Tom McCartin was last year a reliable option at both ends of the ground and the Sydney Swans youngster is again working overtime in both positions on the road to the 2020 campaign.
Although McCartin was drafted from the Geelong Falcons as a key forward, injury and retirement opened a spot for the big-framed Swan in defence in 2019.
His versatility was as clear as ever in Sydney’s clash with St Kilda in Round 23 last year, with the 2017 draftee playing as a key forward but switching to defence late in the fourth term to allow retiring great Kieren Jack to sneak forward and kick a fairytale goal.
McCartin says he’s embracing both roles in the lead-up to his third season at the top level.
“I’ve been working really hard on both roles and training in different areas,” McCartin told SwansTV.
“One thing I really enjoyed last year was playing at both ends. I take different things out of both roles which help me at either end, so hopefully I can do that again this year.”
McCartin and his fellow forwards welcomed two new players inside 50 in the off-season when Lewis Taylor signed during the trade period and when Sam Gray arrived via the delisted free-agency period.
Taylor bagged 88 goals in 112 AFL games in Brisbane Lions colours, while Gray slotted 83 goals in 96 matches with Port Adelaide.
Taylor will wear the number 28 this year and Gray the number 15.
“It’s pretty exciting to have a couple of new faces up forward,” McCartin said.
“We’re pretty dangerous this year when the ball hits the ground. They’re both really handy players, Lewis and Sam, so I’m keen to see what they can do.”
Former Hawk Kaiden Brand also joined the Swans during the off-season, while the club snapped up five new draftees in November in Dylan Stephens, Will Gould, Elijah Taylor, Chad Warner and Brady Rowles.
Every one of the draftees made an interstate move to begin life as a Swan, but McCartin said they had all fitted in seamlessly.
“The new draftees have been great,” McCartin said.
“I’m living with Dylan Stephens at the minute and he’s settled in really well.
“They’re all looking really good on the track so I’m keen to see what they can do once the season rolls around.”
