Analysis 2026 - The Way Forward

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

I hope the coaches’ mindset is which players will best deliver on the game plan rather than who will replace Hayward.

The game plan will no doubt involve pressuring teams to stymie their transition. I’m not sure there is anything irreplaceable about Hayward in that regard.

At any time the forward line will have 2-3 talls, a resting mid (medium) and 2-3 smalls. I think it is fine to expect our smalls to cut off opposition outlets on the way out.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I hope the coaches’ mindset is which players will best deliver on the game plan rather than who will replace Hayward.

The game plan will no doubt involve pressuring teams to stymie their transition. I’m not sure there is anything irreplaceable about Hayward in that regard.

At any time the forward line will have 2-3 talls, a resting mid (medium) and 2-3 smalls. I think it is fine to expect our smalls to cut off opposition outlets on the way out.

One of the interesting choices will be how to use Jordon ie tagging or not and if so on the opposition exit defender or midfielder. More than once Cox switched him during the game which made his opponent's stats look better.

 

[Jewelsbon]

Campbell will struggle again imo

Is what he is now

Personally I don't agree, I think it's all there with Campbell, we just need to see it on a more regular basis and I'm hopeful this year will be the one.
His stats at the same age are very similar to Haywards at the same age

 

[Kiama Chris]

Personally I don't agree, I think it's all there with Campbell, we just need to see it on a more regular basis and I'm hopeful this year will be the one.
His stats at the same age are very similar to Haywards at the same age

Lots of times I've seen his teammates ignore Campbell. That's a problem if your role is to stay outside of the contest. Doesn't happen with Gulden, McInerney or Lloyd.
This last season his intensity increased significantly so that the plays he made were a lot more effective.

 

[RedOrWhite]

One of the interesting choices will be how to use Jordon ie tagging or not and if so on the opposition exit defender or midfielder. More than once Cox switched him during the game which made his opponent's stats look better.

Depends on whether Rowbottom, Sheldrick or Mills can take the best opposition mid, which can free JJ up to take the HB playmaker.

 

[Wheresbuddy]

I'd like to see us structure up with 2 true key forwards (Amartey and Curnow) with McDonald playing a more mobile role through HF and also as an outlet option coming out of defence. The other 3 would be a mix of smalls and mids resting.

 

[dosser]

I'd like to see us structure up with 2 true key forwards (Amartey and Curnow) with McDonald playing a more mobile role through HF and also as an outlet option coming out of defence. The other 3 would be a mix of smalls and mids resting.

I'm pretty sure that's what we will try to do.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I'd like to see us structure up with 2 true key forwards (Amartey and Curnow) with McDonald playing a more mobile role through HF and also as an outlet option coming out of defence. The other 3 would be a mix of smalls and mids resting.

I'm assuming we will pick 7 defenders, six forwards, two rucks (one probably a ruck forward) and 8 midfielders (inside and outside).
I think you're probably right about the three tall forwards but if Jordon is tagging a defender that would only leave us with two small forwards.
I would love if Amartey could/would/should be the second ruck so we could have three genuine smalls plus a resting mid on top of Jordon.
McDonald could play closer to goal when Amartey was rucking.
More aggressive.

 

[RubbaDuck]

I just re-watched the R7 2024 game v. Hawks.

It's a good reminder of just how potent our forwards were when all 3 of our talls were fully fit firing.

In Florent's 100th consecutive game he was arguably BOG (with Blakey) with Hayward adding a couple of goals and strong tackling.

Our defence was superbly marshalled by McCartin. Our mids were aggressive, taking risks and running hard. Our forwards were getting back to help out. We kicked while the Hawks shuffled handballs, we had some turnovers but each time we tried to win the ball back through sheer effort when we lost it. Our pressure gauge was off the dial. Longmire was in full angry mode, going off his nut at the slightest relapse.

The inside 50s were almost even but we goaled for every 2.78 inside 50s, or about 3.4 times more efficiently than the Hawks.

I wish we'd carried that fitness and form into the GF (and into 2025).

When we had our best forwards firing in that 2024 game we looked unbeatable. Sadly, for most of 2025 we struggled just to get our forwards onto the park. It's great to see footage of our big forwards getting so well prepared for 2026. Assuming we do get full seasons out of them, I'm curious to see how adding Curnow to that mix and taking out a couple of handy players can produce a better team than Rd7 2024. How will Cox make best use of them?

 

[Maddo11]

I'd like to see us structure up with 2 true key forwards (Amartey and Curnow) with McDonald playing a more mobile role through HF and also as an outlet option coming out of defence. The other 3 would be a mix of smalls and mids resting.

I think it might depend on how hard McDonald has hit the gym during his injury recovery.

I'd also like to see him in a Sam Reid type role where he could be marking it anywhere up to the d50, but counter to that if he's decided to bulk up like Thilthorpe did in his season off, then both he and Curnow would probably be more effective in the f50 than Amarety.

 

[Nuggetz]

Where we play Mills will have a big knock on effect with team selections, I hope he plays in the midfield. I don't have much faith in our fwd line providing defensive pressure to create turnovers. I think they'll need to be a first use type of fwd line to be effective. Hopefully having Amartey & Curnow fit helps limit the impact of oppo defenders intercept marking ability.

 

[Jewelsbon]

I'm pretty sure that's what we will try to do.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Where we play Mills will have a big knock on effect with team selections, I hope he plays in the midfield. I don't have much faith in our fwd line providing defensive pressure to create turnovers. I think they'll need to be a first use type of fwd line to be effective. Hopefully having Amartey & Curnow fit helps limit the impact of oppo defenders intercept marking ability.

I think this is absolutely key.
Been thinking about the big decisions that Cox and the team needs to make for this year. Not necessarily in order:
1) Mills' role. As per Nuggetz may end up defining both our midfield and defence structure. Like Nuggetz I'd like to see him in the midfield, even if that means playing Rampe a year more than we should.
2) Defence structure. Three talls or two? I personally favour three and I don't count Blakey or Rampe. McCartin as interceptor, Melican + 1 of Serong, Edwards, Snell or Hamling. If we play both Cunningham and Wicks that leaves two positions for Rampe and Blakey.
Cox has shown a desire to use Blakey as the third tall but seems to have given up on that but having say Bice to help with the exits could cost a tall or Cunningham. Or we run Rampe in VFL and keep him "in reserve".
I suspect trying McLean in defence would be to use him to relieve the talls in defence, attack and second ruck. . We'll see.
3) Attack structure. Again, three talls or two (not counting second ruck). To me this is a real 50/50 call and we might see a fair bit of experimentation. Assuming we pick 5 forwards plus Jordon plus a resting mid then it's pretty critical. We have two "good" resting mids in Heeney and Warner and two less effective ones (in attack) in Rowbottom and Sheldrick. The three talls just about choose themselves but who would you leave out if you decide to go with two? For me it would be Amartey. Ouch! Smalls - Papley, Rosas and Campbell for mine but Dattoli will have claims (probably better close to goal).
4) Ruck. Only one answer for #1 but if McLean is adequate as a relief both forward and back that might see him maintain his spot. Given that the second ruck spends twice as much time doing something else I think he would have a claim.
5) Midfield Insidish. Mills, Sheldrick, Rowbottom.
6) Midfield Inside-outish Heeney, Warner, Jordon (tagging, counted as seventh forward).
7) Midfield Outish Gulden, McInerney, Lloyd
Need one more. Who? Maybe another small forward?
Of course it isn't that simple and it isn't just CBAs but back at #1 was Mills' role and the impact it has on structure and roles in the midfield. Getting this right (or rightish) will be critical to our success this season.
Who is our midfield coach? Please Lord, let it not be Cox.

 

[Punts]

IMO Lloyd and Rampe will be back up

They might turn to Rampe for experience but time to move on

I also think bice and Jordan will struggle

I think we will improve dramatically land focus will be from half pressure

 

[RilesMacca]

For now I’d prefer to have Rampe in the 22 and see how things pan out. Our core four defence consists of him alongside Tmac, Melican and Blakey. His back third odd of this season was pretty good too. Nice to see we have some healthy competition coming through of Snell/Edwards/Serong, players potentially in the sweet spot of age and development to replace him.

 

[Nuggetz]

Loved your post Kiama Chris

I haven't seen much of serong but could he play the Rampe role?

It feels like we've got a bit more depth for next season. Challenging team selections in a good way hopefully.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Loved your post Kiama Chris

I haven't seen much of serong but could he play the Rampe role?

It feels like we've got a bit more depth for next season. Challenging team selections in a good way hopefully.

Thanks mate, I think we have to run out the preseason to know who best supports TMac and Meli. For mine the problem in replacing Rampe is threefold - the leader, the organiser and the player. The player is no longer who he once was, though he's still damned good, just no longer a true key. The player can be replaced and Serong looks a decent bet. Snell probably not bad either. Play on tallish or mediums.
Edwards more a true lockdown key for the giants.
We gave both TMac and Meli a bit of a shot at leading and organising but ended up bringing in Mills to do it. That's our problem. No idea if Serong has that leadership talent. We're going to have to bite the bullet sometime but when and who?
Damned if I know, but my thinking would be to play Mills in the mids and drop him back as an extra if we get into trouble.

 

[RUNVS]

IMO Lloyd and Rampe will be back up

They might turn to Rampe for experience but time to move on

I also think bice and Jordan will struggle

I think we will improve dramatically land focus will be from half pressure

I will be disappointed if Lloyd and Rampe are in the team in the back 3rd of the 2026 season, though I said that before 2025 as well.

 

[Nuggetz]

2026 AFL Finals Prediction (Based on Your Swans Best 23)​

Home-and-Away Finish: 2nd (16–7, top-2 attack, top-4 defence)​

This team has:

• Elite midfield balance
• Multiple match-winners (Curnow, Papley, Warner, Heeney)
• One of the strongest spines in the AFL
• Depth from Roberts, Bice, Jordon, Cleary

The only concern: tall defensive depth if injuries hit.

Finals Series Prediction​

QUALIFYING FINAL​

2nd Sydney vs 3rd Brisbane – SCG
Sydney wins by 15–25 points

• SCG advantage
• Warner + Heeney break lines
• Curnow kicks 3–4
  Swans advance to a Home Prelim

PRELIMINARY FINAL – SCG​

Sydney vs Carlton
Sydney wins in a tight one (under 10 points)

• Curnow vs Curnow story
• Swans midfield depth overwhelms Carlton late
• McInerney + Gulden huge on the outside

Sydney into the Grand Final

🏟 2026 GRAND FINAL – Prediction​

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood

Result: Sydney by 11 points​

• Grundy plays a massive GF against his old club
• Warner wins the Norm Smith (28 disposals, 2 goals)
• Curnow kicks 3
• Papley sparks a run in the 3rd quarter
• Mills tags Nick Daicos late and shuts him down

Premiers: SYDNEY SWANS​

Big Picture Summary​

This 2026 Swans team you’ve built:
✔ Top-2 list in the AFL
✔ Contends in every line
✔ Has 4 All-Australian contenders (Warner, Heeney, Gulden, Curnow)
✔ Enough depth to win finals
➡ Grand Final winners in 2026.


Disclaimer: ChatGPT 100% predicts the future.

 

[Jewelsbon]

2026 AFL Finals Prediction (Based on Your Swans Best 23)​

Home-and-Away Finish: 2nd (16–7, top-2 attack, top-4 defence)​

This team has:

• Elite midfield balance
• Multiple match-winners (Curnow, Papley, Warner, Heeney)
• One of the strongest spines in the AFL
• Depth from Roberts, Bice, Jordon, Cleary

The only concern: tall defensive depth if injuries hit.

Finals Series Prediction​

QUALIFYING FINAL​

2nd Sydney vs 3rd Brisbane – SCG
Sydney wins by 15–25 points

• SCG advantage
• Warner + Heeney break lines
• Curnow kicks 3–4
  Swans advance to a Home Prelim

PRELIMINARY FINAL – SCG​

Sydney vs Carlton
Sydney wins in a tight one (under 10 points)

• Curnow vs Curnow story
• Swans midfield depth overwhelms Carlton late
• McInerney + Gulden huge on the outside

Sydney into the Grand Final

🏟 2026 GRAND FINAL – Prediction​

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood

Result: Sydney by 11 points​

• Grundy plays a massive GF against his old club
• Warner wins the Norm Smith (28 disposals, 2 goals)
• Curnow kicks 3
• Papley sparks a run in the 3rd quarter
• Mills tags Nick Daicos late and shuts him down

Premiers: SYDNEY SWANS​

Big Picture Summary​

This 2026 Swans team you’ve built:
✔ Top-2 list in the AFL
✔ Contends in every line
✔ Has 4 All-Australian contenders (Warner, Heeney, Gulden, Curnow)
✔ Enough depth to win finals
➡ Grand Final winners in 2026.


Disclaimer: ChatGPT 100% predicts the future.

Ahhhh Nuggetz, you had me up until the GF

 

[Nuggetz]

Ahhhh Nuggetz, you had me up until the GF

I won't lie, when I had a quick read I saw we finished 2nd so assumed we lost the GF again

 

[RubbaDuck]

I won't lie, when I had a quick read I saw we finished 2nd so assumed we lost the GF again

My experience of ChatGPT predicting the future has not been convincing. When I asked it to predict last year's GF it relied upon outstanding contributions from some retired players.

Perhaps your ChatGPT 2026 GF prediction is also predicated on the existence of an alternative reality, in which we show up to play.

 

[SwansLifer]

I put the playing list into CoxGPT and this is what it came out with as an early prediction for first round team.

Squad Breakdown (Fully Fit List – Yellow Cells = Certainties)​

Backline​

• McCartin is the only absolute lock. He’s already proven himself as one of the competition’s elite key defenders, and Sydney lacks experienced depth in this area.
• Wicks and Cunningham have the defensive track record to handle small forwards and provide reliable coverage.
• The half-back line skews taller, but the focus is on the collective functionality of the back six and the flexibility it provides.
• Serong is next in line, showing he can also push up to a wing when required.
• Blakey remains an automatic selection due to his importance, versatility, and stature within the side.
  

---

Midfield​

• This is the Swans’ familiar, high-quality engine room.
• Sheldrick is expected to become a consistent midfield presence heading into 2026.
• Mills is a guaranteed inclusion overall, though whether he starts in the midfield depends on his fitness level. If fit, he plays on-ball.
• Gulden, McInerney, Heeney, and Grundy complete what should be one of the more intimidating midfield divisions in the league.

---

Half-Forward Line​

• All three selected players are certainties for the best 22, though their exact roles may shift.
• A line of Warner, McDonald, and James Jordan offers speed, versatility, and scoring power.

---

Full Forward Line​

• The remaining forwards provide genuine goal threat and match-winning capability.
• It’s hard to see Round 1 selections not featuring Papley, Curnow, and Amartey, given their pressure, marking ability, and proven scoring output.

---

Interchange​

• These selections are far more situational and will be shaped heavily by pre-season performance.
• Rosas Jr., Rowbottom, Campbell, and Cleary all offer pressure, flexibility, and development upside.
• Ladhams provides early-season backup ruck and forward options.
• Cox gives support behind the ball and can rotate with McDonald when required.

---

VFL Outlook​

• The projected VFL side also shapes as a strong, balanced team.
• On paper, it should be more than capable of pushing deep into finals in the 2026 season.

---

If you’d like, I can also create:

• a visual of me and Curnow skipping down the hallways at Swans HQ,
• a "Who gets trialled in a different spot next",
• or a version that dud Longmire would have gone with that includes Florent.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I put the playing list into CoxGPT and this is what it came out with as an early prediction for first round team.

Squad Breakdown (Fully Fit List – Yellow Cells = Certainties)​

Backline​

• McCartin is the only absolute lock. He’s already proven himself as one of the competition’s elite key defenders, and Sydney lacks experienced depth in this area.
• Wicks and Cunningham have the defensive track record to handle small forwards and provide reliable coverage.
• The half-back line skews taller, but the focus is on the collective functionality of the back six and the flexibility it provides.
• Serong is next in line, showing he can also push up to a wing when required.
• Blakey remains an automatic selection due to his importance, versatility, and stature within the side.

---

Midfield​

• This is the Swans’ familiar, high-quality engine room.
• Sheldrick is expected to become a consistent midfield presence heading into 2026.
• Mills is a guaranteed inclusion overall, though whether he starts in the midfield depends on his fitness level. If fit, he plays on-ball.
• Gulden, McInerney, Heeney, and Grundy complete what should be one of the more intimidating midfield divisions in the league.

---

Half-Forward Line​

• All three selected players are certainties for the best 22, though their exact roles may shift.
• A line of Warner, McDonald, and James Jordan offers speed, versatility, and scoring power.

---

Full Forward Line​

• The remaining forwards provide genuine goal threat and match-winning capability.
• It’s hard to see Round 1 selections not featuring Papley, Curnow, and Amartey, given their pressure, marking ability, and proven scoring output.

---

Interchange​

• These selections are far more situational and will be shaped heavily by pre-season performance.
• Rosas Jr., Rowbottom, Campbell, and Cleary all offer pressure, flexibility, and development upside.
• Ladhams provides early-season backup ruck and forward options.
• Cox gives support behind the ball and can rotate with McDonald when required.

---

VFL Outlook​

• The projected VFL side also shapes as a strong, balanced team.
• On paper, it should be more than capable of pushing deep into finals in the 2026 season.

---

If you’d like, I can also create:

• a visual of me and Curnow skipping down the hallways at Swans HQ,
• a "Who gets trialled in a different spot next",
• or a version that dud Longmire would have gone with that includes Florent.

View attachment 2485321

Missing Hetherton.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Kinda like the yellow box approach SwansLifer used above as to who should be locks in our best 23 based on exposed form:
Defence 7
McCartin, Melican, Blakey, Wicks, Cunningham
Need 2 more. Rampe the big question as his form was pretty good but do we leave him out on strategic grounds? Serong, Edwards, Snell and Hamling all possibles with Roberts and Bice.
Five certainties
Rucks 2
Grundy. Ladhams and McLean fight it out.
One certainty
Wings 2
Gulden, McInerney who relieves?
Two certainties
Mids 6
Heeney, Mills, Warner
Probably Jordon, Sheldrick, Rowbottom but anyone else? Cleary?
Three certainties
Forwards 6
Curnow
Almost certainly McDonald but what about Amartey?
Papley
No other certainty from Campbell, Rosas, Corey, Cootee, Hanily, Lloyd, Dattoli
Two certainties
Total of 13 certainties though a fair few probables.
Early days the only draftee I could see getting a run would be Cootee.
Defence has decent depth but midfield is skinny until Cootee, Philippou, Kyle and King develop but maybe Corey or Campbell can run through there if necessary.