Last Season
Sydney begun the season at 0-6 and many were questioning whether the Swans were finally beginning their downfall. However, John Longmire's men turned their dismal start to the season into a 14-8 season, playing with the manic pressure and formidable contested ball ferocity that many are accustomed to.
Wins along the way against Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) in round 22, Geelong (Simmonds Stadium) in round 20 and Richmond (MCG) in round 13 were the highlights of their season.
After playing in ultimately an elimination final almost every week, the Swans finished the year in sixth and eventually fell to the Cats in the semi-final.
With the footy world putting no faith in the Swans last year after their horrific start, after Round 6 contested bulls Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy showed their worth, while everyone saw the emergence of future superstar Isaac Heeney. Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe look solid in the defensive post once again, alongside emerging rebound defenders Callum Mills and Jake Lloyd.
They continued to blood the youngsters who got better as the season wore on, with the likes of Nic Newman, Robbie Fox, Will Hayward and Oliver Florent showing that they are set for some long careers at the Swans while Lance Franklin continued his amazing form, booting 73 goals for the year.
Off Season Grade
In: Matthew Ling (Pick 14), Tom McCartin (Pick 33), Ryley Stoddart (Pick 53)
Out: Sam Murray
Off season Grade: C
They've almost got a full team already, so they were very inactive in the trade and free agency period. They were the best team over the final 15 rounds last season, so expect a similar 22 come round one.
Tom McCartin, pick 33 in the National Draft, is reportedly showing good signs this preseason, and who will be looking to break into a very solid 22.
Defining Period
The Swans will be in the thick of the prime time slots this year, with five Friday night games and two Thursday games. Five of their first six games are against 2017 finalists, while they also play double up games against GWS, Geelong and Sydney.
Their opening eight games will be their defining period of the year. They play five finalists in the opening six rounds, while they also play arch enemies Hawthorn at the MCG, in what is always a tough match up for the Swans. They probably won't begin the year as badly as last year, but travelling to Geelong, the MCG and Perth Stadium will be a test.
Round 1 Sunday, Mar 25 — West Coast Eagles, Perth Stadium (Away)
Round 2 Sunday, Apr. 1 — Port Adelaide, SCG (Home)
Round 3 Saturday, Apr. 7 — GWS Giants, SCG (Home)
Round 4 Saturday, Apr. 14 — Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium (Away)
Round 5 Friday, Apr. 20 — Adelaide Crows, SCG (Home)
Round 6 Saturday, Apr. 28 — Geelong Cats, GMHBA (Away)
Round 7 Saturday, May 5 — North Melbourne, SCG (Home)
Round 8 Friday, May 11 — Hawthorn, MCG (Away)
Champion Data Suggests…
Champion Data has determined the Swans will once again be a contender as they have the best list in terms of quality and the best starting 22. They also have the number one midfield, number one defence and the 6th best forward line.
They have quality players like Lance Franklin, Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Dane Rampe who are all elite, while also having the likes of Garry Rohan, Dean Towers, Nic Newman, Luke Parker and Kieran Jack who are just five of the 12 Swans that are classified as above average.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Although the Swans have superstars in every position of the ground, their next generation players are a massive strength of their list. They have debuted 13 players in the past two seasons, which is the second most in the league, while in the past two years, they have uncovered eight AFL-calibre players, despite finishing in the top four, five times in the past six years.
Tom Papley, Nic Newman and Lewis Melican are all rookies who have become an integral part of Sydney's line up, while George Hewett was a late pick in the draft who has hasn't missed a game since his debut.
Will Hayward and Oliver Florent showed signs last year that they will succeed at the Swans, while Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills are outright guns.
Sydney's defence led by veteran Heath Grundy is arguably their strongest positional zone. Sydney was ranked 2nd for least points conceded last season with only 75 despite starting the season at 0-6. Their defence also ranked first in % of scores per inside 50 (against) with only 41.9% while their defence ranked third for one-on-one win percentage with 24.8 percent.
Weaknesses:
Sydney looks a side with plenty of upside, however the constant burden of Lance Franklin to kick a majority of the score is worrying. With second key forward Kurt Tippett retiring, the expectation on Sam Reid to perform has only gotten greater.
Reid needs to become a reliable second tall for the Swans if they want to become a contender once again this year. He kicked 30 goals last year, but he should be aiming for at least 40 this year around if the Swans are to go all the way.
Prediction:
2nd
They have a well-rounded side that will challenge once again. After they overcome their opening eight fixtures, expect to see a fast finishing Sydney side again in the back half of the year. They should return to the top four this year, in what could be a tight battle at the top of the ladder.
Franklin should again be in for another massive season, while Heeney looks like he could become one of the most dangerous midfield-forwards in the competition.
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