2015 season – 5th (post finals)
2016 prediction – 10th
THE BRIEF
They’ve been up for so long it feels very odd to predict the Swans not to be there when the business end of the season rolls around. There were obvious signs of a slide last season culminating with a straight sets exit from the finals and, while I don’t often read too much into the NAB Challenge, I think this side showed some obvious deficiencies which will remain there when the season proper rolls around. They lost a ton of experience at the end of last year with Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Mike Pyke all retiring, whilst Lewis Jetta and Craig Bird departed during trade week. Gary Rohan, Ben McGlynn and co-captain Jarrad McVeigh have all been struck down with injuries of varying degrees which doesn’t bode well. Lance Franklin’s 2015 finished early after a well publicised battle with depression and whilst he has returned in impressive nature, there remains a question mark over the million dollar a year forward.
THE LOCK
Dan Hannebery: He won the Rising Star in his first season which is generally a fair indication that a kid has talent, but there was a short period there where you wondered if off field issues would mean he failed to reach the heights he was seemingly destined for. Not a worry now. At 25 years old and with 144 games under his belt, Hannebery is one of the competition’s finest midfielders. While I don’t think the Swans will make finals, I do think they will win enough games and be close enough in others to put Hannebery in the conversation for a Brownlow. He’s currently $13 to win and $4.50 to finish top three.
THE STOCK
Isaac Heeney: Was on track to win the Rising Star award last season until injury cut out a large chunk of his year. He’s a key part of the future for the Swans as they turnover their list to the next generation of players they hope can return them to the summit, and Heeney appears the type of player who won’t suffer the second year blues. He looks a prodigious talent who I am genuinely excited to watch for many years to come. As long as he has his down days against the Dogs.
THE SMOKIN’ BARREL
Kurt Tippett: It’s not that he was rubbish last year, in fact his output was the best we have seen from his in two years in Sydney, but I’m not sure he justifies the price tag. He will spend a lot more time as the team’s main ruck option this year which I think will be a win for club and player given his athleticism. It’ll also leave a hopefully fit and well Lance Franklin with the forward line to himself which will be a tough proposition for opposition clubs.
