In the whirlwind that was the 2025 trade and free agency period, it's perhaps unsurprising that one key Swans recruit has been overlooked by many, given the acquisition of a two-time Coleman medallist on deadline day.
Yet, Sydney's trade for Suns small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr is an important one as senior coach Dean Cox looks to fire up his front six, given the fact the Swans had the league's most potent attack in 2024. In 2025, the Bloods ranked 11th for points scored.
What makes Rosas a particularly exciting pick-up is his vocal commitment to contributing to team success, no matter what role he is given in the AFL side.
Speaking to Herald Sun, Rosas highlighted the role he may play in under Cox, as well as the 2012 premiership Swan he's idolising entering the Harbour City facilities.
"I want to come here and play a role, and make sure I nail that role. And if I can bring the boys with me, and we can connect better, we're going to be better. That's the main focus," Rosas said.
"I just want to get those opportunities to turn it over and go forward. I'll bring my speed on offence and defence.
"Like Lewis Jetta, I loved watching him play. He could run really fast."
The Suns academy graduate had struggled to cement his spot under Damien Hardwick in the past two seasons, playing 11 senior games over the past 24 months as the likes of Academy prospects Leo Lombard, Jake Rogers, as well as Jy Farrar, Ben Long, Bailey Humphrey and Connor Budarick were favoured over him.
However, Rosas revealed that the Swans' keenness to bring him on board in spite of his rare senior opportunities is what convinced him to nominate Sydney as his preferred trade destination.
"It was the coaching staff and what they wanted to bring in and the types of roles they wanted to play," Rosas said of the trade process.
"If I could fit inside the Swans' system, that's what I was keen for.
Sydney's interest in the 24-year-old comes as Tom Papley requires more assistance inside the forward 50, with Rosas certainly capable of dynamising their forward line, providing plenty of forward pressure and speed in the front half.
Rosas kicked 15 goals in as many VFL matches in 2025, and developed his midfield game in the reserves, notably recording 25 disposals and four tackles against Collingwood's VFL side in Round 16.
"Wherever they need me to play, that's what I'm going to do," Rosas said.
"I want to play. But I think I can only control what I can control, I've just got to do my best and help out going forward."
Rosas will look to put together a strong pre-season to crack into Sydney's best 23 ahead of their Opening Round clash with Carlton, which will open the 2026 season on Thursday, March 5 at the SCG.
