Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has outlined the major reason why the club recruited Aaron Francis in the trade period.
The Swans picked up Francis from Essendon along with pick 42 in this year’s draft in exchange for pick 37 and a future fourth-rounder.
Francis, a former no.6 draft pick, arrives at the Swans after 54 games across seven seasons with the Bombers, frequently held back by injury and form issues.
He spent time both in defence and as a forward with the Dons, but where do the Swans plan to deploy him?
Longmire says this year’s Grand Finalists identified a need in defence alongside the likes of Dane Rampe, and Tom and Paddy McCartin, which they hope the 25-year-old swingman can address.
“We felt like we needed some support down back so we recruited him as a defender,” Longmire said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“We know he can play either end. He’s a high talent, obviously.
“He’s got some things to work on, as all players do, but we feel like he’s going to be able to give us a real opportunity to be able to play down back.
“Whether it’s intercept marking or being able to use it on the way out, we feel like he can give us a real asset down back.”
The recruitment of Francis was the only move the Swans made in the trade period.
Longmire insists it was a focus to retain the club’s emerging core such as Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Chad Warner and Tom McCartin, among others, rather than add more players from other clubs.
“Clearly we’ve had some great stalwarts and experienced players over the years,” he added.
“Josh Kennedy is at the very top of that tree, but Dane Rampe and Luke Parker and those guys (as well). There’s also responsibility now that’s going on that next generation and they form such a big part of our group.
“People talk about trade week and the winners and losers of trade week, all that gets caught up in big discussions with draft and trades.
“But our retention was really a priority for us.
“Players like Millsy, Paps, Chad Warner, Tommy McCartin, some of our key young group have committed long-term and that’s really important for us.”
The Swans will now look ahead to the 2022 AFL Draft which takes place on November 28 and 29.
They hold a strong hand early with picks 14 and 17 inside the first round as well as selections 42 and 75.