There will be plenty of fresh, new faces at the Club after seven players were drafted at the National and Rookie Drafts held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Thursday night and Friday.

Here's a recap of the players we will welcome to the harbour city.

Nick Blakey: Pick 10 (matched bid GWS), National Draft.

Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Height: 195cm
Weight: 82kg
Position: Forward

Profile
Tall forward, who is exceptional overhead and extremely athletic, allowing him to play in multiple positions. Long, penetrating left-foot kick in and is a noted goalkicker. Winner of the 2017 Harrison Medal in the Division Two NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and runner-up this year. Has had injury issues over last two seasons and a sore ankle ruled him out of testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October. Exciting prospect who has shown versatility to play a range of positions throughout his junior career.

 

James Rowbottom: Pick 25 in the National Draft.

Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 186cm
Weight: 76kg
Position: Midfielder

Profile

Tough midfielder who is good at stoppages using his clean hands and vision to set up the play. Tackles aggressively and is capable of playing a run-with role thanks to his elite endurance. A strong and consistent performer for Victoria Metro across his four matches of the AFL Under-18 Championships.

 

Justin McInerney: Pick 44, National Draft

Club: Northern Knights
Position: Wingman

Profile

A speedy outside midfielder with slick skills by hand and foot. His work ethic always impressed his coaches throughout his junior years and that shines through with the enormous amount of running he's able to churn through in a game. Has made a name for himself in the TAC Cup.

 

Zac Foot: Pick 51, National Draft.

Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 181cm
Weight: 73kg
Position: Wingman

Profile

A wingman with line-breaking speed on the outside. One of the younger players in the National Draft, so Foot has plenty of development ahead of him. Represented Victoria Country in the AFL Under-18 Championships and has been a consistent performer for the Dandenong Stingrays.

 

Durak Tucker: Pick 12, Rookie Draft

Club: Peel Thunder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 84kg
Position: Defender

Profile

Medium defender who is strong overhead and reads the game exceptionally well. Quick and competitive and has the ability to play on tall and small opponents while staying strong in contests. Tucker has missed most of the 2018 season after rupturing the ACL in his knee. He was unable to test at the AFL Draft Combine as he continued his rehabilitation, but the youngster had previously recorded a 2.84 in the 20-metre sprint, which would have had him ranked number one had he tested in October.

 

Harry Reynolds: Pick 28, Rookie Draft

Club: Sandringham Dragons
Height: 190cm
Weight: 74kg
Position: Defender

Profile

Affected by injuries in recent seasons, the defensive playmaker made his way into the Dragons set-up mid-season after starring for Brighton Grammar. The versatile runner provides plenty of drive off half-back and through stints in the midfield.

 

Sam Wicks: Category B Rookie

QBE Sydney Swans Academy


Profile

The 19-year-old was this season part of the Academy’s NEAFL Development Squad and excelled as a small forward.

The NEAFL Development Squad provides mature-aged players advanced development and playing opportunities within the senior Swans program, as well as a pathway to the AFL after their initial Draft year. 

The Manly local averaged 15 disposals, four tackles and one goal per game in the NEAFL this season.