Sydney key defender Tom McCartin is thankful that he doesn't have to line up against Charlie Curnow on weekends, but instead is forced to tussle with the Coleman medallist at training.
The Swans made a bold play for the former Blue, packaging multiple first-round picks and Will Hayward to secure Curnow.
The trade has immediately put the Swans back into premiership contention, having succumbed to bulk injuries to miss the finals in Dean Cox's first year in charge.
McCartin, speaking to Zero Hanger, said the club's newest recruits have already elevated the standards during the pre-season, making it an intriguing 2026 campaign.
"I think we did pretty well over the trade period," McCartin said.
"It was tough to see good mates go in Will (Hayward) and Ollie (Florent), but the club had a crack at finding players we needed.
"We got pretty lucky getting Charlie, he's the best forward in the competition in my opinion, and then Malcolm (Rosas) and Jai (Serong), they've been really good. They've added a lot.
"Jai has been good down back and good to work alongside him."
The Swans' social media team has revelled in capturing McCartin and Curnow going toe-to-toe in fiery training battles.
The key forward is rebounding from an injury-interrupted 2025 season that limited him to 18 games and 32 goals in the navy blue, but he is back to full fitness in his new colours.
And while the sessions have been demanding, McCartin is already reaping the benefits of working alongside his new teammate.
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"I prefer to train on him during the week than play on him on the weekend," McCartin said of Curnow.
"He's always been a really tough opponent when I've played against him. There's been some stuff that the Swans have posted (on social media) of our one-on-ones, and we've been going pretty hard.
"It's so good for my development, learning off him. I think it probably goes both ways."
The addition of Curnow has meant that McCartin can rest assuredly in the defensive 50.
Cox experimented with the 26-year-old as a key forward due to mass injuries, but quickly returned him to his rightful place behind the ball.
"I've settled down back again, but I actually enjoyed playing forward a bit last year," he said.
"I just did what the team needed at the time with injuries."
Top draftee Harry Kyle is emerging as an early-season debut chance after storming into calculations following an impressive summer to date.
McCartin's older brother, Charlie, signed with Collingwood VFL "and is loving the Pies", while former Pick 1 Paddy is living in Sydney.
