Sydney Swans 2023 AFL Preview & Predictions

<p>So close, yet so far. That was the Sydney Swans 2022 season, as they qualified for their first Grand Final since 2016.</p> <p>Unfortunately, on decider day they were no match for Geelong and were taught a footballing lesson to the tune of 81 points.</p> <p>While they were severely outmatched on Grand Final day, the Swans still had a season which would have exceeded the expectations of their supporters and which provided some truly memorable moments along the way.</p> <p>Now the question is, can they pick themselves up, dust themselves off and go again in 2023?</p> <p>Well, the fact of the matter is, history does not bode well for the defeated Swans.</p> <p>Of the last 10 teams to lose a Grand Final by more than 40 points, six of them have failed to qualify for the finals the following year and none have gone on to win the flag.</p> <p>So, an instant bounce-back from a Grand Final mauling is borderline impossible.</p> <p>Can the Swans defy history and go one better this season? Or will they join the long list of beaten finalists to come crashing back down to earth?</p> <p>For all the latest and greatest Sydney Swans tips and predictions read our season preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Gains</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Will Edwards (Category B rookie)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Aaron Francis (Essendon)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jacob Konstanty (No.20 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jaiden Magor (Rookie Draft)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Caleb Mitchell (No.40 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Cameron Owen (Rookie Draft)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Cooper Vickery (No.27 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There has been no knee-jerk reaction from head coach John Longmire, who has refused to throw the baby out with the bathwater after their GF shellacking to Geelong.</p> <p>They picked up a handful of rookies and draft picks to bolster the depth of their squad, while also adding former Demon Aaron Francis who should bring some much-needed size to their defence.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Losses</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>James Bell (Delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Josh Kennedy (Retired)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Sam Naismith (Delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Barry O'Connor (Delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Colin O'Riordan (Retired)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Ben Ronke (Delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Callum Sinclair (Retired)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Lewis Taylor (Delisted)</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A host of first grade stalwarts have decided to call time on their careers, departing the Swans and the AFL for good.</p> <p>Josh Kennedy, Callum Sinclair, Colin O’Riordan and Lewis Taylor have all decided to hang up the boots for different reasons.</p> <p>Josh Kennedy is easily the biggest of these four names. The 34-year-old played 290 AFL games, with 277 of those being in a Swans Guernsey.</p> <p>He kicked 157 goals, won a premiership in 2012, captained the Swans and was a three-time All-Australian<strong>.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Player To Watch</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Lance Franklin</strong></em></p> <p>While Sydney’s list is undoubtedly stacked with exciting talent, there is one man who stands above the rest. That man is of course Lance “Buddy” Franklin.</p> <p>Arguably the greatest forward of his generation, Buddy is now 36 years of age, meaning his time at the top is slowly coming to an end.</p> <p>Despite his age, Franklin keeps on producing memorable moments, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire competition. Who can forget the moment he kicked his 1000th goal last season?</p> <p>With over 300 games, 1000 goals, two premierships, two Goal of the Season awards and a mind blowing eight All-Australian selections to his name, Buddy has one to watch for his entire career and this season should be no different.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Swans’ Season Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Predicted finish: 7th</em></p> <p>Grand Final defeats like the one Sydney suffered at the hands of Geelong last season can make or break a team.</p> <p>The Swans will be hoping it’s the former as they enter the new season. While history suggests otherwise, the Swans possess a list sparkling with young talent and their crushing GF loss could very well galvanise them to go one better in 2023.</p> <p>With stars such as Lance Franklin, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden in their midst it’s hard to see the Swans bowing to history and dropping out of the top eight altogether.</p> <p>They should still make the finals, but the scars of that 81-point humiliation at the hands of Geelong will need some time to heal before they are ready to return to the big dance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Swans’ Best 22</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>B:</strong> Robbie Fox, Tom McCartin, Jake Lloyd</p> <p><strong>HB:</strong> Paddy McCartin, Dane Rampe, Nick Blakey</p> <p><strong>C:</strong> Justin McInerney, Luke Parker, Dylan Stephens</p> <p><strong>HF:</strong> Isaac Heeney, Logan McDonald, Tom Papley</p> <p><strong>F:</strong> Errol Gulden, Lance Franklin, Will Hayward</p> <p><strong>Foll:</strong> Tom Hickey, Chad Warner, Callum Mills</p> <p><strong>I/C:</strong> James Rowbottom, Aaron Francis, Oliver Florent, Sam Reid</p>