SYDNEY was busy on the phones and lived up to its ‘Bidney’ moniker at the 2024 AFL Draft, which yielded a haul of six new players overall – including two first rounders. The Swans will look to go one better in 2025 with a new coach and recruits who will help keep them competitive in the long-term.

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DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

22. Jesse Dattoli
26. Ned Bowman
41. Riley Bice
55. Riak Andrew

Rookie Draft:

14. Blake Leidler
25. Ben Paton (St Kilda)
32. Aaron Francis (re-listed)
33. Joel Hamling (re-listed)

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

Sydney was in talks with several clubs to manufacture deals to move up the order, tabling both its first round selections. Jesse Dattoli was among the prime targets and got through to the Swans’ first pick (22), with the decision made easier by Richmond snapping up Luke Trainor from under their noses.

Dattoli was rated highly on the Swans’ board and brings flair to the forward half. His potential to play in midfield or out on the wing will also appeal. He was packaged up with fellow high-flyer Ned Bowman (pick 26) out of Norwood, adding even more power and speed to the forwardline.

The Swans had also considered taking a tall in Jobe Shanahan and had little hesitation in placing a bid on Brisbane Academy graduate Sam Marshall before calling out Bowman’s name. The Swans would be involved in four seperate bids throughout the night for an array of different outcomes.

Their next move, though, was to pull the first mature-ager of the draft in Werribee dasher Riley Bice (pick 41). The 24-year-old suits Sydney’s age profile and style of play, offering plenty of outside run off half-back or the wing. His foot skills are also excellent and helped set him apart this year.

Also in the 40s, Collingwood placed a bid on Sydney Academy prospect Joel Cochran, a mobile tall defender. The Swans opted against matching for their local product, instead taking a key back with pick 55 – fittingly with an unmatched bid on over-ager Riak Andrew (Melbourne NGA).

That selection came directly after a bid on Carlton father-son nominee Lucas Camporeale, which was duly matched. Andrew, the brother of Gold Coast’s Mac, is a competitive and athletic tall with great upside. He fought hard show improvement late in the year and suits a positional need for the Swans.

Sydney matched its National Draft intake with four rookies, albeit two re-listings in Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling. Versatile bolter Blake Leidler was the Swans’ first choice, before snapping up former St Kilda defender Ben Paton – another mature-age talent who adds depth to keep the list competitive.