SEASON 7 was certainly a tough one for the Sydney Swans.

It was their inaugural season in the competition, and despite showing some glimpses ultimately came away winless from their debut campaign.

However the Swans have picked up some big names in the offseason, so will they help the young Bloods create history in 2023?

TEAM LIST

#1 Brooke Lochland
#2 Bridie Kennedy
#3 Sarah Ford
#4 Paige Sheppard
#5 Chloe Molloy
#6 Ruby Sargent-Wilson
#7 Ally Morphett
#8 Alice Mitchell
#9 Lucy McEvoy
#10 Cynthia Hamilton
#11 Bella Smith
#12 Ella Heads
#13 Alana Woodward
#14 Maddy Collier *
#15 Paris McCarthy
#16 Aliesha Newman
#17 Jennifer Higgins
#18 Montana Ham
#19 Rebecca Privitelli
#20 Brenna Tarrant
#21 Lisa Steane
#22 Aimee Whelan
#23 Eliza Vale
#24 Julie O’Sullivan
#25 Sofia Hurley
#26 Kiara Bessley
#28 Lauren Szigeti
#29 Tanya Kennedy
#30 Alexia Hamilton
#31 Laura Gardiner
#32 Hayley Bullas *
#34 Kate Reynolds
#37 Montana Beruldsen
#44 Jaide Anthony

* inactive

CHANGES

In: Montana Beruldsen (return from inactive), Alice Mitchell (return from inactive), Chloe Molloy, Lucy McEvoy, Paris McCarthy, Jennifer Higgins, Julie O’Sullivan, Tanya Kennedy, Laura Gardiner
Out: Maddy Collier (inactive), Hayley Bullas (inactive), Tiarne Cavanagh, Sarah Dargan, Molly Eastman, Zoe Hurrell, Genevieve Lawson Tavan, Sarah Skinner, Alana Woodward

FIXTURE

Round 1: vs. GWS @ North Sydney Oval
Round 2: vs. Geelong @ North Sydney Oval
Round 3: vs. Brisbane @ Brighton Homes Arena
Round 4: vs. West Coast @ Henson Park
Round 5: vs. Carlton @ Ikon Park
Round 6: vs. Port Adelaide @ Alberton Oval
Round 7: vs. Hawthorn @ Henson Park
Round 8: vs. Western Bulldogs @ Whitten Oval
Round 9: vs. Collingwood @ Henson Park
Round 10: vs. Fremantle @ Fremantle Community Bank Oval

STRENGTHS

• Big name recruits
• Handy off field recruits
• Favourable draw

It is safe to say that Sydney won the award for biggest trade win in the offseason, not only luring former Pie Chloe Molloy but also former Blue Lucy McEvoy. The pair will not only lead the side this year but provide valuable experienced bodies in the starting side.

It was not just on field where the Swans scored big wins in the offseason, with former Giant Tanya Hetherington coming across town to create a bit of a Diamond Creek reunion alongside Molloy and Swans head coach Scott Gowans.

The Swans also have a very favourable draw, as only one interstate trip of theirs is to play a top four side from last year.

QUESTION MARKS

• Where is that first win going to come from?
• Is the forward line tall enough?
• Large list turnover

The Swans did go through Season 7 winless, so what is going to change to see them get that win, and can they pull it off?

One thing about Sydney’s list is that its forward line is on the shorter end. With one tall permanent target in Rebecca Privitelli, is there enough of a variety in the forward line to increase scoring power?

There are eight new faces in the Sydney line up this season, which is almost a third of its list. How much of an effect will that have on team dynamic?

BEST & FAIREST CONTENDER

She may only be in her first season at the club, but Chloe Molloy is a bit of an obvious choice for Best and Fairest contender.

Whether she is playing forward or back, Molloy provides a spark for her team and in a side with the make up that Sydney’s has, she is going to stand out even more.

BREAKOUT PLAYER

Laura Gardiner may also be a new Swan, but a new set up may just be what this forward needs to really spark her career. A proven talent at VFL level that just could not show her true talents at the Cats at AFLW level, Gardiner will certainly be hoping her trade to the Swans is a win/win for both parties.

PREDICTION

After the season that was in Season 7, the Swans cannot exactly go any worse this time around. However, with the recruiting of players like Molloy and McEvoy, there are reasons for Swans fans to be excited.

While 2023 is likely to be another year of growth and development for those in red and white, perhaps a first win may be on the cards sometime in the next three months.