The Sydney Swans are focussed on building on their current crop of young talent as the club works it’s way through the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio yesterday (Tuesday October 5), Executive General Manager of Football, Charlie Gardiner provided positive news on the Swans young squad.
The team returned to the finals for the first time in two years and Gardiner noted the positive developments across the team, particularly with first year players Errol Gulden, Braeden Campbell and Logan McDonald.
“We’ve got the nucleus of a really good side. We saw some really pleasing steps taken by a number of our players this year and we want to continue to see that development,” Gardner said on the AFL Trade Radio podcast.
“I think we still have a fair bit of improvement from within. Players like Braeden Campbell who got a taste of it this year and Logan McDonald too, I think we can expect a lot more from him next year.
“We’re in constant discussions with their management as we do see them as very important parts of our future.”
Gardiner also hinted at positive news for Sam Wicks.
The 22-year-old medium forward played 22 games this season and looks closer to locking in his future.
“We’re very close to finalising terms for him, I expect we’ll be able to finalise a 2-year extension for Sam very shortly,” Garden said.
In further positive news, Gardiner remained excited about the future of talented midfielder Dylan Stephens and defender Will Gould.
Stephens played seven senior games in 2021 while Gould starred in his opportunities in the VFL side, with Gardiner expecting the pair to play key roles next season.
The pair extended their time at the Swans last month.
“We think Stephens can play that wing role, he certainly can run he’s got a big tank,” Gardiner said.
“He probably doesn’t have the marking ability that Jordan Dawson has, but we certainly think he can play a role and we’re excited to see what he can deliver.”
“Will Gould hasn’t had his chance in the seniors yet but he’s developing himself as a flexible versatile defender,” Gardiner added.
“Will is that 190cm kind of defender that can play tall or small, he’s building his athletic profile. We’ve extended his contract by another year because we think he can play a role for us down the track and with a big summer under his belt we’re hoping we can give him senior opportunities as well.”
With the Trade Period open until Wednesday October 12, Gardiner discussed the strategy over the next two weeks.
The Swans currently hold pick 12 as well as an end of Round 2 compensation selection in the upcoming NAB AFL draft.
“We have gone to the draft fairly heavily in the last few years but there would need to be something very attractive to deal with 12, but we’re not committed either way,” Gardiner said.
“If the right situation popped up we’d certainly consider it, but there are no issues with taking it to the draft either and adding to our talented young group.”
Gardiner also provided the following update surrounding Port Adelaide’s ruckman Peter Ladhams.
“We certainly asked about Peter last year when we were on the lookout for a ruckman and ultimately secured Tom Hickey who’s been excellent for us and had a super year. We’ve also got Callum Sinclair who’s on our list as well, so we’re not in that same situation as we were 12 months ago,” Gardiner said.
“Peter’s manager has reached out to our list management team off the back of our interest last year, so that’s one we’ll consider but there’s a fair bit to playout in that one so we’ll see how that goes.”
Click here for the latest on Jordan Dawson and our thank you to George Hewett who recently signed with the Carlton Football Club.
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