Former St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin has joined the Sydney Swans' VFL side for the 2021 East Coast second-tier season.

McCartin departed St Kilda in 2019 following ongoing concussion setbacks and is now eyeing a return to the AFL, joining the Swans' reserves and the same club as his brother, Tom.

The 24-year-old told the club website he is excited to be closer to his brother and to steer his career into it's next chapter.

"It's good being in Sydney with some nice weather, the beaches and being around my brother Tom,” McCartin said.

"It's been a long journey to get to this point, but I have taken a lot out of it and learnt a lot, so I think it will put me in good stead for what's to come.

"When I got drafted he was only 15 and I missed him growing up a little bit, so to be back with him and see him every day is awesome.”

McCartin emphasised the promising levels of youth the Swans possess and will be hoping to add some experience to the club's forward line.

"There are a lot of young, promising guys up here and I'd love to come in and help them out and hopefully we get can a few wins as well," he said.

"I think I will bring all the experience I have learnt over the journey, and try help a few of the younger guys and do the best I can.

“It's a new environment for me so I am just learning as much as I can about all the boys and building relationships.

"It's a really exciting, young group at the Swans and I think supporters should be excited by who is coming through."

The 2021 VFL season will be underway on April 17, with 22 sides set to compete in the competition.

The Swans and Giants reserves sides will be the only clubs from New South Wales competing in VFL.