After making it all the way to the grand final in 2022, the Swans saw a collective
slide in 2023, with the Harbour City side's season coming to a close after a thrilling
elimination final loss against Carlton.
In an up-and-down campaign that closed at 12-1-11, there may have been wins against the ilk of Carlton and GWS throughout the home-and-away season, however, there were also defeats at the hands of non-finalists in Geelong, Fremantle and Richmond.
Yet, with a slew of young Swans stepping up to take the baton, hopes will be high for another successful finals run come September.
2024 Expectations
Sydney are one of several sides that will have genuine hopes of not only making September, but shaping it, too. Despite the retirements of Lance Franklin, Paddy McCartin and Tom Hickey, as well as the injury to co-captain Callum Mills, head coach John Longmire is armed with several adept replacements on every line, especially after such a busy off-season at the trade table.
For the full preview download Zero Hanger's FREE 2024 AFL Season Guide.
Though the inclusions of Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Joel Hamling and James Jordon will aid a Bloods revival, it is the continued rise of Sydney's cygnets into Swans that should pay the most long- term dividends.
Star Player: Errol Gulden
One of the most stellar young players in the competition, Gulden added a debut All-Australian blazer, a first Bob Skilton Medal and a top-four finish on Brownlow night to his already impressive resume. And with season-long averages of 26.8 disposals, 6.1 inside 50s and 5.3 marks, it isn't hard to see why the 21-year-old had earned his flowers.
Like a litany of his teammates, Gulden appears poised to lead the Swans for seasons to come from his locked-up spot on the wing.
