GRUNDY CAN SET UP SWANS’ MIDS

The Swans’ clearance and contestedball numbers were well down last season. It became a serious concern for John Longmire. Despite having elite midfield options, they were overrun by teams and unable to build momentum in games. Chad Warner and Errol Gulden are set to be the two key figures again, while the recruitment of Taylor Adams will bring stability. But as a squad, they need to consistently find more clean ball around the stoppages.

HOW GOOD WILL GRUNDY BE AT THE SCG?

Brodie Grundy’s arrival at the Swans should have a huge impact on their ability to gain the upper hand around the stoppages. He has had a strong pre-season and the early signs are there that he could recapture his All-Australian form. His fitness is also as good as it has ever been and around the smaller dimensions of the SCG, there’s no reason he can’t help the club turn the ground into a fortress. He has clean hands at ground level, loves open space and is the elite ruckman the midfield has been waiting for.

DO THEY HAVE DEPTH TO COVER INJURIES?

Sydney had only itself to blame for some performances last year, but it certainly wasn’t helped by its shocking injury toll. For most of the year, the Swans sat behind only West Coast for the amount of games missed by players in their best 23. They have had a strong pre-season, but suddenly their midfield lacks experience with Callum Mills, Luke Parker and potentially Taylor Adams all on the sidelines. They’ll also be relying on big seasons from key position players like Tom McCartin who will need to play almost every game if the Swans are to go all the way in 2024.

ARE THERE ENOUGH POINTS IN THEIR YOUNG FORWARDS?

While it was still a practice match, the Swans’ inability to regularly find their tall targets against the Lions’ impressive defence would have been a concern. Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean combined for just six marks and two goals between the trio and the numbers need to be far more consistent. While there are always going to be goals from the likes of Tom Papley, Will Hayward and Isaac Heeney, the three young talls need to finish with 100+ goals between them if the Swans want to be a contender.