Roos calls for Swans to recruit swingman

PAUL Roos has called on the Swans to target a big-name swingman to support Lance Franklin and find outside speed in the midfield during the AFL trade period.

The former premiershipwinning Sydney coach believes the Swans should make it their priority to go after Gold Coast Suns superstar Tom Lynch or his teammate Steven May or Collingwood tall Darcy Moore to provide more firepower in the forward line.

If Sydney decides to go small and fast then West Coast Eagles star Andrew Gaff or the next Lewis Jetta would fit its needs perfectly.

“There are two big needs the Swans must address,” Roos said. “The first is a swingman like Steven May who would be perfect, Tom Lynch is also ideal for them. Darcy Moore is obviously in the conversation and he’s a good fit as well.

“They also need some genuine outside speed, another Lewis Jetta type.”

Sydney will be cashed up for the trade period after Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan have requested trades, while Nic Newman could be the next to go. Like Jake Lloyd, Newman is yet to sign for 2019 and looks highly unlikely to be playing in Sunday’s NEAFL grand final against Southport despite being fit to line up.

It all points to the Swans’ most active trade period in more than 10 years.

Support for Franklin is a priority after Sydney managed just four goals in its 49-point belting at the hands of GWS.

Roos believes the Swans aren’t as bad as Saturday’s low output indicates.

With key players such as Sam Naismith, Sam Reid, Callum Mills and Lewis Melican returning from injury next year, the personnel changes don’t need to be comprehensive to have them back in the premiership hunt, he said.

“They have the nucleus of a very good team,” Roos said.