Sydney have confirmed the signing of former St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period.
McCartin has been training with the Swans this summer in hope of gaining an AFL lifeline, an opportunity the New South Wales club have now handed to the 25-year-old.
The former No.1 pick stepped away from football after being delisted by the Saints in 2019, having suffered as many as eight concussions throughout his career at Moorabbin.
McCartin expressed his delight in having joined the Swans for the season ahead, expressing his delight for the future.
“It’s extremely exciting – it’s been a unique journey for me to get back to this point. It’s a path that not many people have taken, but my goal was to always try and get back to the elite level and to be able to do it with the Swans. To do it with Tom, in particular, is something that means a lot and is exciting,” McCartin said, via the club's announcement.
“I’ve loved training with the team and playing last year, so it’s good to get on the list. There’s a lot that we want to achieve as a group so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the guys this year.”
McCartin kicked 34 goals across his five seasons with St Kilda, showing plenty of promise throughout a luckless tenure early into his career.
The Swans will sign McCartin as a Category A Rookie, an addition the club is thrilled with.
“Paddy has worked extremely hard over the past two years to get himself fit and healthy, and in a position to continue his AFL career. To his credit, he has overcome several challenges and ultimately his strong VFL form last season and commitment to training over the pre-season has enabled him to earn another AFL opportunity,” Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said.
“At just 25 years of age Paddy still has plenty of footy left to play, and his re-joining the senior list will provide the club with the flexibility of another tall option who can play at either end of the ground.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what Paddy can deliver this season. We know he and Tom are excited about the opportunity to continue training and playing together.”
McCartin joined Sydney's VFL squad last year and will now join his brother, Tom, at the Swans for the 2022 season.
