Sydney Swans defensive duo Tom and Paddy McCartin have agreed to contract extensions with the club.
Tom, 22, has signed a four-year extension, which will see him in the red and white until at the least the end of 2027, while Paddy’s two-year deal will carry him through to the end of 2024.
Paddy’s return to senior football has been one of the highlights of 2022.
After a two-year period on the sidelines, Paddy joined the Swans VFL team in 2021, before being elevated to the senior list at the start of 2022 via the preseason supplemental selection period.
He has played 22 senior matches this season – all alongside brother Tom - and established himself as one of the leading intercept defenders in the competition.
Meanwhile, younger brother Tom has been a pillar of strength in the Swans defence, standing the leading key forwards in the game.
Tom was the youngest player selected at the 2017 National Draft and now aged 22, he has already notched 93 senior matches.
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner said he was delighted the brothers would continue to hold down key defensive posts for the club over the coming years.
“Paddy has done a remarkable job to return to senior football and play a really key role for us in defence,” he said.
“It has been a testament to his hard work and resilience and we are all incredibly proud of what he has been able to achieve since moving to Sydney two years ago. To see him enjoying his football and getting the best out of himself is fantastic.
“Tom also deserves a huge amount of credit for the role he has played over the past few seasons,” Gardiner continued.
“While he is still only 22 years of age, week in, week out he has been opposed to some the best key forwards in the game and acquitted himself incredibly well.
“High quality key defenders are very hard to find, and we believe Tom is well on the way to being one of the elite defenders in the competition in the years ahead,” Gardiner said.
Tom said extending his stay at the Swans, alongside his brother was a thrill.
“It’s really exciting and I feel very grateful to be able to sign for another four years. I love the club, I love the boys and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Tom said
“To be able to have Paddy sign on with me is extra special. He’s worked really hard and we’ve been fortunate to play together this year, so it’s a credit to him and the work he has put in to get another two years.
“Our back six have gelled together and we’re playing some consistent footy as a team, so I’ve been focused on consistency and playing my role. Hopefully we can keep doing that through the finals and see how far we can go,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paddy said he was grateful for the opportunity to be playing finals football.
“To get a couple more years is fantastic – it’s a long way from where I was last year. I’m feeling good personally and loving my footy, and I feel really fortunate to be playing finals, he said.
“For me and Tommy to be able to sign on together is really exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing what our team can do in the next few years,” Paddy said.
