New recruit Callum Sinclair has wasted no time getting down business having already checked in with the Swans’ medical and conditioning staff for an offseason training program just hours after the deal was done.
Sinclair’s services were secured via a direct trade with speedster Lewis Jetta who nominated West Coast as his preferred destination after notifying the Swans of his wish to return home to Western Australia.
The deal, completed on Wednesday, was music to the ears of General Manager of Football Tom Harley who touted the 26-year-old ruckman as the Swans’ number one target this Trade Period.
“We knew what we had to do and Callum was our absolute priority going into this period,” Harley told SwansTV.
“We knew he was contracted but we started to go to work with West Coast after they were finished in the grand final.
“Our timeline was short but we were really excited to meet Callum late last week, West Coast were aware of that, and (afterwards) Callum was really keen to come across.”
The 200cm big man bolsters the Swans’ ruck stocks and will provide another target up forward, a move which will compliment Lance Franklin and allow Kurt Tippett to spend more time contesting the centre bounces.
VIDEO: Watch highlights of Callum Sinclair's 29 games with West Coast
Harley said Sinclair’s versatility and competitiveness will be on-field assets while the 29-gamer's character will be warmly welcomed.
“He certainly fills a need,” Harley added.
“He’s a late developer but has a body that's resilient and we think he’s going to add significantly to our team.
“I think what our supporters will see is a really dedicated, committed and young professional footballer who will be cherry-ripe to start preseason.”
The Sinclair-Jetta deal is the Swans’ first and only move of the Trade Period with Harley reserved on whether there will be any more before discussions end on October 22.
“We’ll continue to look, I don’t think you ever put your hands in your pockets and say you’re done,” Harley added.
“To this point in time (Sinclair/Jetta) was our focus and we’ll endeavour to continue discussions with clubs to see whether we can lengthen our list any further.”
Harley also confirmed Mike Pyke was still weighing up his future despite reports the premiership ruckman had announced his retirement.
All clubs are required to submit an initial list lodgement on October 30, which will outline preliminary de-listings and/or new additions, before finalised lists for the 2016 season are due on December 1.
