Whether it be a tactical integration taking shape over a number of years, a last-ditch effort to revive a player's career, or a short-term fix that turns into something more, AFL clubs are no strangers to the growing practice of a positional shake-up.
With the likes of Isaac Heeney, Rory Lobb, Nick Blakey, Kyle Langford and Ben Keays all transitioning successfully into new roles over recent years, we thought we'd delve into the biggest positional switches heading into the 2025 season.
7. Tom McCartin
Defender to Forward
The Swans aren't wanting for much in their bid for a sixth AFL/VFL premiership. Despite the NSW outfit possessing one of the elite midfields in the competition and an All-Australian at half-back in 2024, their struggles up forward in the grand final continue to persist.
In the 2022 Grand Final, the Swans talls of McLean, Franklin and Reid combined for a lacklustre total output of 13 disposals and one goal. It was the same disappointing story in 2024, as McLean, Amartey and McDonald combined for a meagre 15 disposals and zero goals.
To many it has become clear that some change needs to be done at the Swans and new head coach Dean Cox has seemingly decided to pull the lever by trialling number one key defender Tom McCartin up forward during pre-season.
McCartin is no stranger to the forward line, having spent the first three years of his career as a permanent key forward. In this stint, the 25-year-old had his fair share of memorable moments, booting three goals on multiple occasions and kicking the game-winning goal against Collingwood back in 2018.
Given how close the Swans have been to premiership glory in recent times, the McCartin transition up forward could prove a major difference-maker in 2025.
