Sydney has traded away its 2026 third-round selection for Hawthorn's Jai Serong and a 2026 fourth-round pick (tied to Sydney).

The Swans sent their own future third-round selection, and held onto Carlton's 2026 third-round pick from the Oliver Florent trade.

Serong had been heavily pursued by Fremantle, with senior coach Justin Longmuir meeting with the 21-year-old last week in a bid to lure him out west, using Serong's family connections as a ploy to persuade him.

North Melbourne also threw their hat in the ring, but the lure of more senior opportunities in New South Wales got him across the line.

"We look forward to Jai arriving at our club and getting stuck into work on day one of the pre-season," Swans EGM AFL Football Leon Cameron said.

"Having been a standout performer in the VFL over the past two seasons, we think Jai is ready to take his game to a new level and add to our defensive stocks."
Serong has lacked opportunity at Hawthorn, featuring in just 10 games since being drafted in 2021, and played exclusively in the VFL in 2025, ultimately making the 2025 VFL Team of the Year.

However, in five AFL appearances in 2024, Serong demonstrated his capabilities in the back 50, laying 2.6 tackles per game and competing well aerially, averaging a handful of marks and spoils per game.

He was also Box Hill's best and fairest winner in 2024, highlighting the level of untapped potential he possesses.

The Hawks will add Sydney's 2026 future third-round selection to their suite of picks.