Former number one draft pick Paddy McCartin is the latest addition to the Sydney Swans East Coast VFL side for season 2021.

The 24 year old, who played 35 games at St Kilda, said he is excited to have made the move from Victoria to the Harbour City.

"It's good being in Sydney with some nice weather, the beaches and being around my brother Tom,” McCartin said.

"It's been a long journey to get to this point, but I have taken a lot out of it and learnt a lot, so I think it will put me in good stead for what's to come.”

McCartin said that having his brother Tom at the club was a big driving factor for him making the move north.

"When I got drafted he was only 15 and I missed him growing up a little bit, so to be back with him and see him every day is awesome.”

A key forward, McCartin said he was looking forward to linking up with some exciting, young talent at the Swans.

"There are a lot of young, promising guys up here and I'd love to come in and help them out and hopefully we get can a few wins as well.

"I think I will bring all the experience I have learnt over the journey, and try help a few of the younger guys and do the best I can.  

“It's a new environment for me so I am just learning as much as I can about all the boys and building relationships.

"It's a really exciting, young group at the Swans and I think supporters should be excited by who is coming through."

Sydney Swans East Coast VFL coach Jeremy Laidler said he was looking forward to having McCartin around the group as the inaugural season approaches.

 "It’s really exciting for Paddy to come to Sydney and be in a new environment and get the chance to continue his career,” Laidler said.

“To have a player of his calibre around our group is fantastic.  

“We have a lot of young players, and although he is only 24, he will bring a lot to the team.”

The East Coast VFL competition will start in April 2021 and be played over 16 rounds.

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McCartin proud to join East Coast VFL team

Paddy McCartin speaks with SwansTV after signing with the Sydney Swans East Coast VFL side, explaining his motivation behind joining the club and his goals for the 2021 season.

  

Sydney Swans East Coast VFL (players confirmed to date)

Jake Bartholomaeus  

Nick Brewer  

Darcy Cordell  

Max Geddes  

Adam Gulden

Ryan Hebron  

Harry Maguire

Lachlan McAndrew  

Paddy McCartin

Harry Morrison  

Ben Silvagni  

Sam Thorne  

Reed van Husstede  

Aidan Watling  

 

Note: The playing list will comprise a primary list of up to 12 open-age players, and a development list of up to 18 players aged 22 and under.  

You can follow the team on the new Swans Reserves Instagram account