The Swans put the rest of the competition on notice last year, amassing a finals finish while managing to blood a bevy of youth as they continue to shape their list for the future.
While senior coach John Longmire will continue this trend, there will be a priority in his side reinstating their placing as a potential premiership contender for 2022.
Having experimented with a number of rotations last season, Longmire is now blessed with a versatile squad, with their 'next man up' mentality buoying their prospects for the season ahead.
An extensive pecking order across all three lines is sure to be on show this season, with their best 22 sure to be feeling the pressure of selection given their deep stocks.
With this in mind, we look to dissect Sydney's squad and name their best side heading into the 2022 season.
Defenders
The Swans' defensive structure is one pieced together with leading figures and emerging talents, ranking sixth overall in the AFL last year.
The duo of Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd steady the stingy defence Longmire desires, offering run, accuracy and the ability to lock down as a collective.
Young gun Braeden Campbell is another that offers mouth-watering disposal from defence and will continue his development as a half-back for the Swans.
Incumbent Harry Cunningham will continue his seasoned role between defence and midfield, which may be amplified by Jordan Dawson's departure.
Key-position duo Tom McCartin and Lewis Melican will be looking to share the heavy lifting, with the former having enjoyed a career-best season in 2021.
Midfielders
The Swans' engine room took a hit during last season' exchange window, having lost defensive-minded duo George Hewett and Dawson to Carlton and Adelaide respectively.
Despite this, Swans fans will remain optimistic in regards to the young squad queing up for selection into Longmire's midfield ensemble.
With senior heads Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker leading the charge, the next wave of baby Swans will work under the tutelage of two greats of the club.
Justin McInerney, James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and the aforementioned Campbell will continue to cut their teeth in the centre of the field, while part-time onballer Will Hayward and Oliver Florent are already placed on a promising trajectory of development in midfield.
Mercurial forward Isaac Heeney is also flagged for more minutes in the middle, with fellow Swans Academy alumni Callum Mills having proven his worth as a midfielder last season in what was a breakout campaign for the ball-winner.
Turning our heads toward their ruck stocks, Tom Hickey will be hoping to back up his blinder 2021 campaign and will be supported by recruit Peter Ladhams following his venture from Port Adelaide.
The Swans were also able to add to their midfield stocks through the National Draft, having added highly rated contested onballers Matt Roberts and Angus Sheldrick.
Forwards
The Swans' attacking third firms as one of the most talismanic in the AFL, with All-Australian goalsneak Tom Papley and veteran sharpshooter Lance Franklin leading the charge.
Franklin is set to form a versatile pairing with second-season key-forward Logan McDonald, who showed plenty of prowess in the top flight across his seven appearances last year.
Add in the exciting edge provided by Nick Blakey, along with tall duo Hickey and Ladhams, and the Swans' tall stock are sure to be a menace for opposition rearguards.
Hayden McLean made a name for himself last season when given the opportunity, adding to an aerial threat that is already compounded by Heeney's presence.
At their feet, Papley will be a constant around goal, while Hayward, Sam Wicks, Rowbottom and Gulden also add striking forward pressure.
Best 22
FB: Jake Lloyd, Tom McCartin, Dane Rampe
HB: Braeden Campbell, Lewis Melican, Harry Cunningham
C: Oliver Florent, Josh Kennedy, Justin McInerney
HF: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, James Rowbottom
FF: Tom Papley, Logan McDonald, Will Hayward
FOL: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Callum Mills
I/C: Peter Ladhams, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey
EMERG: Dylan Stephens, Hayden McLean, Sam Wicks, Joel Amartey
