The Sydney Swans had set their sights on midfielders ahead of the second day of the 2018 National Draft and are rapt with how Friday played out.
The Swans drafted Oakleigh Chargers product James Rowbottom, the Northern Knights’ Justin McInerney and Dandenong Stingrays youngster Zac Foot at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
General Manager – Recruiting and List Strategy Kinnear Beatson says the Swans are pleased with Friday’s outcome.
“We came into the Draft looking to get a bunch of midfielders and we’ve been able to do that,” Beatson said.
“We really rate Rowbottom – a bigger-sized midfielder, very explosive around the stoppages and we needed to address that. We’ve also been able to address a bit of outside run with McInerney and Foot.
“As per our plan coming into today, we’re happy.”
Rowbottom, who the Swans selected through pick 25, made his mark for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup in 2018, averaging 21.9 disposals and 6.5 tackles per game as the Chargers powered through to the Grand Final.
The young gun was also rewarded with four appearances for Victoria Metro at the National Under-18 Championships.
McInerneny, who the Swans nabbed through pick 44, posted an average of 16 touches and five marks per game for the Knights in the TAC Cup this year.
Foot, recruited via pick 51, tallied an average of 14 possessions and one goal for TAC Cup outfit Dandenong in 2018.
And Sydney secured towering forward Nick Blakey, a QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate, through its first-round selection on Thursday night.
Newly appointed Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says the Club is pleased with having signed the four young stars.
“We’re really excited with what we’ve done,” Gardiner said.
“We’ve really added to our list with four great talents – Nick last night, who we know is going to be a great player, and now we’ve managed to add three midfielders who think have real upside and will add to our midfield depth.
“They’re also great young kids who’ve shown good character. We’re really excited with the group we’ve been able to assemble.”
