It's unlikely Sydney will be as active as they were last year in utilising trade and free agency levers to better their list, with the flag favourites having identified the needs and targets in 2023 that have lifted them into premiership contention.

With two first-round draft picks in hand there is sure to be some excitement through the off-season, with November's intake a great chance to add top-line young talent to their squad for the long term after adding Will Green and Caiden Cleary through the first-round last year.

But a look at how they can improve their list immediately through the player movement window might suggest some key defensive reinforcements could go a long way to support their premiership claim for the coming years.

Behind Tom McCartin and Lewis Melican, John Longmire's depth isn't as strong as everywhere else on the ground, with recruit Joel Hamling now utilised as a key forward at the lower level and ex-Bomber Aaron Francis struggling at times while 2023 Mid-Season Draft addition Harry Arnold has continued to face setbacks in his short time in the red and white.

So, considering the Swans' potential list needs, we've named five players Sydney could target in the off-season.

OTHER TRADE TARGETS:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON,ย COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON,ย FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND, ST KILDAย 

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1. Dougal Howard

The most experienced key defender on our list of targets for the Swans to consider, with the 28-year-old currently unsigned for 2025.

Injuries have limited Howard across recent campaigns, but at his best, he has been able to match it with some of the competition's leading tall forwards - a reality the Swans witnessed first-hand in Round 17 when the Saints caused an upset over the New South Wales side.

The looming caveat in a move for Howard is that he is not eligible as a free agent, meaning the Swans will have to stump up draft capital to secure a move for the former Port Adelaide backman.

Dougal Howard during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

His value to the Saints could rise through the off-season should free agent Battle depart Moorabbin, likely making things harder for the Swans or any potential buyer.

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