At the time of writing, the Swans have booked a home preliminary finals berth against either Collingwood or Fremantle, and are shaping as one of the clear favourites to win the flag.
Their young list that is brimming with talent has only served them well thus far, with the few older souls within the side only serving to complement the youthful exuberance that they emit.
It seems as though there couldn't be anyone that could improve their best 22 at this point in time, however, as time wears on there will be cracks that begin to appear and areas of the field will be highlighted that John Longmire and his recruitment staff will look to address.
However, there are some areas that could be addressed in terms of depth, namely in the ruck with 2021 recruit Peter Ladhams not having proved himself by any stretch of the imagination this year.
Tom Hickey isn't getting any younger at almost 32 years of age, meaning that sooner rather than later, a replacement should be identified and moved for.
Additionally, someone else to break the game open when things aren't going the Swans' way might be wise as well. It might not be so hard to guess who they might be.
Without further ado, let's take a look at who the Swans could go and poach this off-season.
5. Sam Hayes
Arguably the least established name on this list, Sam Hayes would be a relatively risk-free investment for the Swans.
Although John Longmire did go to Hayes' current outfit in Port to poach Ladhams last year, the venture has so far been a lacklustre one, meaning that Longmire will have to find a new ruckman sooner or later if he doesn't wish to persist with the former Power ruck.
Hayes has only had limited game time at AFL level, only making his debut this year and stringing together seven appearances throughout 2022 before being dropped in favour of Jeremy Finlayson and the returning Scott Lycett.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
The 23-year-old did impress however in his opportunity, and in a trade period where ruckmen will be moving all over the league, Hayes could be a name that finds somewhere else to ply his trade should reports be believed.ย
At such a young age, Longmire and his ruck department will have many years to train him to play the Swans way, and a move away to be Hickey's understudy for the next few years might be the way forward for Hayes if he wants to further his footy career.
