Former St Kilda defender Ben Paton is out to vindicate Sydney's bold decision to sign him as a rookie following his delisting from the Moorabbin club.
Paton joined the Swans via the 2024 Rookie Draft following the trade and national intakes, securing one of the club's final list spots.
The 26-year-old played 71 games in the red, white and black, but battled with injury and form that ultimately led to his culling.
However, Paton is keen to "repay the faith" Sydney has shown in him, which began a few months ago when he met EGM of Football Leon Cameron.
"I had a chat with Leon, and they said they were interested, but there was no certainty," Paton explained.
"Obviously, you've got to run through a few scenarios and weighing up a few things. Whether that was AFL, or play local footy and work. That was a realistic scenario.
"I was still confident (of getting picked up). I'm good enough to play AFL footy.
"Very grateful they've taken a chance on me and want to repay that faith."
Paton - who will don No.25 next year - has put all injury woes behind him as he ventures into his new club, assuring fans "the body is feeling good for the last year".
Among Sydney's announcement of its 2025 jumpers lies two draftees who are set to forge their careers in famous numbers.
Ned Bowman (No.23) and Riley Bice (No.26) have been tasked with carrying on the legacy of Swans legends Lance Franklin and Luke Parker respectively.
The number 23 has been largely recognised as a digit of greatness, with the torch previously carried by Michael Jordan (NBA), Shane Warne (Cricket), David Beckham (Soccer) and Franklin (AFL) as stars of their respective sports.
And now it's Bowman's chance to follow suit, with the youngster revealing how he landed the prominent locker at the Swans after it was kept vacant in 2024 to honour 'Buddy'.
"They sent out the numbers, and I just requested 23," Bowman said.
"I was in a bit of shock. I wasn't expecting them to just give it out.
"I was expecting someone else to come in who's already been in the team.
"To be in the same sentence as those types of players, it's pretty surreal.
"I like that pressure of having a bit more expectation, and hopefully, it just shows a little bit more confidence in myself, which I probably lacked over the few seasons before."
Werribee draftee and mature-age prospect Bice experienced a similar moment when he asked for Parker's former number following his arrival at North Melbourne.
The 24-year-old's journey to the AFL is long-winding, spending multiple years in the VFL and country football before he got his chance.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity," Bice said.
"It's a massive privilege to follow him (Parker). He's a champion of the club and a captain.
"Being a Swans supporter growing up, I looked up to 'Parks' a lot (I wanted the number)."
Sydney's 2025 jumper numbers
18 - Jesse Dattoli
20 - Riak Andrew
23 - Ned Bowman
25 - Ben Paton
26 - Riley Bice
32 - Blake Leidler
