Squad Breakdown: Sydney Swans 2023 SC analysis

Nothing but heartbreak and embarrassment for the Swans on the biggest stage last season, going down to the Cats in the big dance by the tune of 81 points.  They’d be very disappointed with their performance on the day, but it shouldn’t detract from a fabulous season overall.  It might just fuel the fire for this season in what will be Buddy’s last.  Buddy fairy-tale ala Joel Selwood?

The obvious question is how they can improve and take that final step.  I think it’s simply just another season in the system for their younger players such as Warner, Florent, Gulden, Mills, Rowbottom etc. and hopefully that’s enough for Buddy to be holding the cup with his teammates at season’s end.

Sign up to SC Playbook in 2023! Gain access to stacks of additional premium articles every week during the pre-season and regular season, our major subscriber prize, our Whatsapp community featuring Q&A’s with our team of contributors, and plenty of other bonus features. SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Embed from Getty Images

Team

FB: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Jake Lloyd
HB: Nick Blakey, Paddy McCartin, Ollie Florent
C: Justin McInerney, Luke Parker, Errol Gulden
HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Logan McDonald
FF: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Will Hayward
Foll: Pete Ladhams, Callum Mills, Chad Warner
I/C: Dylan Stephens, James Rowbottom, Braeden Campbell, Harry Cunningham
EMG: Hayden McLean, Will Gould, Aaron Francis, Matt Roberts

INJ: Tom Hickey (calf), Robbie Fox (calf), Ryan Clarke (hamstring) 

Embed from Getty Images

List Changes

Ins

Will Edwards (category B rookie), Aaron Francis (trade, Essendon), Jacob Konstanty (No.20 draft pick), Jaiden Magor (Rookie Draft), Caleb Mitchell (No.40 draft pick), Cameron Owen (Rookie Draft), Cooper Vickery (No.27 draft pick).

Outs

James Bell (delisted), Josh Kennedy (retired), Sam Naismith (delisted), Barry O’Connor (delisted), Colin O’Riordan (retired), Ben Ronke (delisted), Callum Sinclair (retired), Lewis Taylor (delisted).

Struggling to pay off your credit card, loans all over the place? Stress less, we mean it, Pat and George from Mortgage Choice SCW can ease the pressure by getting you a single loan to help you pay off debts, at a lower rate. Mention SC Playbook for a FREE CONSULT!

Lock & Load

Errol Gulden (MID/FWD – $472,000)

Will this be the standard third year break out!!??  We saw his ceiling with 188 points in the practice match last week against an albeit slightly depleted Carlton midfield.  45 disposals and 3 goals was a pick me performance.  However, Jordan Clark gave us that a few seasons ago in a practice match but that didn’t pan out too well.  I do expect more CBA’s than ever before which is only a great thing, and he’s put-up big scores before.  His ownership is rising daily.

Embed from Getty Images

Mid-Pricer

N/A

There just isn’t anybody I’d be willing to recommend sorry.  Maybe Justin McInerney – MID – $397,000 at a stretch.  A massive big splits stretch.  Had a big pre-season and mammoth 137 in round 2 last season, but he proved to be a failed investment and I don’t see that changing much 12 months on.

Embed from Getty Images

Cheapie

Lachlan McAndrew (RUC/FWD – $123,900)

Will he get a chance to support Ladhams in the ruck?  How long will Hickey be out?  Probably not long as he’s the rubber man and has a history of recovering in record times from injury.  Check the round 1 teams, however I think job security risk is too great.

Embed from Getty Images

Avoid

Luke Parker (MID – $572,100)

A supercoach gun, but I’m expecting him to spend less time in CBA’s to make way for the younger brigade.  Therefore, not a starting pick.  I don’t expect a massive drop off, but I can see him getting the 35% forward time and gaining that forward DPP as he did last season.  That makes him a tasty trade in option after round 6.

We’ve linked up with Betr for the 2023 footy season! Each week of the AFL season we’ll be delivering our SC Playbook unique market. To kick Round 1 off, we’re backing in the brand new Melbourne ruck duo to dominate all over the ground against the Bulldogs on Saturday night at $5.70! FOLLOW HERE