups]

In the short couple of training clips I’ve seen he looks very well balanced with ball in hand.

This small crop we have drafted in the last two years excites me.

 

[TradeDraft]

Sam Swadling (Collingwood)​

Swadling was a third-round selection, No.37 overall, but don’t let that fool you. He was an under-18 All-Australian, has a knack for finding the Sherrin, has already proven himself against men in the WAFL, and is creative with his hands. The Magpies are attempting to rebuild their Nick Daicos-led midfield – and just delisted Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae – so there are opportunities, but it is more likely that Swadling eases his way in across half-forward.

The eight AFL draftees primed to make an instant impact in 2026

Every club hopes to find a draft gem who can improve their fortunes immediately. We have identified which of this year’s draftees could do exactly that.

www.theage.com.au

Read that he did very well as a Forward and had Strong Hands for Marking

 

[VinnieB]

I watched this guy's highlights.
Shocked he wasn't pick 1 in the national draft.

 

[soreplums]

players from soccer backgrounds intrigue me. All teammates of mine that have come from a soccer background had great balance and agility.
While many footballers turn on an arc, they were able to cut away almost seamlessly to give themselves space and time.

 

[Kappa]

players from soccer backgrounds intrigue me. All teammates of mine that have come from a soccer background had great balance and agility.
While many footballers turn on an arc, they were able to cut away almost seamlessly to give themselves space and time.

Imagine a player with a soccer AND basketball background

 

[VinnieB]

Yes this is where I think the Blues have got it wrong.

They’ve been focusing on players who had good high school down ball backgrounds.

 

[cakewalk06]

Imagine a player with a soccer AND basketball background

You are on fire this postseason/preseason, Kappa.

 

[domus]

players from soccer backgrounds intrigue me. All teammates of mine that have come from a soccer background had great balance and agility.
While many footballers turn on an arc, they were able to cut away almost seamlessly to give themselves space and time.

It seems soccer players and basketballers make better Aussie Rules footballers than footballers.

 

[granniewolf]

It seems soccer players and basketballers make better Aussie Rules footballers than footballers.

Don't forget tennis players

 

[sr36]

It seems soccer players and basketballers make better Aussie Rules footballers than footballers.

Most sporty kids grow up playing multiple sports and there's often a lot of crossover skills. If you're high level at one sport as well as footy, it's a bloody good sign and you're likely to bring across traits that are needed to be successful in that other sport.

 

[RobJD]

Imagine a player with a soccer AND basketball background

When I do I see a tall, lanky American wearing number 43

 

[Jen2310]

Oh, this kid can move.

 

[RobJD]

Oh, this kid can move.

Each time I see his name I can't help but sing "Everyday I'm Swadling" - to LMFAO's "Everyday I'm shuffling"

 

[Obese Arachnid]

Each time I see his name I can't help but sing "Everyday I'm Swadling" - to LMFAO's "Everyday I'm shuffling"

Me too.

 

[granniewolf]

Me too.

My poor ears