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 

3. Charlie Dean

The Collingwood defender has endured a luckless run since being recruited out of Williamstown in 2021.

Foot injuries delayed his chances of a debut in the black and white following an impressive first pre-season under coach Craig McRae, who was finally able to hand Dean his first game this year in the club's season opener.

Minor setbacks and form have kept Dean to seven appearances this year, with McRae still searching for the right defensive mix after losing premiership backman Nathan Murphy to retirement earlier this year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 05: Charlie Dean of the Magpies in action during the Collingwood Magpies Intra-Club match at Victoria Park on February 05, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Off-contract and often on the outside of selection, Dean could be a viable trade option for the Swans, given his untapped potential and likely cheap trade value.