Adam Spencer has delivered his Unconventional Club Review of Sydney for season 2020.
Spencer was asked to answer a list of questions about the Swans relating to their performance this year and what they need to improve in 2021.
Have the Swans got the right captain? If not, who?
Spencer: "The playing group at the Swans choose the captains, I think they nailed it in 2020."
Tim Watson says: "They've got three very good leaders (Josh Kennedy, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker).
"I wouldn't mind seeing Luke Parker be the captain in his own right next season.
"I think Josh Kennedy might stand down from that leadership group and I wouldn't mind seeing someone like a Callum Mills stepping up into that leadership group."
Who is the Swans' next All-Australian?
Spener: "Of our current guys who are already at that level, Jake Lloyd made the long list in 2018.
"What he does isn’t glamorous or sexy, but I don’t think he could do what he does off half-back any better.
"The next generation: (Isaac) Heeney and (Callum) Mills could both earn an All-Australian.
"Then looking to the future down the line: (James) Rowbottom and (Tom) McCartin will both play All-Australian seasons some time in the next few years."
Tim Watson says: "I've gone with Isaac Heeney.
"We didn't see enough of him this year because of that injury, but I think he will come back next year.
"He's that modern-day forward, he's got a great pair of hands. I reckon he might be their next All-Australian."
If “player x” plays well, the Hawks are always a chance of winning?
Spencer: "I'd throw three names up.
"If Franklin, Heeney and George Hewett had three fit seasons, I think we go from 16th to pretty close to making the finals.
"We had a season with a lot of close losses. With Franklin, Heeney and Hewett fully fit, we are a completely different team."
Tim Watson says: "Buddy (Franklin) for me still.
"Our memory still serves us correctly that Buddy is still the most influential player up there at the Sydney Swans.
"Although the Papster (Tom Papley) has done a great job in a sole-type performance this year."
Left-field trade option?
Spencer: "I’m hosting the Bob Skilton Medal in a couple of weeks’ time, so I don’t want to be sitting in a room with a guy who I have recommended that we trade out.
"Let me say something quickly on the topic of trading, and this is a little bugbear of time.
"Every year, quite a few minted, good players put their hand up and say they want to go home to Melbourne.
"No player in the history of the AFL has ever said I want to go home to Sydney.
"Last year, one high-profile player said they wanted to come to Sydney and the reaction was as though the world was on fire.
"Whereas your Sydney and Brisbane-based clubs are permanently facing players wanting to leave.
"That’s an imbalance that I wouldn’t mind somehow seeing addressed."
Tim Watson says: "I’m not sure how much more growth and how much better he (Ollie Florent) is going to become.
"He’s not a speedy-type midfielder, I’m not sure if he’s particularly an inside midfielder.
"This is left-field and he’s got value right now, and Sydney still need to build their list."
Left-field trade target?
Spencer: "I think Nat Fyfe would look fantastic in red and white."
Tim Watson says: "They desperately need a ruckman, a young ruckman.
"I’m not sure of the contract status of Peter Ladhams at Port Adelaide, but he is the sort of bloke they desperately need."
Which player is deserving of a pay rise?
Spencer: "I suggest that all Sydney Swans players deserve a 9.8 per cent pay rise on top of their current wages to cover the cost of living in Sydney."
Tim Watson says: I reckon James Rowbottom had a great season and I don’t think he’d be on a very big contract at all."
Who deserves a pay cut?
Spencer: "I think I should probably take a pay cut for hosting the best and fairest this year, in fact, I’ll do it for free."
Tim Watson says: "Buddy needs to hand some of his money back."
Expect a big 2021 from?
Spencer: "I’ve pencilled in Ollie Florent for a blinder in 2021."
Tim Watson says: "Tom McCartin. I think he is going to have a huge year next year."
Big positional change in 2021?
Spencer: "I actually think the Swans showed us the big positional change for 2020 when Tom McCartin did slide back and started to play centre-half back.
"He looked really calm and assured. I think we’ve already seen the big Swans positional change."
Tim Watson says: "Nick Blakey needs to be given a position.
"I reckon he needs to be bedded down somewhere. I would turn him into a defender for 12 months and help him learn the game, learn his craft a little bit more."
Listen to Spencer's Unconventional Club Review of Sydney below: