Paddy McCartin’s performance in Sydney’s practice match against GWS last Friday night caught the eye of David King.
The 25-year-old, who was thrown an AFL rookie lifeline by the Swans in late January after being delisted by St Kilda in 2019, impressed in a key defensive role in Sydney’s 31-point loss to the Giants in Albury.
McCartin is attempting to resurrect his AFL career having suffered multiple concussions across his luckless five-year stay at the Saints.
After catching an early glimpse of McCartin down back, King believes the ex-Saint could flourish alongside younger brother Tom in defence for the Swans.
“(He’s) the off-season steal of the year. He looked like Heath Grundy,” King said of McCartin on SEN’s Whateley.
“I’m not sure whether it’s the No.39, but behind the ball at centre half-back … it’s the perfect mix.
“They are really good defensive side around the ball, they stop the opposition from moving the ball really effectively.
“To play centre half-back in this line-up is a great time to reset your career, but he looked terrific. Intercept marking at will, you know that he’s got quality with what he does with his ball use … and just maybe centre half-back suits him right now more than any other position.
“It’s a steal, when the Sydney Swans have both McCartins in the back six. He looked good down there.”
King was asked if he expects McCartin to play in Round 1 after his strong pre-season showing.
McCartin, the No.1 pick in the 2014 National Daft, hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 16, 2018.
“He’d be in their best players on the weekend. You’d be hard pressed to leave him out,” King said.
“I think you certainly start with the two McCartins as your key pillars.
“They’ve been trying to free up (Dane) Rampe and the other guys for quite some time – so this is a perfect fit for them.”
McCartin will get another chance to impress when Sydney meet North Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series at Giants Stadium on Sunday.