As we begin 2018, SEN will be dissecting each AFL club’s Best 22 leading into Round 1. We continue the series looking at how Sydney is shaping up.
If there has been one constant in the AFL world over the past decade, it’s been the Swans setting the standard for excellence.
When assessing their line-up for the upcoming campaign, it’s hard to believe how Sydney won’t do it again.
Last season’s 0-6 start was an anomaly, with the 15-3 finish a more accurate representation of the quality John Longmire has at his disposal.
It’s hard to find a more balanced squad in the competition, with the Swans possessing talent in all three zones of the ground.
The league’s best defensive group in 2017 hasn’t changed, and should only improve with another season together.
Sydney’s backline has a healthy blend of stingy defenders (Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe, Callum Mills) and attacking assets (Nick Smith, Jake Lloyd, Jarrad McVeigh), with each player capable of switching roles when necessary.
Additionally, Zak Jones and Nic Newman can also play in defence, while a return to form from Aliir Aliir would be a welcome sight.
At the other end of the ground, the Swans’ forward structure is always in good shape when Lance Franklin puts the jumper on.
Fellow tall Sam Reid, along with the dynamic Gary Rohan and Isaac Heeney, complement the seven-time All-Australian.
If George Hewett and Tom Papley can apply more defensive pressure, than Sydney will have a forward line without weakness.
In the midfield, Longmire has a slew of riches.
Josh Kennedy is one of the league’s most underappreciated stars, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Kieren Jack are always productive, while Zak Jones adds an element of pace and excitement.
Sydney bombed out of the finals last season, but with one of the AFL’s best line-ups, expect to see them in September again in 2018.
Best 22:
B: Callum Mills, Heath Grundy, Jake Lloyd
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Dane Rampe, Nick Smith
C: Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery, Zak Jones
HF: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, George Hewett
F: Tom Papley, Sam Reid, Gary Rohan
FOLL: Sam Naismith, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy
INT: Nic Newman, Oliver Florent, Dean Towers, Will Hayward