While the stars of Charlie Curnow, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner may catch the eye most frequently at Sydney Swans HQ this summer, there are a number of fringe player vying for senior selection as the pre-season period winds down.
One of those is Ned Bowman, a 187cm forward out of Norwood selected with Pick 26 in the 2024 National Draft.
Bowman has genuine speed and athleticism to boot, which was utilised in a primarily defensive role in the VFL in 2025 despite being selected as an attacking player, kicking 18 goals for Norwood's under-18 side in 10 matches.
However, his continued growth as an aerial threat across half-back has impressed Swans assistant coach Mark McVeigh, particularly during the club's Friday match simulation, likening the now 19-year-old to one of Sydney's top defensive leaders - Dane Rampe.
"Ned's shown that his ability in the air is really strong, and then he also can run on half-back and be a real line-breaker for us, so he's got a unique ability to be able to contest in the air," McVeigh said.
"But also, when he hits the ground, he's pretty dangerous, so we've really enjoyed watching his flexibility in that space.
"He's going to have to really step up this year, obviously we've got some ageing players, and Dane Rampe's going really well, but we can't have him forever.
"We think Ned Bowman's a player that's following closely in his footsteps, and can give us some real steel behind the ball, but also can give us some great run."
That's high praise considering just how important Rampe's kicking game and leadership behind the ball are for the Swans.
Rampe averaged just 13.4 disposals last season, but was more impactful than most with the Sherrin in hand, with a disposal efficiency of over 84 per cent. That rate led the Bloods in 2025 (minimum 10 games played) while his 3.4 rebound 50s per game was fourth-best on the senior list.
In fact, among the 22 players who turned at least 34 years old last season, Rampe ranked first in disposal efficiency, third in rebound 50s, fifth in metres gained and fifth in intercepts.
Yet, the Swans' backline is the area of greatest concern entering 2026, considering the age of Joel Hamling and Rampe, and its lack of height outside of Tom McCartin.
Therefore, Bowman's signs in pre-season are something to be excited about for a club looking to contend for a premiership, as his aerial strength, speed, and line-breaking ability from half-back could provide the extra depth needed to stabilise the Swans' one area of weakness on paper.
