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.
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.
4. Final 23
FB:ย Jake Lloyd, Tom McCartin, Dane Rampe.
HB:ย Callum Mills, Joel Hamling, Nick Blakey.
C:ย Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Braeden Campbell.
HF:ย Isaac Heeney, Joel Amartey, Taylor Adams.
FF:ย Hayden McLean, Logan McDonald, Tom Papley.
FO:ย Brodie Grundy, James Rowbottom, Luke Parker.
I/C:ย Will Hayward, Justin McInerney, James Jordon, Oliver Florent.
SUB:ย Harry Cunningham.
Also in the mix:ย Robbie Fox, Sam Wicks, Aaron Francis, Jacob Konstanty, Lewis Melican, and Jack Buller.
