Sydney Swans 2024 AFL Grand Final Team Breakdown

The Sydney Swans head into the 2024 AFL Grand Final with an experienced and dynamic lineup, led by some of the club’s most consistent performers. As the team prepares to battle for the premiership, excitement surrounds key players like Chad Warner, Tom Papley, and Errol Gulden, who are expected to make significant contributions. Below is a detailed look at the Swans’ team and their roles.

Back Line

• Dane Rampe (34, 250 games, 9 goals, 22 finals): The veteran defender takes on the responsibility of leading the team in the absence of injured captain Callum Mills. Rampe is chasing his first premiership after playing in three previous grand final defeats.
• Tom McCartin (24, 131 games, 28 goals, 8 finals): Returning strong after battling concussion issues, McCartin has become one of the AFL’s most dependable key defenders.
• Nick Blakey (24, 127 games, 39 goals, 6 finals): Blakey’s first All-Australian selection has solidified his role as a playmaker, earning him the nickname ‘The Lizard’ for his ability to bring flair and pace out of defense.

Half-Back Line

• Jake Lloyd (31, 248 games, 42 goals, 19 finals): A workhorse with a calm demeanor, Lloyd is one of the Swans’ most reliable players and is still seeking his first premiership after three unsuccessful attempts.
• Harry Cunningham (30, 207 games, 52 goals, 14 finals): Having played in the 2014 grand final defeat and missed Sydney’s last two grand finals, Cunningham is hoping to finally claim a flag.
• Lewis Melican (27, 83 games, 2 goals, 4 finals): After struggling with injuries in recent years, Melican has proven his resilience by playing 23 games this season.

Centre Line

• James Jordon (23, 90 games, 26 goals, 6 finals): Since joining the Swans from Melbourne, Jordon has become a critical role player for coach John Longmire, adding depth and versatility.
• Chad Warner (23, 84 games, 77 goals, 7 finals): An explosive midfielder and first-time All-Australian, Warner continues to elevate his game, making him one of Sydney’s key players in their quest for the premiership.
• Oliver Florent (26, 167 games, 49 goals, 8 finals): Durable and consistent, Florent is one of the Swans’ ironmen, having played every game this season.

Half-Forward Line

• Luke Parker (31, 292 games, 210 goals, 25 finals): The only remaining player from Sydney’s 2012 premiership team, Parker is back after injury and suspension, bringing a wealth of experience to the forward line.
• Logan McDonald (22, 69 games, 93 goals, 5 finals): Despite an injury scare in the preliminary final, McDonald has had his best season yet, kicking 37 goals. He’s expected to play a pivotal role in attack.
• Errol Gulden (22, 92 games, 69 goals, 7 finals): A standout over the last two seasons, Gulden has emerged as one of the Swans’ most dangerous players, earning consecutive All-Australian selections.

Forward Line

• Tom Papley (28, 184 games, 293 goals, 14 finals): Known for his fiery presence and ability to score crucial goals, Papley remains a key figure in Sydney’s forward line.
• Joel Amartey (25, 52 games, 73 goals, 3 finals): Amartey has been Sydney’s top goal-scorer this season, contributing 43 goals, including a standout performance in the preliminary final.
• Will Hayward (25, 162 games, 199 goals, 8 finals): Hayward’s pace and strong marking ability make him a versatile forward option. He has enjoyed a career-best season with 40 goals.

Followers

• Brodie Grundy (39, 219 games, 72 goals, 11 finals): Now with his third club, Grundy is chasing his first premiership after making a name for himself as one of the AFL’s premier ruckmen.
• Isaac Heeney (28, 200 games, 260 goals, 16 finals): A dynamic player who finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal voting despite a suspension, Heeney is often a game-changer, as shown in the qualifying final win over GWS.
• James Rowbottom (24, 116 games, 34 goals, 7 finals): A hard-nosed midfielder, Rowbottom plays an important defensive role while also winning plenty of the ball.

Interchange and Emergencies

Key players on the interchange include Matt Roberts, Braeden Campbell, Justin McInerney, Hayden McLean, and Robbie Fox, each bringing depth and versatility to the Swans’ setup. Aaron Francis, Peter Ladhams, and Caiden Cleary round out the list as emergencies, ready to step up if needed.

The Sydney Swans enter the 2024 AFL Grand Final with a blend of experience and youthful energy, hoping to overcome their past grand final disappointments and lift the premiership cup.