After a disappointing conclusion to what was a sensational 2022 campaign, Sydney will be hoping to go one step further this year.

John Longmire's men managed to reach the season decider and fell to Geelong on the biggest of stages, but the result only had fans believing this group were destined for glory in the years to come, thanks largely to their youthful stocks.

The Swans backed in their core group over the off-season, bringing in just one experienced figure while the remainder of their list additions came through draft avenues.

Likely to see their most promising players reach new heights in 2023, the sky is the limit for the Swans this season.

Here we list five burning questions the Swans will hope to have answers for in 2023.

2. How important is Buddy Franklin to this team?

What does Lance Franklin bring to Sydney in 2023?

The Swans obviously know his importance, allowing him to continue for his 19th career season, but is his importance really significant?

Looking back to last year, Franklin had his best season since 2018, kicking 52 goals, but he was well beaten in finals, including the grand final where he only managed five disposals.

We all know he won't be playing every game, Longmire said it himself, and goals aren't the only thing they're banking on.

"His ability on the ground to be able to contribute to the team is important," Longmire said.

"But it's not just going to be measured on goals alone. It never is - we've never done that - but particularly in the towards the absolute back end of his career, it's what his match-ups might be able to allow others to do. All that will come into it."

So in what could very well be the final season for one of this century's greatest players, Buddy Franklin's importance to the team comes from his mere presence.

At the end of the day, if an opponent wants to leave Buddy alone inside 50, well they've got another thing coming, that being their other forwards.