Former Saints’ forward set to start in Bloods’ defence

Former Saint Paddy McCartin is set to cap off his remarkable return to AFL football when he makes his debut for the Swans in Round 1.

Following eight concussions across his five campaigns in red, white and black, McCartin was delisted by the Saints at the cessation of 2019.

While the consensus view from those within AFL circles was that the former number one draftee was unlikely to ever see senior action again, Sydney's decision to offer the 25-year-old a VFL contract last season was enough to have chins wagging.

After a solid summer on the track and a shift from the forward line to play alongside his younger brother, Tom, in defence, the Geelong Falcons product put up his hand to earn his first AFL start since July 7, 2018.

And just days out from the Swans' opening fixture, McCartin's long journey back to the big time was capped when head coach John Longmire announced that former full forward was in the side to take on GWS.

McCartin officially joined Sydney's rookie list as a delisted free agent in late January following 35 appearances as a Saint.

MORE TO COME.