Glen Jakovich believes Sydney will be one of the teams to rise up the ladder in 2021, predicting them to be on the cusp of playing finals.
The Swans finished in the bottom four last season, using a young group of players and dealing with injuries to the majority of their key position players.
Jakovich can see their young players taking the necessary steps forward to help them climb the ladder.
“I see a rise for the Swans in 2021. I think they’ll be knocking on the door of the top eight,” he told Sportsday WA.
“Isaac Heeney is an A-grader, Tom Papley is a fantastic player, Oliver Florent could set the world on fire as well and you’ve still got Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy playing strong football.
“Ryan Clarke is a young player that’s a real outside runner and the youth and the next generation – Dylan Stephens, Will Gould, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom, Nick Blakey, Blakey can play anywhere, but you’ve got to play him near the ball, he kicks the ball really well.
“I like their defence. They were ranked 12th last year in a tough year. Dane Rampe is an All-Australian, Callum Mills is an elite player, Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd is a fantastic player.
“I like the Swans for a rapid rise. They’ve had their little dip. The appointment of Don Pyke into their football program is outstanding.
“If they can keep their two ruckman in Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair healthy, that’s a great combination between those two.
“It’s going to hinge on the structure of Lance Franklin and Sam Reid. If they can play 16 or more games then the Swans will have great shape in their goal to goal line.
“I like the Swans in 2021, I can see a rise for them and to be knocking on the door of the eight.
“Do they make the eight? They’re going to be in that logjam of teams from six to 14 trying to get (in).”