How have the Sydney Swans’ 2018 draftees fared since pulling on the red and white in November last year?

Swans Media delves into just that on the cusp of the 2019 AFL Draft, set to be held at Marvel Stadium next week.

Nick Blakey (pick 10, AFL Draft)

Nick Blakey showed he was worth the price tag of a top-10 draft pick in season 2019, playing 21 of a possible 22 senior games, booting 19 goals and looking at home. While the QBE Sydney Swans Academy product played primarily as a forward, his outstanding endurance, speed and inside-50 delivery also made him an excellent option on a wing. The towering left-footer won an AFL Rising Star nomination for a shining final term against Hawthorn in Round 14, which saw him slot two goals and clunk a Mark of the Year contender to inspire Sydney to victory. Blakey claimed the Swans’ 2019 Rising Star award at the Club Champion Dinner to ice his brilliant campaign. He’s also agreed to a two-year contract extension to tie himself to Sydney until at least the end of season 2022.

James Rowbottom (pick 25, AFL Draft)

Sydney great Brett Kirk saw enough of James Rowbottom in 2019 to declare him of a similar ilk to long-time midfield warriors Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker. The Swans recruited Rowbottom from the Oakleigh Chargers via pick 25 and he starred in his first season, featuring in 12 AFL games and absorbing plenty of midfield minutes. The stocky youngster produced arguably the best game of his season in Round 15, racking up 21 touches (eight contested) and nine tackles as Sydney trumped Gold Coast. Rowbottom sat atop the NEAFL MVP leaderboard when it was hidden from the public after Round 12, and although he didn’t take home the top honour on the league’s awards night, he collected the NEAFL Goal of the Year award for a 75-metre bomb on the run. He also signed a two-year contract extension in June, linking him with the Swans until at least the end of the 2022 season.

Justin McInerney (pick 44, AFL Draft)

Speedster Justin McInerney became the club’s second AFL debutant of season 2019 when he ran out against Melbourne in Round 4. And while the Northern Knights product wouldn’t play another senior match in 2019, he showed exciting signs in the NEAFL. Playing at half-back or on a wing, the young Swan gathered an average of 21.1 disposals per match across 17 games. McInerney was the star of the show when the Swans fought back from 27 points down early in the final term to beat Sydney University in an elimination final, putting his side ahead with a scintillating two-bounce goal. He also joined Rowbottom in signing a two-year contract extension in June, which will see him remain in red and white until at least the end of season 2022.

Exciting Sydney Swans prospect Justin McInerney. Photo: Brad Redfern/NEAFL.

Zac Foot (pick 51, AFL Draft)

Zac Foot hasn’t yet broken through for his AFL debut but added a regular spark to this year’s NEAFL highlight reels. The lightning-quick youngster kicked a host of sparkling goals and booted arguably the best of the lot in Round 14, retrieving the footy on the left wing, taking three bounces and splitting the big sticks to seal victory for Sydney over the Northern Territory Thunder. Foot played roles on the half-forward line and a wing, averaging 17.1 touches across 20 games and bagging 15 goals. The Dandenong Stingrays product is contracted to the Swans until at least the end of season 2020.

Sydney Swans speedster Zac Foot.

Durak Tucker (pick 12, Rookie Draft)

Durak Tucker was drafted to Sydney while still undergoing an ACL rehabilitation, and although he recovered from his knee injury, recurring hamstring troubles then meant he never pulled on a Swans jumper. Sydney delisted the young defender at the end of the season.

Harry Reynolds (pick 28, Rookie Draft)

Spritely defender Harry Reynolds endured a frustrating first season at the top level but did enough to earn a one-year contract extension in June, locking him in at the Swans until at least the end of season 2020. The former Sandringham Dragons backman played five NEAFL games early before a back injury ended his season.

Sydney Swans defender Harry Reynolds.

Sam Wicks (Category B Rookie)

Sam Wicks was drafted as a small forward but played the bulk of the NEAFL campaign in the midfield, averaging 22.3 touches and 7.9 tackles per match across 20 games. The Swans Academy graduate produced arguably the best performance of his season in Round 10, which saw him tally 40 possessions and eight tackles. Wicks creates scoring opportunities single-handedly, is clean below his knees and is a tackling machine.