{"id":417814,"date":"2026-01-16T22:32:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T22:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/417814\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T22:32:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T22:32:12","slug":"selecting-every-afl-teams-best-23-for-2026-sydney-swans-afl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/417814\/","title":{"rendered":"Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Sydney Swans – AFL News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Sydney will look to push up the ladder in 2026 after a disappointing first season under Dean Cox<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Swans changed the makeup of their list, which saw eight players leave the club over the off-season, headlined by Will Hayward<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, the Swans were one of the biggest winners in the off-season, which saw them bring in star forward Charlie Curnow<\/a>, along with Jai Serong<\/a> and Malcolm Rosas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

So, let’s break down how Sydney will look in 2026…<\/p>\n

Defenders<\/p>\n

The Swans added more depth to their backline by recruiting Jai Serong<\/a> from the Hawks, who will get the opportunity at the Swans to show his skills.<\/p>\n

Lewis Melican<\/a> and Tom McCartin<\/a> lock down the key spots, along with Nick Blakey<\/a>, who adds versatility to their defence, being able to play multiple roles.<\/p>\n

Matthew Roberts<\/a> 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<\/a> earning his stripes<\/p>\n

Forward-turned defender Sam Wicks<\/a> plays a crucial role as the lockdown defender for the side.<\/p>\n

\"MELBOURNE,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)<\/p>\n

Veteran defender Dane Rampe<\/a> will help lead the backline along with captain Callum Mills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mills<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n


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