If Paddy McCartin is offered an AFL lifeline by Sydney, will it be as a defender or forward?
The 25-year-old former no.1 draft pick has not played at AFL level since the 2018 season with St Kilda, stepping out of the game in 2019 due to a series of concussions.
However, McCartin is believed to be back to full health and impressed in the VFL with the Swans last season.
As a result, the Swans are believed to be showing interest in the former key forward who played primarily in defence in 2021.
But where will he play if he does return to the AFL?
“We talked briefly about Paddy McCartin and the fact the Sydney Swans are possibly going to recruit him,” said Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast.
“He hasn’t played AFL football for three seasons. He played VFL football last year. His health apparently has returned to what it was prior to the knocks.
“Do you think he’ll come back and play as a defender or a forward?”
Garry Lyon feels his performances at VFL level as a defender would earmark him for a role in Sydney’s backline.
“He trained and played as a defender for the VFL team,” said Lyon.
“He spent most of his time training and setting up back there. Did I read where he took 11 intercept marks there in one game and had 24 touches?
“I think he’ll be an outstanding defender.”
Lyon forecast more of an intercept marking role for McCartin, much the same way as how West Coast’s Jeremy McGovern operates.
But having spent most of his earlier career as a forward, kicking 34 goals in 35 AFL games for the Saints, it gives John Longmire some versatility and perhaps even some insurance for Lance Franklin in attack.
“He’s more your McGovern style,” Lyon added.
“Well, it’s yet to be proven, McGovern is one of the all-timers, but as security to have him there as backup for ‘Bud’ (Franklin) if something was to go wrong again, that wouldn’t be a bad option.
“They’ve got Logan McDonald, they’re pretty well served.”
If the Swans were to add McCartin, it would reunite him with his younger brother Tom who has emerged as a quality defender in the red and white.
Watson added: “They could possibly have the two McCartins, one at full-back and one at centre half-back next season.”
Lyon: “Maybe, if they take him. It’s yet to be decided, but hopefully he’s in the frame and gets a crack at it.”
The Swans have a number of ways to add McCartin to their list, via the National or Rookie Drafts, or in the pre-season supplemental selection period.