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From the wooden spoon Saints we move onto the runner-up from last season, the Sydney Swans, who will see anything less than a grand final berth as failure.
Last season
Buddy Franklin joined the Swans in the pre-season in the biggest deal in AFL history receiving mixed reviews in the football world.
A Round 1 loss to Greater Western Sydney, Ryan O’Keefe sitting in the reserves and Tom Mitchell gathering 60 possessions in a reserves match and still not getting a game – we all thought the Swans had lost the plot.
Come the end of the season and they had won the minor premiership and Buddy was kicking goals for fun. They couldn’t retain their form in the grand final, however, being totally outplayed by the Hawks.
Next season
The Swans lost Nick Malceski in the off season, leaving a hole in their defensive rebound, although they have options to trial in this position. The rest of the list remains settled with their midfield having extraordinary depth and hardness.
The twin towers of Franklin and Kurt Tippett worked well last season so expect plenty of goals. It’s hard to see the Swans missing the top four and just as hard to imagine them not in a grand final, so pencil them in first to fourth.
Who to look out for
Gary Rohan struggled with form while still on the comeback trail, but was thrown to the opposite end of the ground playing as a rebounding defender in the finals, playing an outstanding preliminary. He is an exciting player with an exceptional burst of speed, which is something the Swans desperately need an injection of.
It will be interesting to see where he is used this year with the Malceski departure opening up further opportunities. The Swans do, however, lack pace in their forward line and could use an exciting small at the feet of their big forwards.
Needs a big year
The arrival of Buddy Franklin spelt trouble for Sam Reid last season as his position had been filled. He filled gaps at either end of the field and managed to put in some sturdy performances while holding his place in the best 22.
This season the Swans will be expecting greater output though, and should place more emphasis on his defensive skills with an ageing backline. If he cements a spot in the back six the Swans will be able to better deal with power forwards and give Ted Richards greater flexibility.
Best 22
FB: Smith, Richards, Shaw
HB: McVeigh, Grundy, Rampe
C: Jetta, Kennedy, Bird
HF: Parker, Franklin, McGlynn
FF: Goodes, Tippett, Rohan
R: Pyke, Hannerbery, K. Jack
I: Reid, Mitchell, Cunningham, Lloyd
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