As the Sydney Swans return to finals, most of the season was filled with doubt on whether they would return after a year fuelled with injury, setbacks and poor performances that had the Swans ruled out of any chance to return for another shot at glory.
An up-and-down year was the narrative for the Swans but the focus shifts to the business end of the season as Sydney looks to make a deep finals run.
Now with retirements looking to change the Swans' list demographic, who could be possible targets on their radar that could have them back to their dominating best?
Here are our five trade targets that the Swans could bring to the Harbour City.
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At 30 years old, Tomlinson has become a fringe player for the Demons struggling to burst into the senior side on a more consistent basis.
So far in 2023, he's only been selected to play in eight games which could make him want to move to Sydney where he could receive more playing time.
At 194cm, he's a large key defender. A puzzle piece that could be crucial to Sydney's improvement in 2024 given the Swans, out of all the top eight teams, conceded the third highest amount of points against.
His numbers over his career haven't been the best but Tomlinson can be accountable for his direct opponent and he can apply strong pressure around the ball. His numbers over his 11-year tenure average at 14.5 disposals, 1.9 tackles with 9.4 pressure acts per game.
Since 2020 Tomlinson has been a formidable key defender, as he has only lost nine times out of 64 one-on-one contests, meaning he wins or equals approximately 85% of one-on-one contests.
Whilst Graham has been receiving plenty of playing time for Richmond, the idea of possibly being traded has been floated around in recent times, with the Tigers midfielder evening visiting Port Adelaide last year.
The two-time premiership player has been a strong role player for Richmond with a career average of 16.4 disposals, 5.3 tackles, and 4.3 score involvements per game.
The idea would be that Graham could provide a similar service to the Swans, who could use a player that can win the first disposal, much like how Collingwood has gained an upper hand in the middle with the recruitment of Tom Mitchell.
A massive win for Sydney would be Graham's pressure acts. As a midfield-forward this season he averages a strong 19.5 pressure acts per game. This would allow players like Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley to go to work in the forward third and create more scoring opportunities for the Swans.
After it was announced that the Swans were tracking Ben McKay, the Roos free agent could be the favourite to be picked up from anyone on this list.
McKay has been reported to be on the way out of North Melbourne, with it just being a question of where he lands.
McKay has been one of the few shining lights for the Kangaroos in 2023 with 12.1 disposals (career best), 4.2 spoils and 3.8 intercept marks (career best) per game.
If he was to move to a more organised defence in the Swans, his numbers could jump even higher as an intercept defender, which would also help in resolving the leak in scoring against the Swans have conceded.
As he will be a free agent, the cost of bringing him in will be rather cheap for Sydney and he will be a helping hand alongside Tom McCartin after the retirement of McCartin's brother, Paddy.
The Swans will cast an eye to the ruck market over the coming months following the retirement of first-string tall Tom Hickey.
While they do have Peter Ladhams on the mend and Lachlan McAndrew waiting in the wings, Sydney are in need of a recruit that can compete with the pair of ruckman come selection.
Bryan has been given few opportunities at Essendon given Sam Draper's standing and Andrew Phillips' place in the pecking order, however the latter's retirement is sure to make Bryan a needed figure at Tullamarine.
The athletic big man would suit the Swans' emerging crop of young names, but Sydney will be required to fork up more for Bryan than other potential targets given how well he is rated under Brad Scott.
If it's not Bryan, the Swans could look toward the likes of Giant Matt Flynn, Bulldog Jordon Sweet or even Melbourne's Brodie Grundy to help boost their ruck options.
Even if successful in their pursuit of McKay, the Swans should be considering their depth options for their backline.
The Swans have called on both Lewis Melican and Will Gould during this season, and with both players still unsigned for next year there could be means to add role players of a similar mould.
Highmore has struggled to find a role under Ross Lyon in 2023, but his form at VFL level suggests Highmore can be valuable competition for a club's top line of backmen.
The 193cm defender has averaged 22.7 disposals, 6.7 marks and 2.5 tackles per game for Sandringham this season and is currently off-contract, presenting as a cheaper option that could join the likes of uncapped defender Harry Arnold at the Swans.
Much like Sydney's late move for ex-Bomber Aaron Francis, the Swans could secure Highmore for next to nothing.