Sydney (4-8, 14th)
What's gone right: The Swans' strong last few weeks have proven that they can indeed salvage something from their 2019 campaign, which looked dire after the first several rounds of the season. Sydney has been strong against some of the better teams this season, dismantling the Eagles and giving Collingwood a good run for their money. Some of the regulars like Tom Papley and Jake Lloyd have continued to deliver weekly for the Swans, while Nick Blakey is certainly a very exciting prospect for Sydney fans aplenty in the coming years.
What's gone wrong: Nobody associated with Sydney would have been pleased with their start to the season, which consisted of a record of 1-6 after their first seven matches. While they have shown signs of turning things around, they well and truly put themselves on the back foot by starting their 2019 season in such a dismal fashion. Taking 2017 into consideration as well, it means that the Swans have been 1-6 after the first 7 games in two of their last three seasons. Injuries to Lance Franklin haven't helped either, and the once-seemingly immortal Franklin is beginning to show some signs of being human in his early 30s.
Best and fairest: The regular Swans such as Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy have been solid contributors yet again this season, but fellow Swan Jake Lloyd would be tough to beat this season, judging on his first 12 games of the season. The 25-year-old has been able to generate some speed and excitement within the Swans fold, averaging over 32 disposals and being a constant presence in the red and white, regardless of whether the team have been in a rut or on the resurgence.
Season grade: E
Before their last 4-5 weeks, it almost certainly would have been an 'F' grade, but Sydney has been able to salvage something of their 2019. Many expected the Swans to finally miss out on the finals, so they probably haven't been overly surprising all things considered. It's going to be a very big second half of the season for the Swans, however, and their season grade could reflect very differently come seasons end - be it better or worse.
