WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is Sydney, a club which has maintained its 2021 first rounder, has two next year, and can get busy at the live trading table.

CURRENT PICKS: 16, 31, 39, 69, 84, 89

2022 PICKS: SYD Round 1, MEL Round 1, SYD Round 2, SYD Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:

Angus Anderson, William Edwards, Kye Pfrengle, Liam Puncher, Felix Rogers, Pierce Roseby (all Academy)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Key defensive depth
+ Long-term inside midfield depth
+ Outside/rebound run

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 16)

Sydney’s first round pick will likely bring along a bit of intrigue, with a couple of needs able to be addressed across what promises to be a very even range. The Swans have pulled a couple of surprises early on night one in the last couple of intakes, so fans can expect the unexpected, in a sense.

With big-bodied inside midfielders likely high on the Swans’ wish list, players like Mitchell Knevitt and Josh Goater may appeal at pick 16, which will slide down to 18. Goater is the one who has interest even earlier, credit to his versatility and athletic upside, while Knevitt may be one Sydney reaches for given his own athletic profile and range on the inside.

Still in midfield but with slightly different traits, Tyler Sonsie‘s class will be difficult to overlook as he slides through the first round. At his best, the Eastern Ranges product is a definite top 10 talent and is the kind of player who can hurt the opposition with his poise and ball use going forward from stoppages.

The Swans need some key defensive depth and perhaps they see Jacob van Rooyen as a viable option. The Claremont swingman has most notably dominated his peers as a physically ready, aggressive key forward, but translated his skills well to defence in the West Australian Under 19 side.

Elsewhere, Tom Brown and Campbell Chesser may be of interest with their speed both off half-back and on the outside, with the latter also offering scope to develop on the inside. Depending on what the Swans go with, it will likely set up their later selections, and determine whether trading up is a worthwhile option.

REMAINING CROP:

The Western Bulldogs have made it clear they will be looking to shift pick 23, and Sydney is a side with enough ammo to move right up the order with a deal including picks 31 and 39. The Swans also have two first rounders to play with next year, so have plenty of flex for getting creative during live trading.

Should the Swans’ haul remain as is, there remains a bunch of talent suitable to their needs. Leek Alleer is a raw key defender they may hope gets through the 20s, with Rhett Bazzo another likely to be taken. In terms of inside grunt, Angus Sheldrick fits well, but there is also running power available.

Tasmanian Sam Banks will be in the frame as a dashing rebounder with sharp foot skills, while Corey Warner – brother of Chad – has had some discussions with Sydney and has that established link. He can play too, offering a good balance in midfield, athleticism, and plenty of drive.

Sydney would be lucky to get a crafty small midfielder like Zac Taylor to fit in on a forward flank as he develops, though other clubs may be in for him earlier in round two. Matthew Roberts has slid substantially and could also be on the board, while the Swans will also keep an eye on leading academy product Angus Anderson, who is among a list of six nominees.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will any key position options be available to Sydney in round one?
> Will Sydney package its second round picks to move up the order?
> Will any bids come in for Sydney’s academy talent?