SYDNEY holds a pair of first round picks at this year’s AFL Draft, and fresh off another Grand Final appearance, can restock to remain a contender into the future. The Swans are in a great spot to target tall talent among a midfield-heavy crop, but have become renowned for ‘best available’ selections.

>> FREE: View the 2024 AFL Draft Guide

2024 RECORD: 1st, 17-6, 126.7% | Eliminated: Grand Final
2024 PICKS: 19, 22, 44, 59, 85, 91
FUTURE PICKS: SYD R1, SYD R2, SYD R3, SYD R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Nicholas Andreacchio, Harry Cameron, Joel Cochran, Joe Harrison, Benjamin Lenarduzzi, Tom Ryan (all Academy)

POTENTIAL TARGETS:

Sydney’s position in the draft, with two picks late in the first round, looks like being a good range for tall talent. That being said, if a player of any makeup is available who features higher on the Swans’ draft board, then they’re likely to take the ‘best available’ approach instead.

Having two selections so close together also means prospects in line for their first pick could be available with the second. A couple of exciting, talented smalls in that range include Taj Hotton and Jesse Dattoli, who will be in highly sought after in the midfielder-forward category.

Hotton was on track to be a top 10 contender before tearing his ACL, dominating games at Coates Talent League and APS level. Dattoli fared similarly well in both competitions and was terrific at the National Championships, elevating his stocks in the second half of the year. Both are genuine game-winners.

Outside of those two, Swans fans have been crying out for key position support, particularly down back. That puts Luke Trainor right in the mix as a tall defender whose intercept marking and distributive skills are outstanding. He was also once considered a top five chance but looms as somewhat of a slider.

The likes of Jack Whitlock, Jobe Shanahan, and Jonty Faull – all key forwards – will be in high demand throughout the teens. Perhaps, then, Matt Whitlock becomes the preferred choice with his raw athleticism and ability to play at either end of the ground. He’s a long-term prospect.

Sydney is well known for its shrewd draft strategy and has been linked to a bid on Lions Academy prospect Sam Marshall. The Swans will also have to compete for many of the same targets as Richmond, GWS, and the Western Bulldogs, who all hold multiple picks directly before and after Sydney’s first two.

Expected to make three or four selections at the National Draft, the Swans will hope to squeeze in another before Academy graduate Joel Cochran attracts a bid. Of Sydney’s six nominees, he is far and away the most likely to have interest from other clubs, potentially as high as the 25-40 range.

Sydney’s third selection currently sits at 44, putting it dangerously close of being absorbed by matching for Cochran. While more of a run-off or intercept tall defender, his presence could be in mind when Sydney makes its opening two selections, where plenty of other tall options are available.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will key position players be Sydney’s main target?
– Where will a bid land for Academy prospect Joel Cochran?
– Can Sydney use its full set of future picks to make a move on night two?