Paddy McCartin is having a stellar season for the Swans in his new role in the backline, a mammoth effort after the opening years of his career were cruelled by injury.
An invaluable part of the Swans side that secured a season-defining 12-point win over the reigning premiers at the MCG on Saturday night, the 26-year-old looked elated on the final siren as he celebrated with his brother, fellow defender Tom.
McCartin was visibly emotional when discussing the win, and what it means to be playing alongside his brother, in a post-game interview with Fox Footy's Best on Ground program.
“I’m a bit speechless to be honest,” McCartin told Fox Footy.
“I had a fair road back to come back and play. The aim was to get back and play in games like this. To win and beat Melbourne and be doing it with my brother on the ‘G – it’s pretty crazy, bro.”
When asked about playing alongside his little brother, who debuted for the Swans in 2018, McCartin admitted he played a major role in getting him back to the top flight.
“Honestly it’s the best ever,” McCartin said.
“It’s hard to explain to people. I don’t think there’s that many people that have played footy with their brother.
“I just love him to death. He’s a big reason why I was able to come back and get through what I did.
“It’s hard to talk about it. I get a bit emotional talking about it to be honest. I just love him that much.”
McCartin had a solid outing on Saturday night, finishing with 15 disposals and six marks, alongside a game-high 10 intercepts, seamlessly slotting into the Swans' defence.
Originally drafted with Pick 1 by St Kilda as a key forward, McCartin managed just 35 games across five seasons after suffering eight concussions. Despite thinking his career was over after leaving the Saints in 2019, McCartin was signed as a rookie by the Swans in January after a successful run with the VFL team in 2021.
“If you had have told me four or five years ago that I’d be playing 2022 in Sydney with my brother down back, I would’ve absolutely laughed in your face,” McCartin said.
“That’s life but I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I loved my time at the Saints but I’m loving my time in Sydney as well.”
Sydney's win over Melbourne places them in sixth place on the ladder with an 8-4 win-loss record, next heading to Adelaide to face the Power in Round 14 after the bye.
