TAR Sydney in the new era: 2022 and beyond

[Pie 4 Life]

The Sydney Swans came agonisingly close to a premiership in 2021. After battling for most of the season, the Swans made it all the way to the Grand Final where they came within two points of defeating Melbourne. Despite leading for most of the match, they couldn't get the job done and now look towards 2022 as a new chance with several champions retiring.

Bryan Sims (31 yrs, 253 games, 538 goals)
- Rising Star Award
- 3x All-Australian
- 3x Coleman Medalist

Angelo Mansfield (31 yrs, 191 games,79 goals)

Dustin Luff (28 yrs, 191 games, 345 goals)

Despite these three champions in particular Sims, retiring, they will leave a legacy that should hold Sydney in good stead. They have a strong midfield, plenty of forward targets and a number of good defenders to help their cause.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 Team List:

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Key Players:

Cooper Mackay (25 yrs, 179 cm, 78 kg, Onballer)

Cooper Mackay is the vice captain of the club after crossing to the Swans about five years ago. He is an elite midfielder who has the highest ball getting and take aways at the club as well as consistency. He has solid skills and while he's not overly good overhead, he can play up either end which helps his case. Getting older and having injury concerns, Mackay has only managed 80 games in seven seasons but has been a quality player.

Marcos Conroy (21 yrs, 182 cm, 88 kg, Onballer)

Marcos Conway is another elite midfielder who finds the football with ease. He started off the half back flank but has used his elite endurance to run out games through the midfield. He's strong for his size and has played every game since making his debut. Another player in the leadership group despite only having played 65 games.

Cody Kinchela (28 yrs, 182 cm, 78 kg, Onballer)

Another player who has crossed over from an opposition club, Kinchela has been the captain of the Swans for the past three years. He is another elite ball getter and has elite skills and speed to go with it. Add to the fact he has the highest consistency in the league and Kinchela is one of the true elites. He has played 208 games and at 28, the Swans are hoping they can still get a number of years out of him yet.

Patrick Jupp (27 yrs, 181 cm, 94 kg, Onballer)

Patrick Jupp is a unique size at 181 cm yet 94 kg. The heavy-built inside midfielder is the fourth amigo in the midfield and when your fourth midfielder has a rating of 79, you know you're going ok. At 27, he's still got a few years left and despite not having the best speed or endurance, he knows how to clear the ball at stoppages and has fantastic consistency. Many believe he has underachieved during his career, but has still eked out 136 games.

Xavier Ricketts (31 yrs, 193 cm, 92 kg, Tall Forward)

Xavier Ricketts is the key forward amongst a plethora of high scoring talls and has been the centre half forward for a number of years. While his attributes don't jump out at you, he has good consistency and elite durability which has seen him play 284 games and win two All-Australian guernseys. Given his relative fitness, the Swans will be keen to see him play out past 300.

Bryan Hoysted (29 yrs, 201 cm, 97 kg, Ruck)

Bryan Hoysted has been the number one ruck at the club for many years. Despite now into his twilight years, he still plays a valuable role. While he's not the kind of player you'd want with the ball in his hands, he has elite marking ability and is great around the stoppages with his hitouts. Another player who has earned two All-Australian guernseys.

William Guilfoyle (28 yrs, 194 cm, 99 kg, Tall Back)

William Guilfoyle is one of those underrated tall backs who rarely gets the plaudits they deserve. After making the All-Australian team as a 19 year old, Guilfoyle had a seven year hiatus before earning back-to-back jumpers in 2020 and 2021. He is an elite mark and spoiler with only injuries his main concern. Has played 217 games and at 28 is another one who the Swans will want to make the most of before he retires.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NAB CUP: ROUND 1​

Sydney 18.11 (119) defeated Hawthorn 10.9 (69)​

Sydney has kicked off its NAB Cup campaign with an impressive 50 point win over Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium. Xavier Ricketts capitalised with four goals while Cooper Mackay had 30 disposals, nine clearances and two goals in a fantastic best on ground performance. With a number of guys missing from the team that took them to a Grand Final last year, the Swans will be pleased they have started off on the right foot.

Goals: Ricketts (4), Mackay (2), Kain (2), Kinchela (2), Nellor (2), Jamieson, Melhuish, Jupp, Keegan, Roach, Rushford.
Disposals: Mackay (30), Kinchela (26), Kain (23), Jupp (20)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NAB CUP: ROUND 2​

Kangaroos 17.12 (114) defeated Sydney 12.14 (86)​

Sydney went into the NAB Cup match against the Kangaroos having shuffled all its small forwards around. Unfortunately it didn't quite pay off with only Giblin managing to score a major. Xavier Ricketts dominated again playing out of full forward with seven goals while Cooper Mackay again was impressive. The captain in Cody Kinchela was magnificent across the ground too.

Goals: Ricketts (7), Mackay (2), Giblin, Kinchela, Rushford.
Disposals: Kinchela (29), Melhuish (24), Mackay (23), Conroy (23), Jupp (21), Jamieson (21), Neagle (20), Nellor (20)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

BABY SWANS READY TO BLOSSOM​

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Sydney are aiming to go one step further in 2022 after narrowly missing out on the 2021 premiership, going down by two points to Melbourne. While everyone talks about the Swans' key forwards and star studded midfield, not much is spoken about the young defenders who are punching above their weight each week. Led by three-time All-Australian William Guilfoyle, the Sydney back line has a very youthful look that surrounds 'The General' as he is called.​

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Conner Vartuli is 24 years old and might seem like someone who has plenty of experience, but has registered just 59 games across six seasons so far. He has had injury concerns and while he is rated right up there, younger kids are pushing him out at this stage.​

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Sebastian Garrett is a 19 year old who has impressed in the NAB Cup so far with elite strength (86), great spoiling (72) and ok speed (58). He looks likely to start from round one and be a real player to watch this season. Unfortunately he can get a few kicked on him as he did on the weekend.​

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Brady Tronerud is also 19 years old and he played 23 of a possible 26 games last year as he broke out of his shell. Surprisingly he hasn't been able to get a gig thus far with Garrett pushing past him over pre-season but no doubt he'll be one to move in across the season.​

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Bradley Melhuish is the youngest of the key defenders having being drafted from Swan Districts last year. He isn't as strong as the other key defenders, but boasts a 65 in strength and is quickerthan the others with 60 in speed. He's also a fantastic mark with a rating of 74. Melhuish impressed last week against the Kangaroos with 24 disposals and ten marks and held the opposition goalless.​

 

[Pie 4 Life]

PLAYERS SORTED BY GAMES:​

Xavier Ricketts 284
William Guilfoyle 217
Cody Kinchela 208
Christopher Rushford 208
Brian Hoysted 176
Tony Roach 159
Marco Keegan 148
Patrick Jupp 136
Oscar Vogler 89
Brian Newton 88
Cooper Mackay 80
Ethan Gemmell 74
Marcos Conroy 65
Timothy Ferguson 64
Aaron Booker 60
Conner Vartuli 59
Tristan Kain 35
Kyle Jamieson 33
James Swords 27
Patrick Shearing 26
Brady Tronerud 23
Griffin Armen 22
Alexis Hardy 19
Raymond Nellor 18
Aaron Neven 12
Spencer Hermans 8
Parker Scarr 4
David Carew 1
Ian Hickford 1
Jayden Neagle 1
Paul Anear 0
Robert Birch 0
Mitchell Fleming 0
Sebastian Garret 0
Parker Giblin 0
Keith Marr 0
Bradley Melhuish 0
James Single 0

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 1​

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SYDNEY VS KANGAROOS​

B: Raymond Nellor - William Guilfoyle - Sebastian Garret
HB: Kyle Jamieson - Conner Vartuli - James Swords
C: Tony Roach - Conor Mackay - Cody Kinchela (c)
HF: Tristan Kain - Christopher Rushford - Oscar Vogler
F: Mitchell Fleming - Xavier Ricketts - Marco Keegan
R: Brian Hoysted - Patrick Jupp - Marcos Conroy
INT: Timothy Ferguson - James Single - Ian Hickford - Aaron Neven

IN:
OUT:

DEBUTS: Sebastian Garrett, Mitchell Fleming

In what has been a very tough selection to start off the year, the three key defenders we've gone with is Guilfoyle, Vartuli and Garret who makes his debut. There were legitimately six guys who could have filled three spots. We lost to this side in the pre-season so we'll be wanting to put in a much improved effort here.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 1​

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SYDNEY VS KANGAROOS​

SYD 3.1 (19) --- 8.2 (50) --- 13.8 (86) --- 15.9 (99)
NMK 4.2 (26) --- 7.3 (45) --- 10.3(63) --- 14.5 (89)

Sydney started off its 2022 campaign with a solid ten point win over the Kangaroos in Manuka. It was the first time an opening round match had been played in Canberra, but the Swans didn't seem phased as they looked like the team that brought them to the Grand Final last year. They led at half time by five points before extending the margin to 23 points before the Kangaroos dragged it back to ten points at the final siren with a four goal to two final quarter. Cooper Mackay was again the best, having 30 disposals, five clearances and booting two goals. Xavier Ricketts was again busy up forward with four goals while taking five marks.

Disposals: Mackay (30), Jupp (28), Kinchela (25), Kain (24), Rushford (20), Roach (20)
Marks: Rushford (9), Roach (8), Vartuli (8), Vogler (7), Kinchela (6), Guilfoyle (6), Ricketts (5), Jupp (5)
Clearances: Mackay (5), Conroy (5), Jupp (4), Kinchela (3), Kain (2)
Hitouts: Hoysted (18), Vartuli (2), Single (2), Rushford (2)
Goals: Ricketts (4), Mackay (2), Kinchela (2), Rushford (2), Kain (2), Keegan (2), Swords.

Injuries: Rushford - Foot (2)
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes: Mackay (5), Kinchela (4), Jupp (3), Rushford (2), Kain (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 2​

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WEST COAST VS SYDNEY​

B: Raymond Nellor - William Guilfoyle - Sebastian Garret
HB: Kyle Jamieson - Conner Vartuli - James Swords
C: Tony Roach - Conor Mackay - Cody Kinchela (c)
HF: Tristan Kain - James Single - Oscar Vogler
F: Mitchell Fleming - Xavier Ricketts - Marco Keegan
R: Brian Hoysted - Patrick Jupp - Marcos Conroy
INT: Timothy Ferguson - Griffin Armen - Alexis Hardy - Aaron Neven

IN: Griffin Armen - Alexis Hardy
OUT: Christopher Rushford (Injured) - Ian Hickford

DEBUTS: Nil.

We've tried to keep the side relatively stable, but felt we were a bit tall last week so with Christopher going out with injury and feeling we didn't need to have a second ruck, we've brought in two speedy rucks. West Coast won the NAB Cup so traveling over to Subiaco is as tough as it comes when they are in good form.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 2​

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WEST COAST VS SYDNEY​

SYD 4.1 (25) --- 9.7 (61) --- 12.10 (82) --- 14.14 (98)
WCE 2.1 (13) --- 6.5 (41) --- 10.8 (68) --- 14.12 (96)

Sydney has survived another gallant opposition comeback to hold on for a two-point win against the West Coast Eagles in Perth. Sydney led at every change and were up by as much as 26 points at one stage, but the Eagles wouldn't give in, pushing the Swans all the way to the siren. Marcos Conway was fantastic for the Swans as he had 31 disposals, six clearances, five marks and two goals with teammate Cooper Mackay equally as impressive with 25 disposals and a season high 12 clearances. Tristan Kain also had a career high 25 touches and seven marks off the half forward flank, impressing his coaches. What was more impressive was the fact the Swans got the win without Xavier Ricketts firing, held to just one goal.

Disposals: Conroy (31), Kain (25), Mackay (25), Swords (23), Vogler (23), Jupp (21)
Marks: Guilfoyle (15), Kain (7), Hoysted (7), Vartuli (6), Single (6), Swords (6), Garret (6), Kinchela (6), Conroy (5)
Clearances: Mackay (12), Conroy (6), Jupp (6), Roach (3), Jamieson (2), Vartuli (2)
Hitouts: Hoysted (28), Vartuli (2), Armen (2)
Goals: Vogler (3), Conroy (2), Single (2), Swords, Kain, Guilfoyle, Ricketts, Jamieson, Keegan, Vartuli.

Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes: Conroy (5), Mackay (4), Kain (3), Guilfoyle (2), Vogler (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 3​

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SYDNEY VS MELBOURNE​

B: Raymond Nellor - Conner Vartuli - Sebastian Garret
HB: Kyle Jamieson - William Guilfoyle - James Swords
C: Tony Roach - Conor Mackay - Cody Kinchela (c)
HF: Tristan Kain - Marco Keegan - Oscar Vogler
F: Mitchell Fleming - Xavier Ricketts - James Single
R: Brian Hoysted - Patrick Jupp - Marcos Conroy
INT: Spencer Hermans - Griffin Armen - Alexis Hardy - Aaron Neven

IN: Spencer Hermans
OUT: Timothy Ferguson

DEBUTS: Nil.

We've made just one change this week and shuffled around a few players in the Grand Final rematch. Spencer Hermans has had a couple of good weeks in the reserves so he comes in for Timothy Ferguson while the keys up either end have been moved around inside their respective fifties. We'll be really keen to get revenge on the team that stopped us from winning the flag in 2021.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 3​

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SYDNEY VS MELBOURNE​

SYD 2.2 (14) --- 9.4 (58) --- 13.9 (87) --- 16.12 (108)
MEL 3.2 (20) --- 6.5 (41) --- 10.7 (67) --- 14.14 (98)

Sydney has continued its winning ways with another victory, this time over reigning premiers Melbourne at the SCG. Cooper Mackay had 35 touches and six clearances while Patrick Jupp had 29 and 14 clearances in two fantastic displays through the midfield. Brian Hoysted dominated in the ruck with 30 hitouts while the side had 11 individual goal scorers. The led at every change after quarter time and managed to secure a hard-fought ten point win with plenty of the youngsters also standing up and remain the only undefeated team in the competition after three rounds.

Disposals: Mackay (35), Jupp (29), Keegan (20)
Marks: Vartuli (8), Ricketts (8), Keegan (8), Guilfoyle (7), Mackay (7), Roach (6)
Clearances: Jupp (14), Mackay (6), Conroy (2), Vogler (2)
Hitouts: Hoysted (30), Guilfoyle (2)
Goals: Fleming (3), Ricketts (3), Kain (2), Jamieson, Single, Jupp, Nellor, Keegan, Mackay, Hardie, Swords.

Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes: Mackay (5), Jupp (4), Keegan (3), Ricketts (2), Hoysted (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 4​

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SYDNEY VS COLLINGWOOD​

B: James Swords - William Guilfoyle- Brady Tronerud
HB: Kyle Jamieson - Conner Vartuli - Alexis Hardy
C: Tony Roach - Conor Mackay - Cody Kinchela (c)
HF: Tristan Kain - Marco Keegan - Oscar Vogler
F: Mitchell Fleming - Xavier Ricketts - Christopher Rushford
R: Brian Hoysted - Patrick Jupp - Marcos Conroy
INT: Spencer Hermans - Griffin Armen - Timothy Ferguson - Aaron Neven

IN: Brady Tronerud, Timothy Ferguson, Christopher Rushford
OUT: Sebastian Garret, Raymond Nellor, James Single

DEBUTS: Nil.

So far this season we've made minimal changes but thought that we should shake it up a little with a few players coming back and others really impressing in the reserves. Brady Tronerud has done everything asked of him as has Timothy Ferguson while Christopher Rushford is returning from injury. We thought we'd try Alexis Hardy off a half back flank and see how that would go.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 4​

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SYDNEY VS COLLINGWOOD​

SYD 3.1 (19) --- 7.6 (48) --- 12.11 (83) --- 17.13 (115)
COL 2.5 (17) --- 8.8 (56) --- 10.9 (69) --- 13.12 (90)

Sydney has made it four wins on the trot to start the 2022 season with its most convincing win so far, a 25-point win over Collingwood at ANZ Stadium. The Swans were challenged in the second quarter and trailed by eight points at the main break before booting ten goals to five in a strunning second half that saw them run out comfortable winners. Marcos Conroy played the match of his life with 41 disposals, 11 marks and eight clearances while Cooper Conroy and Marco Keegan were again prominent. Brady Tronerud did well in his first game back for the year, keeping his opponent to nine disposals and one goal.

Disposals: Conroy (41), Mackay (29), Kinchela (27), Keegan (20), Jupp (20)
Marks: Keegan (13), Conroy (11), Hoysted (11), Guilfoyle (10), Mackay (8), Ricketts (7), Vartuli (6), Rushford (5), Tronerud (5), Kinchela (5)
Clearances: Conroy (8), Mackay (5), Hardie (3), Kain (2), Jupp (2)
Hitouts: Hoysted (14), Rushford (3), Armen (2), Vartuli (2)
Goals: Keegan (4), Ricketts (2), Fleming (2), Roach (2), Vogler, Jupp, Kain, Mackay, Hoysted, Rushford.

Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes: Conroy (5), Mackay (4), Keegan (3), Hoysted (2), Kinchela (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 5​

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SYDNEY VS ST KILDA​

B: James Swords - William Guilfoyle - Sebastian Garret
HB: Kyle Jamieson - Conner Vartuli - Alexis Hardy
C: Timothy Ferguson - Tony Roach - Cody Kinchela (c)
HF: Tristan Kain - Marco Keegan - Oscar Vogler
F: Mitchell Fleming - Xavier Ricketts - Christopher Rushford
R: Brian Hoysted - Conor Mackay - Marcos Conroy
INT: Spencer Hermans - Griffin Armen - Ethan Gemmell - Aaron Neven

IN: Ethan Gemmell, Sebastian Garret
OUT: Patrick Jupp (Suspended), Brady Tronerud

DEBUTS: Nil.

We've made two changes this week with one forced one after Patrick Jupp got suspended. Timothy Ferguson gets his chance to start on the field while the other change was more for structure than anything. Brady was great last week but we feel Sebastian just matches up a bit better on the opponent this week so that's the reasoning. No doubt Brady will be back real soon.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2022 PREMIERSHIP SEASON: ROUND 5​

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SYDNEY VS ST KILDA​

SYD 1.0 (6) --- 3.3 (21) --- 8.6 (54) --- 15.8 (98)
STK 4.6 (30) --- 6.10 (46) --- 9.12 (66) --- 12.19 (91)

Sydney remains unbeaten in season 2022 with a comeback seven point victory over St Kilda at the SCG. After trailing by four goals at both quarter and half time, the Swans mixed it up in the second and shuffled around a few players which resulted in a 12 goal to six second half which saw the accurate Swans run over the top of the inaccurate Saints. While no-one had huge disposal numbers, William Guilfoyle had a massive 18 mark game to compliment his 22 disposals from full back. Timothy Ferguson had 19 disposals and a couple of clearances in his first game starting on the field. Xavier Ricketts again top scored with three goals and 11 marks.

Disposals: Kain (23), Kinchela (22), Guilfoyle (22)
Marks: Guilfoyle (18), Ricketts (11)
Clearances: Roach (6), Mackay (4), Kain (3), Conroy (3), Jamieson (3), Ferguson (2), Vogler (2)
Hitouts: Hoysted (17), Rushford (3), Vartuli (3)
Goals: Ricketts (3), Vogler (2), Kain (2), Keegan (2), Fleming, Rushford, Conroy, Hermans, Kinchela, Ferguson.

Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes: Guilfoyle (5), Ricketts (4), Kain (3), Kinchela (2), Conroy (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

October, 2022

Fast forward to the end of the 2022 season and the Swans fell to West Coast in a preliminary final and felt the pain of missing out on that elusive premiership. If last year seemed like it lost many stars, this year was about to be more painful.

Christopher Rushford - 30 yrs, 226 games, 453 goals

Xavier Ricketts - 32 yrs, 308 games, 648 goals
All-Australian (2010, 2013, 2022)

Brian Hoysted - 30 yrs, 200 games
All-Australian (2019, 2020)

Marco Keegan - 30 yrs, 172 games, 204 goals

The worst thing about these retirements are that they are the three key forwards and ruck meaning the Swans would have to try and pounce on a young key forward or else James Single will be left as the sole key forward. The rebuilding begins.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

October, 2022

SYDNEY CUTS FOUR FROM LIST

Sydney has cut four players from its list including 20 year old Brady Tronerud. While Tronerud has been told there is a chance he could be re-drafted in the pre-season draft, the others aren't as likely. They are: 26 year old Griffin Armen who has elite skills but just can't break into the midfield; 26 year old Tristan Kain, a small forward who is behind in the pecking order; and 23 year old Jayden Neagle, another small forward who couldn't crack into the team.

Sydney go into the trade and draft period wanting to target at least two key forwards, having lost its three main key forwards who have served the club well over the past decade.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

October, 2022

SYDNEY TRADE IN PICK ONE

Sydney has had to give up a few players and their first round pick, but have secured pick one in the National Draft. They have indicated they will use it on Michael Mace, a ruck who is an elite tap ruck man and ultra consistent. While he isn't athletic, he is someone that the Swans can build their list round. Without many top key forward prospects, the Swans might struggle next year and have to make do till the next crop.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

November, 2022

NATIONAL DRAFT SELECTIONS

#1 Michael Mace (Claremont) - Ruck, 200 cm, 88 kg, 74/9
Strengths: Ruck Ability, Consistency, Marking
Weaknesses: Skills, Speed, Strength

#29 Anthony Bruce (Launceston) - Small Back, 183 cm, 86 kg, 72/4
Strengths: Skills, Consistency, Defence
Weaknesses: Marking, Spoiling, Offence

#61 Ricardo Trotman (Western Jets) - Onballer, 186 cm, 88 kg, 49/18
Strengths: Tagging, Speed, Skills
Weaknesses: Marking, Ball Getting, Endurance

"We obviously wanted to secure another key forward but felt that gaining Michael was more important as it means we have a ruck to build around for the future. Anthony was someone we saw didn't address a need, but his skills and consistency really attracted us. As for Ricardo, we really don't have an established tagger and feel that he could be helpful in that regard. Given his relatively high skill level he could become something, if not it's only pick 61"

 

[Pie 4 Life]

November, 2022

PRE-SEASON DRAFT SELECTIONS

Edwin Potter (Fremantle) - Tall Forward, 24 yrs, 199 cm, 96 kg, 80/0
Strengths: Offence, Consistency, Strength
Weaknesses: Skills, Endurance, Marking

Robert Lindauer (Geelong) - Tall Forward, 199 cm, 94 kg, 69/16
Strengths: Strength, Endurance, Goal Accuracy
Weaknesses: Speed, Marking, Offence

Jeffrey Peat (Western Bulldogs) - Small Back, 183 cm, 81 kg, 75/0
Strengths: Skills, Defence, Consistency
Weaknesses: Marking, Spoiling, Strength

Others:

Ryan Hedges (Fremantle) - Ruck, 21 yrs, 204 cm, 100 kg, 68/2
Bryson Cherry (Collingwood) - Onballer, 30 yrs, 184 cm, 85 kg, 65/0
Aiden Brain (Essendon) - Onballer, 22 yrs, 184 cm, 72 kg, 68/0
Angelo Luck (Fremantle) - Tall Forward, 26 yrs, 194 cm, 90 kg, 76/0
Tristan Kain - redrafted

 

[Pie 4 Life]

SWANS OFF-SEASON NEWS

Trotman thrilled to be picked up

Swans recruit Ricardo Trotman has spoken out at his excitement of being drafted by the Swans at pick 61. He went into the draft not expecting to find a home, but when his name was read out, he was over the moon. "I was just sitting at home watching the draft on TV, not really expecting too much, but when I heard my name called out I was fist pumping and hugging my family, it was a surreal experience."

Fremantle pick ups keen to get started

Fremantle recruits Edwin Potter, Angelo Luck and Ryan Hedges are putting their heads down and are keen to impress for their new clubs. They were considered shock delistees, with Potter and Luck both kicking bags last season. Potter finished with 57 goals while Luck booted 46, but due to salary cap issues, both were let go. "I'm just happy to find a club, I'm excited that it's a contender with an elite midfield and I'm excited to be here" Potter said. Luck was just keen to train with both new and familiar faces. "I was a bit disappointed to be cut from the Dockers, but once the pre-season draft rolled around and I was selected, that's all that matters. I'm excited because I'm here with Edwin and Ryan too."

Oldest recruit still feels Cherry ripe

He might be 30 years old and has played over 200 games, but Bryson Cherry still believes he has something to offer at AFL level. "I know I'm past my prime now but I'm hoping to play a couple of years and given how close Sydney have been to a premiership lately, I believe I can help and offer something." The midfielder was delisted by the Collingwood and seen as not in their plans, but the Swans believe at worst Cherry can offer depth and mentoring to the young players.

Peat looking forward to competition

Former Western Bulldogs small defender Jeffrey Peat is looking forward to the challenge of breaking into the Swans 22. At 27 and having played over 200 games, Peat is incredibly durable and believes he is in his peak. "I know how good this side is and to come here is a dream. I'm loving the pre-season so far and just want to do everything I can to break into the side."

Kinchela excited by 2014 prospects

Sydney captain Cody Kinchela has spoken of his excitement for the Swans' premiership chances after replacing the retirees with talented, experienced players. "I think there was a lot of talk about how after all the champions retired last year that our window was shut. Well, all of a sudden we've recruited guys to replace them and have no doubt that they'll slot in nicely. Can we win a premiership? I wouldn't be ruling us out, that's for sure."

 

[Pie 4 Life]

February, 2022

POTTER BOOTS SEVEN BUT SWANS DISAPPOINT

New recruit Edwin Potter has started his career with a boom, booting seven goals against North Melbourne, but it was to little avail with the Swans crashing in their second biggest loss in 12 months. The 64 point belting lowered the colours of many existing Swans with only Mackay and Roach collecting over 20 disposals while Potter was the only multiple goal scorer. Michael Mace showed signs with his 15 disposal, nine mark and 21 hit out game to be one of the best. Ultimately, however the Swans have a lot of work to do in order to gel the team.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

March, 2023

SWANS BREAK EVEN ACROSS PRE-SEASON

Sydney has broken even in the win-loss tally, recording two wins and two losses across its four games. After a disappointing first match, the Swans bounced back with two good wins before losing in its final game. The biggest plus was the form of 18 year old ruck Michael Mace, who had 94 hitouts at an average of 23 per game. Edwin Potter also managed to bang home 18 goals in the four matches to show how dangerous he can be.