B: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Marty Mattner
HB: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
C: Lewis Jetta, Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery
HF: Craig Bird, Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Jarrad McVeigh, Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jude Bolton
I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Luke Parker, Ben McGlynn
Sub: Tony Armstrong
Injury list
There will be a sizeable hole left in the Swans' backline after Alex Johnson's season-ending knee injury. The youngster played every game in 2012 and will be tough to replace. Gary Rohan is also on the long-term injury list as he makes slow progress from his broken leg. A number of Swans – Nick Smith, Shane Mumford, Marty Mattner, Mitch Morton – had restricted pre-seasons, but are all now back on the field ahead of round one.
The big questions
Do the Swans still have the hunger? Their stable of young players like Hannebery, Jetta, Bird and Parker has tasted the ultimate glory. Do they have the drive and desire to go back for seconds?
How will the premiers cope with a difficult draw? The Swans face Hawthorn, Collingwood and Geelong twice and both West Coast and Adelaide away from home. They will also be in the spotlight courtesy of Friday night games against the Cats, Pies and Blues. It will be a true test of their hopes of a repeat flag.
How will Kurt Tippett slot into the side? Such a physical presence, Tippett commands a significant role in whichever team he represents. How he will affect the Swans' balance halfway through the season will be telling. There will also be concern over whether he has put his concussion concerns to bed.
Summer standout
Sadly, Johnson had been a standout, only to injure his knee just weeks before round one. Hannebery and McVeigh have also led from the front and seem set for big years. Of the new brigade, rookie-listed local Dane Rampe proved the surprise packet and has pushed himself to the brink of a spot on the senior list.
Fantasy cash cow
Despite an injury-interrupted pre-season, Tony Armstrong still managed eight games in his first year in Sydney. Due to Johnson's injury, and a solid pre-season this time around, he appears set for more senior football, so his $249,900 price tag could soar. Luke Parker ($343,600) should also enjoy a significant lift in playing time this year after injuries restricted him to a substitute role for much of 2012.
Sudden impact
It won't happen until round 13 against Port Adelaide at the earliest, but Tippett is certain to have an impact one way or another when his suspension ends. Since Barry Hall's departure, the Swans haven't had a true power forward and Tippett will change their shape and structure. He will also have to elbow an established player out of the side. But the club rarely makes mistakes when it comes to adding big-name recruits and will expect things from the former Crow.
It's crunch time for…
There are a number of Swans who have been on the fringe of the senior side in recent years because of form, fitness or the club's depth. Jesse White was nearly traded in the off-season and must surely be on his last chance. Talented youngster Jed Lamb was a first-round draft pick in 2010 and is yet to make his senior debut. Andrejs Everitt and Tommy Walsh need to force the coach's hand while Shane Biggs is another who needs to prove his worth in his second year on the rookie list.
Pivotal match
Opening with games against Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast, the first big test comes against North Melbourne in Hobart in round three, followed by a Friday night date with Geelong at the SCG. But round seven will find the Swans enjoying the focus of the AFL world. A first match at the MCG since their epic Grand Final win will be an acid test of their ability to consistently play well at the home of football. Oh and it's against Hawthorn, who may be seeking a little payback.
The Sydney Swans will have a good year if…
The Swans have a committed, talented group of young players who have long careers ahead of them, but they need the senior brigade to have another consistent season to keep them near the top of the pack. An injury-free run from Shane Mumford would be a blessing, as would another year of progress from centre half-forward Sam Reid. How the AFL's best defensive unit from last season adjusts to life without Johnson will be pivotal, as will Lewis Jetta's ability to build on last year's stunning 45-goal campaign.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish:
Fourth
