Sydney recruit James Jordon says the departure from Melbourne at the end of 2023 was the "best decision of (his) career".
After 65 games for the Demons and a premiership (as the sub), Jordon - who was delisted and re-signed as a rookie at the end of 2020 - opted to explore his free agency rights, settling on the Swans as his new home.
Being used as the substitute on six occasions, and subbed out a further two times, the 23-year-old admitted it was "frustrating" throughout last year's campaign in the red and blue.
"It's been a great move," Jordon said onย RSN.
"I'm loving my time up here... it's one of the best decisions I've made for my footy career and pretty proud of myself for making that (decision).
How's that for a first goal in the red and white!?
James Jordon kicks a beauty for our Goal of the Week, presented by @originenergy #Bloods pic.twitter.com/gRZ1v6y1p6
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) March 24, 2024
"Ever since I met with 'Horse' and Charlie Gardner, they identified it was a good opportunity for me to come up here and thankful to be playing good footy.
"Last year was a bit frustrating," Jordon continued.
"I was in and out of the team and the sub a lot and then definitely thought long and hard about it. Had a lot of conversations with my manager on what I should do.
"After that meeting with 'Horse', I came out of that meeting knowing what I wanted to do and haven't looked back since."
Jordon's start to life as a Swan has been unheralded given the impressive form of his teammates Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden, who've led the club to the top of the ladder after Round 10.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
But what Sydney would love most about Jordon is his ability to adapt to multiple roles across the field.
In the past two weeks, the Oakleigh Chargers product has taken down two of the game's best young guns in Jordan Clark (Fremantle) and Sam Walsh (Carlton).
Clark was limited to five disposals to half-time but finished with 16 and four rebound 50s while Walsh's influence (20 possessions and 55% effectiveness) was well and truly curbed.
James Jordon has become a real weapon for the Swans ๐@kanecornes breaks down how he stopped star Blue Sam Walsh.
Watch The Round So Far, thanks to @AAMI: https://t.co/YmnnbDoQa2 pic.twitter.com/LtqPBwRtxg
— AFL (@AFL) May 18, 2024
"I think the ability to play a lot of different roles," Jordon said on what appealed to coach John Longmire to his acquisition in the off-season.
"In our team, guys can play different roles and I've added a defensive role to my game, which allows our team to be flexible that has been working for us."
Jordon also flagged learnings he received from Melbourne stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver during his five seasons at the club.
"Clarry and Tracca, I learnt a lot off them," Jordon said.
"I probably wouldn't be the player I am without them and all the stuff I learnt from them."
The Swans are now setting their sights on Thursday's clash against the in-form Western Bulldogs, while Jordon could be given the near-impossible task of stopping Marcus Bontempelli.
