After missing Finals last season, many are predicting a bounce back from the Swans in 2026. The huge recruit of Charlie Curnow, and a fit Errol Gulden will go along way to making that happen. In Dean Cox’s second season at the helm, the Swans look to be playing a faster game style, this should make them an exciting watch. Fast footy on a small SCG should make for some great scoring. There’s plenty on offer Super Coach wise at Sydney this year, so I wanted to get to the official practice game before finishing this one.
The Lock
Errol Gulden ( Mid ) $566.600
Errol ticks a heap of boxes as a SC pick. Injury affected discount. Tick. Elite scoring, with a seemingly mainly outside role.Tick. Slated for more inside time. Tick. I could keep listing them, but this is getting boring. So let’s rewind a bit. In Guldens first 2 games of footy (2021) he scored 139 and 136. This was back when Buddy Franklin was still running around. Fast Forward 5 years and add Charlie Curnow to the story, and it looks like all the stars have aligned. Trust me this guy was 100% made for SC. Even with his early Bye, I can’t find many reasons to leave out Errol Gulden.
The Dark Horse
Isaac Heeney ( Mid ) $593.600
Heeney he will always be a SC enigma. If you’ve never played SC, or are new to the game, trust me when I tell you Heeney has been, over the journey, more than frustrating. Long story short, in 2024 Heeney finally got the midfield time we were so desperately waiting for, and went absolutely nuts. His first 4 scores of 2024 were – 136 -128- 148 – 165- if you missed him, your whole season was cooked. Heeney is a true Impact player with a great ceiling. In round 19 of last year Isaac scored a whopping 197. Certainly one to consider, if you can fit him in your Bye structure and Budget.
The Breakout
Nick Blakey ( Def ) $548.700
I know he has already technically “broken out ‘ I just think he might get to the next level in 2026 Also, I like this pick, so I wanted to write about him. It’s fun watching players that are easily identified and exciting to watch. “The lizard ” is all this and maybe just more. Nick spent a heap of last year patching “tall holes” in the Swans backline. He wasn’t really allowed to play his natural game, when the troops finally arrived , Nick took off post bye, when he averaged 111 ( 113 of the last 5 ).This type of scoring could mean he makes the jump into the elite Defender category. At just 2% owned he is a real point of difference as well. I’m such a sucker for a POD. 🙂
The Rookie
Jai Serong ( def ) $119.900
I was initially a bit skeptical of this pick. Sydney has a tendency to reward years of service and play the older more established guys. Watching Jai in person at the Community series game, I was quietly impressed. The wing role is not ideal, but he ran hard all afternoon in trying conditions, and found a bit of the ball. He even got forward and had a shot on goal. Honestly it was one of the worst shots on goal I’ve ever seen, but the conditions wouldn’t have helped. Fantasy Freako had him scoring 80 SC points for the game. Depending on your structure, I think Jai probably deserves at least a bench spot. I think his versatility should help him hold his spot long enough to make some cash.
Here’s some observations from the match with GWS. Grundy looks elite, but his main opponent was Madden who’s hardly played a game. Gulden came off early with an ankle, but it looks to just be precautionary. For GWS, Delana could get a small forward role after an impressive match, he had 14 touches and 6 tackles. Toby Green played a heap of midfield time, but it’s hard to fit him in a forward line with both Flanders and Pou on the same round 4 Bye. Oliver was everywhere, but turned the ball over a bit and although the role is secure, I’m unsure if he can regain Uber midfield status.
Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions about the Sydney Swans.
I’d also like to personally thank Brett Sprigg ( ABC commentator ) for organizing the tickets and joining me for the game.
How good to run into the great Neil Cordy. Legend !
Thanks for Reading FT.