Sydney has had a firm idea of their draft plans for most of the year, with the New South Wales side having ties to multiple exciting prospects from their Academy.
What remains unclear is when selections for their Academy stars will land, with rivals likely circling as early as the midway mark of night one.
With a draft hand that combines for just over 1000 points, the Swans have some work to do during the count to ensure they come away with the prospects they want.
Draft Hand
Picks: 31, 32, 42, 63 (1036 Points)
After a blockbuster trade saw the Swans land Charlie Curnow from Carlton, their draft hand for this year, as well as 2026 and 2027, went without a first-round pick.
They did manage to get some selections from the Blues in that trade to help with their points total, but more work will need to be done via live trading.
With a trio of Academy prospects each seen as potential first-round selections, the 2025 draft shapes as a busy one for the Swans.
After their three early bids, their attention will turn to forward Noah Chamberlain, who could be a late pick-up or a rookie selection.
List Needs
Dash From Defence: Some extra run and speed isn't an instant part of the Swans' squad that needs to be addressed, but there's reason to suggest they could look to add a reinforcement to this line. Veterans Jake Lloyd and Harry Cunningham are in the twilight of their careers, and with Ollie Florent leaving over the off-season, it leaves Riley Bice and Matthew Roberts as the club's two main distributors under All-Australian Nick Blakey. Sam Wicks showed promise in his first year down back, but now sits ahead of a few names in the pecking order after Caleb Mitchell, Ben Paton and Blake Leidler were all delisted.
New-Age Backman: One spot on the Swans' list that needs to be filled is finding a tall defender who can match it with the new generation of key forwards coming through the ranks. With two-metre-tall attackers being drafted each year, the Swans may want to look at adding some size to their rearguard, alleviating the load often placed on 193cm incumbents Tom McCartin and Lewis Melican. 197cm backman Will Edwards is one option already at Sydney, but is an unknown commodity at this stage.
Attacking Spark: While the Swans secured a two-time Coleman Medal winner in Curnow from Carlton, the loss of Will Hayward will be felt quite quickly in the new season. Tom Papley is their livewire forward, but someone else who can look to match his energy and be a threat to the opposition's defence when the ball hits the ground could be required. Braeden Campbell was the club's highest goalkicking small last year, and given how well he can be used further up the field, a deeper target that can also allow Isaac Heeney more time in midfield in the years to come would be a good get.
Potential Targets
Max King: Had flirted with top 10 conversations coming into the year before struggling to reach the form some thought he might. Nevertheless, his upside is enough to keep him in first-round talks, with King in the mould of fellow Swans Academy graduate Isaac Heeney, given his frame, elite leap and match-winning capabilities. Could be the first Swans-tied teenager to fetch a bid on draft night, but could also be the third, showing how tight the club's main three prospects are.
| 26 RANK |  | Max King Sydney Academy Forward/Midfielder HEIGHT: 191cm |
Harry Kyle: Has been a late riser after entering the year as more of an unknown prospect compared to the Swans' other Academy members. Significantly impressed across the course of the year in his first full season in the Academy, flexing a lethal side step and contested game across defence that likely comes from his rugby background. He is now in consideration for the first round by some clubs, and could now be the first Swans Academy talent picked at the draft.
| 35 RANK |  | Harry Kyle Sydney Academy Defender HEIGHT: 188cm | + |
Lachy Carmichael: Has a seriously good resume to end his junior career, having claimed MVP honours as captain of the Allies this year, All-Australian selections at both the U16 and U18s carnivals, was the Sydney Academy MVP at the U16s level and featured for the AFL Academy. Carmichael spent most of his year in defence, but a move into midfield for the Allies' clash against Vic Country saw him turn the game, with his final quarter performance almost single-handedly winning the Allies the match.
| 37 RANK |  | Lachy Carmichael Sydney Academy Defender/Midfielder HEIGHT: 183cm | â–¶+ |
