Sydney will look to push up the ladder in 2026 after a disappointing first season under Dean Cox.
The Swans changed the makeup of their list, which saw eight players leave the club over the off-season, headlined by Will Hayward.
However, the Swans were one of the biggest winners in the off-season, which saw them bring in star forward Charlie Curnow, along with Jai Serong and Malcolm Rosas.
Cox will have another pre-season under his belt to put his influence on the team and shape the game style the Swans want to play in 2026.
So, let’s break down how Sydney will look in 2026…
Defenders
The Swans added more depth to their backline by recruiting Jai Serong from the Hawks, who will get the opportunity at the Swans to show his skills.
Lewis Melican and Tom McCartin lock down the key spots, along with Nick Blakey, who adds versatility to their defence, being able to play multiple roles.
Matthew Roberts had a breakout season in 2025, being the Swans’ main distributor from the backline, but fell out of favour late, with first-year talent Riley Bice earning his stripes
Forward-turned defender Sam Wicks plays a crucial role as the lockdown defender for the side.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: Tom McCartin of the Swans trains during a Sydney Swans AFL captain’s run at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 06, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Veteran defender Dane Rampe will help lead the backline along with captain Callum Mills.
Mills had battled through injury over the last few seasons but still has a crucial role down back, and will also spend time in the midfield.