Paddy McCartin looks set to restart his AFL career on the opening weekend of the season after producing another strong showing for Sydney, continuing a seamless transition into defence.

The 25-year-old was signed by the Swans at the end of January during the pre-season supplemental selection period, after spending last season playing for Sydney's VFL side and the summer training with the AFL program.

McCartin has slotted into Sydney's backline over the pre-season alongside his younger brother Tom and looks almost certain to face Greater Western Sydney at Accor Stadium in less than a fortnight.

"I think the pleasing thing with Paddy is he's worked really hard to get back onto an AFL list and from there he's playing a different position as well," Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox said.

"To be able to adjust and play back, he has worked extremely hard and trained well over the pre-season, which has put him in a position to play both of these games and put his name up for round one.”

“At the minute, you'd have to say he's close (to selection for round one)."

05:26

Post Match Press Conference: Dean Cox, AAMI Community Series

Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox speaks after the AAMI Community Series clash with the Kangaroos

While McCartin signed with the Swans earlier in the year, Cox was not surprised at how quickly he had adjusted into the Swans defensive line.  

“He will train the next couple of weeks and build that cohesion with the back six and play alongside his brother which will be great to see at some stage,” Cox said.

“Even when he was part of the VFL program, his ability to train with us as well has probably fast-tracked the development in that area which has been good to see.

“He still has a lot to work on, and everyone understands that, but the steps that he is taking has been really encouraging."

06:10

Match Highlights: Sydney v North Melbourne, AAMI Community Series

See all the highlights from Sydney's 31-point victory over North Melbourne in the 2022 AAMI Community Series clash

Cox was also impressed with young key-forward Logan McDonald who had a strong performance up front, kicking two goals.

The 19-year-old played seven games in the 2021 season and is making positive steps forward as he continues to learn his craft up forward against various opposition and players.

“The hard part for Logan was that pre-Christmas, he didn’t come back to pre-season training being a Perth boy, he spent time with family back there and the border situation made it difficult,” Cox said.

“He probably missed the pre-Christmas phase of pre-season training but he has built in through January and February but for him, it’s about working on his craft as much as he possibly can.

“He is still developing so it’s about trying to focus on what he can control but he took a step forward tonight which is really good.

“[Round One] will have to be a discussion but we have 13-days until we play the Giants. Competition for spots is always what you want and what the dynamic we go with, we will have to wait and see.” Cox added.

The Swans will kick off their 2022 campaign with a season-opening away clash against the GWS Giants at ACCOR Stadium on Saturday March 19. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

In exciting news for Swans match-access members, this match will be included in their 2022 membership as a BONUS GAME. Eligible members must redeem a ticket.

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