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.
1. Dougal Howard
The most experienced key defender on our list of targets for the Swans to consider, with the 28-year-old currently unsigned for 2025.
Injuries have limited Howard across recent campaigns, but at his best, he has been able to match it with some of the competition’s leading tall forwards – a reality the Swans witnessed first-hand in Round 17 when the Saints caused an upset over the New South Wales side.
The looming caveat in a move for Howard is that he is not eligible as a free agent, meaning the Swans will have to stump up draft capital to secure a move for the former Port Adelaide backman.
His value to the Saints could rise through the off-season should free agent Battle depart Moorabbin, likely making things harder for the Swans or any potential buyer.
2. James Borlase
A big-bodied backman, Borlase finds himself on the fringes of selection at Adelaide due to the Crows’ reliance on key talls Jordon Butts, Mark Keane, Nick Murray and Josh Worrell in the senior side.
Borlase has shown some promise as an emerging key defender in his 13 games in the AFL, nine of which have come this year under Matthew Nicks.
A consistent run at the top level could do Borlase some good, as he is often thrown in and out of Adelaide’s lineup as a reinforcement option rather than a cemented senior stalwart.
Given that the club delisted and re-listed him last year, the 22-year-old is eligible for free agency, making him a cheap recruit option for the Swans to consider.
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.
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.
