Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox has been really pleased by the club’s recruits this off-season.
The Swans brought in experienced duo Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams via trade as well as former Melbourne midfielder James Jordon and ex-Fremantle defender Joel Hamling via unrestricted free agency.
Cox says All-Australians Grundy and Adams have quickly set some really high training standards while Jordon has also been impressive on the track.
“They (Grundy and Adams) have been really good,” Cox said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“As soon as they’ve come to the football club, their ability to be able to train as hard as they possibly can (has stood out), they’ve set some really good standards in that space.
“Their knowledge of the game and their experience has been really refreshing for the playing group.
“They've done everything so far, hopefully they can maintain to do that.
“I think also a lot of people sort of forget about James Jordon as well who played in the premiership at Melbourne as a midfielder. He's been really impressive since he's moved over here as well.
“We've got some experience with some older guys coming in, but also some experience with a younger player (Jordon) coming in as well.”
As for Hamling, he joined the Swans with less fanfare than the aforementioned trio but Cox expects the 30-year-old to add some genuine key position depth and potentially even partner Tom McCartin down back.
“I think he's fit in really well,” Cox said.
“Part of the reason to get Joel was to add some depth to our key position stocks down back.
“Tommy McCartin has played some really good football back there and Lewis Melican’s been injured throughout some years.
“We need to make sure that we've got a really strong defensive unit and Joel's a part of that.
“He's experienced a number of football clubs and a number of great defensive programs.
“He's added a lot of knowledge in that area. He's working really well with our younger key players.”
Sydney open their 2024 season with an Opening Round clash against Melbourne at the SCG on Thursday, March 7.