SYDNEY SWANS
Aliir Aliir: The young Sudanese draftee is having some trial at AFL level. He has spent time on Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Sam Reid during his first pre-season with the club.
Matthew Dick: A running defender and a good competitor, he has put on some size and strength as he prepares for his second year on the list.
Heath Grundy: One of the more undervalued defenders outside the club, the consistent Grundy has been on a limited program to date but is well on track for round one of the new season.
Alex Johnson: Forced to undergo a second knee reconstruction late last year, Johnson is making slow but steady progress, taking part in some skill work at training over the past week.
Jeremy Laidler: Picked up from Carlton during the trade period, Laidler is settling in really well and showing good signs during pre-season training.
Jordan Lockyer: Returned from the off-season in excellent shape and is giving himself every chance of cracking a senior game heading into his third year on the list.
Nick Malceski: The 29-year-old seems in ripping nick and has been one of the club's best performers throughout the pre-season so far.
Dane Rampe: The club's reigning rookie of the year has picked up where he left off last season, demonstrating excellent fitness and appearing on track for a long career in the backline.
Ted Richards: Having ticked over 200 career games last season, the popular defender is clearly still the backline marshall as evidenced by his pre-season to date.
Rhyce Shaw: The veteran is absolutely flying since LARS knee surgery late last season and is well on track to take his place in the backline in round one.
Nick Smith: The vital small defender played all but one match last season to sit on 98 for his career.
After a torrid struggle with a knee injury, Alex Johnson is set to return this year. Picture: AFL Media
