After storming to a Grand Final berth in 2022, the Swans would surely have considered a large portion of their 2023 campaign a disappointment.

Sydney needed every ounce of its late-season surge to qualify for finals action, with an elimination final loss to Carlton bringing their September venture to a quick end.

In response, the Swans' list management committee sought to bolster the club's list; making numerous additions all around the field, including snatching marquee veterans Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams, who were once teammates at Collingwood.

Sydney also introduced ex-Demon James Jordon and former Fremantle defender Joel Hamling as free-agent acquisitions, while, conversely, the Swans offloaded Dylan Stephens via a trade with North Melbourne and farewelled champion Lance Franklin and veteran ruckman Tom Hickey to retirement.

Developmental ruckman Will Green, Academy-linked midfielder Caiden Cleary, and No. 53 choice Patrick Snell were welcomed via the 2023 National Draft in November.

We assessed Sydney's list and produced our projected best 23 for the Swans as they prepare for a telling 2024 campaign.

BEST 23s:

ADELAIDE CROWS,ย BRISBANE LIONS, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE,ย GEELONG CATS,ย GOLD COAST SUNS,ย GWS GIANTS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE,ย NORTH MELBOURNE,ย PORT ADELAIDE,ย RICHMOND, ST KILDA.

3. Forwards

The shoes left by the departed Franklin are daunting, to say the least. However, fortunately, the Swans aren't short on key forward options.

Logan McDonald, Hayden McLean, and Joel Amartey all figure to feature prominently throughout next year's campaign forward of the ball, with each of the three possessing adept contested marking and goal-kicking capabilities.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Hayden McLean of the Swans is tackled during the round eight AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Mid-season draft pick-up Jack Buller shapes as another up-and-coming key-position attacking asset, while ex-Port Adelaide ruck-forward Peter Ladhams also remains on standby.

The smaller Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney, and Will Hayward are equally as dangerous and can instantly make their presence felt at the foot of the contest.

Meanwhile, there's a watch on excitable 2022 draftee Jacob Konstanty, who could burst onto the scene in a head-turning fashion next season.