AFTER landing arguably the biggest fish in the trade pool, Sydney will again play an intriguing role come draft time. The Swans lay claim to a trio of academy graduates who may all attract bids within the top 35, leaving the club with some potentially tough calls to make when it comes to matching.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 10th | 12-11 | 97.0%
2025 PICKS: 31, 32, 42, 60, 71
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R2, CAR ’26 R3, COL ’26 R3, HAW ’26 R4 | ’27 R2, CAR ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Lachlan Carmichael, Noah Chamberlain, Max King, Harry Kyle

2025 CROP:
Picks 31, 32, 42, 60, 71

The most likely scenario for Sydney is that at least one of its academy prospects attracts a bid before pick 31, with Max King boasting arguably the earliest range – albeit the widest. An athletic phenom with enormous upside, he could land anywhere between picks 20-35. The likes of Fremantle and North Melbourne could be in for the enigmatic forward/midfielder.

Freo is a side which may also call out Harry Kyle‘s name, with GWS another heavily-linked bidder. The bolting wingman/half-back could even be the first of the Swans-tied players to garner a bid, somewhere in the 20s. Much like King, his selection is one made on upside having only spent a year in the pathway.

That leaves Lachlan Carmichael, who will likely feature in the 25-35 range. He’s definitely the most bankable of the lot after a decorated junior career which culminated in Allies MVP honours. Tall forward/wingman Noah Chamberlain is also in the mix as a late or rookie option.

The Swans are expected to make three or four selections in the National Draft, and despite their abundance of academy stars, could even take a look at what’s available elsewhere. With three prospects in close proximity and a relative lack of stock to match, other clubs could force their hand and cash in.

Sydney bolstered its forwardline during trade period but may be in for another small option, while the same goes for its defensive stocks long-term. Veterans Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe were among eight delistings but will be re-listed as rookies, with the Swans opting against any promotions from said list.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Which academy prospect will attract a bid first?
– What is the earliest range a bid will land?
– Will Sydney pass on one or more of its academy graduates?