AFTER a down year following injuries to key players, Sydney did not rest on its laurels during the off-season. A heavy turnover of players from retirements, delistings and trades mean the Swans will add up to four players at this year’s AFLW Draft, including Pick 4.

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2024 RECORD: 15th, 3-8, 73.4%
2024 PICKS: 4, 58, 76, 94

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Darcy Moloney (Geelong), Ash Van Loon (Essendon), Imogen Brown (Richmond), Lulu Pullar (North Melbourne), Jasmine Grierson (GWS)
OUT: Bella Smith (Fremantle), Ella Heads (Port Adelaide), Montana Beruldsen (Richmond), Alana Woodward, Brooke Lochland, Hayley Bullas (retired), Lauren Szigeti, Lisa Steane, Aimee Whelan, Paige Sheppard, Eliza Vale (delisted), Pick 22, Pick 40

FIRST PICK:
Pick 4

The Swans will add an elite talent to the mix at Pick 4, with a variety of players who could potentially step up. Key forward Emma McDonald is one who fits a perfect need for the Swans as another forward target, and the fact she can also be thrown into defence, or pinch-hit in the ruck is a terrific quality. She will provide a crucial contested marking option forward of centre.

Outside of McDonald, fellow Vic Metro marking forward/midfielder Grace Belloni could be another great choice for the red and white, while India Rasheed would no doubt come into calculations given her ability to play both forward and midfield. If Sydney opts for versatility, Lou Painter might also be a chance with a number of clubs just behind the Swans very keen on the Pioneers prospect.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 58, 76, 94

Luckily for Sydney, the three picks at the end of the draft will not be as low as they look on paper. When considering list spots, as it stands, Picks 76 and 94 will move up to 60 and 62 respectively, with 58 also bumped up two spots to 56. Essentially, the Swans will make three of the last seven selections in the AFLW Draft.

The big watch will be for a bid on local Academy prospect Emma Juneja. Given Pick 56 will end up being the fourth selection in the fourth round, the Swans could match from roughly Pick 40 onwards (depending on where certain bids fall. If a bid did come in teh second round, then the Swans would be unable to match for the Sydney University talent.

It will be fascinating to see if Sydney does opt for its couple of other nominated Academy athletes in Ellie Veerhuis and Amelia Martin late, or look further afield be it a pressure forward like Abbey Vicino or Stasia Stevenson.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will the Swans target a key forward at Pick 4 or go for versatility?
– Will Sydney be able to match a bid for Emma Juneja?
– Could Sydney pick up its three Academy members?