The Swans list boasts some of the most exciting young players in the AFL but the two big questions are how many of these youngsters can they fit into their best side and can they genuinely give finals a shake this year?
Sydney Swans Best 22
The Swans have a lovely mix of youth and experience in their backline with the every reliable Dane Rampe, Harry Cuningham and Jake Lloyd leading the way back there with the impressive Tom McCartin. I think Justin McInerney will get first crack at Jordan Dawson’s old half back flank, while Nick Blakey was solid in defence last year when he got his chance. Braeden Campbell will have the opportunity to use his creative flair as an attacking defender while Lewis Melican is there as a guy who can play a lockdown role.
Tom Hickey will lead the way in the middle along with the experience Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Callum Mills. With Kennedy entering the twilight of his career we should see guys like James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden, Oli Florent and Chad Warner get their chance on the inside too. With a plethora of genuine on-ballers, a few of them are going to have to play on the outside at times on the wing.
Peter Ladhams’ arrival not only boosts the Swans ruck stocks but also gives them an extra quality tall target up forward. A fit Lance Franklin will still be a force to be reckoned with, while Logan McDonald showed some good signs in his debut season. Will Hayward and Tom Papley are dangerous threats up forward, as is Isaac Heeney who may have a nice 50/50 midfield with Luke Parker.
Youngsters Dylan Stephen and Sam Wicks will be waiting in the wings for a chance in the senior side and draftees Angus Sheldrick and Matty Roberts are also highly touted. Sam Reid, Joel Amartey, Hayden McLean and Paddy McCartin are also fantastic back-up should anything happen to Sydney’s talls.
CBA prediction
2021 CBA leaders (by average):
- Tom Hickey
- Luke Parker
- Callum Mills
- Josh Kennedy
- Callum Sinclair
- James Rowbottom
The Oracle’s 2022 CBA prediction:
- Tom Hickey
- Callum Mills
- Luke Parker
- Pete Ladhams
- Josh Kennedy
- Chad Warner
Kick-in prediction
2021 kick-in leaders:
- Jake Lloyd
- Jordan Dawson
- Harry Cuningham
The Oracle’s 2022 kick-in prediction:
- Jake Lloyd
- Harry Cuningham
- Braeden Campbell
