Without a doubt one of the most successful teams of the modern era, the Sydney Swans have been a staple of September action for the past decade.
But with an ageing list at their disposal, it seems as if the premiership window is well and truly closing and the risk of missing the finals for the first time in nine years is rapidly rising.
Despite the decline of this team over the past 12 months the Swans still possess strong star power with the likes of Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd and Lance Franklin all All-Australian calibre players.
The Swans also have an exciting young core, as Will Hayward, Tom Papley, Ollie Florent, Tom McCartin, Callum Mills and Nick Blakey all have the potential to blossom into key contributors in 2019.
The depth players are were the Swans seem to lack heading into this season, with old heads such as Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy and Kieran Jack all well past their primes and a number of players simply not able to prove themselves on the AFL stage.
A problem in the ruck is another hurdle the Swans must overcome this year, as they don’t really have a competitive number one ruck choice to help supply their seasoned on ball unit.
It seems to be one of the bleakest season previews for the Swans in a number of years, as many see them finally on the way down as they build around their younger players.
Can the old boys from the Harbour City have one last crack at another flag?
Or is time the Swans finally missed out on September action?
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
NOTABLE OMISSIONS: Lance Franklin (groin), Kieran Jack (knee), Daniel Menzel (groin), Sam Naismith (knee), Nick Smith (hamstring)
MVP
With a number of class players running through the Sydney midfield and forward line, the MVP is a tough choice.
However, with Kennedy ageing and Franklin under an injury cloud, it’s time for young gun Isaac Heeney to take control of this side and live up to that superstar potential.
With an ability to win the ball on ground level, fly for marks and finish around the goals, Heeney is the complete modern-day footballer who - under the tutelage of the midfield greats at the club - will be looking to take his game to new heights in 2019.
Expect more time around the stoppages for Heeney in 2019 as Sydney look to build their new brand out football around the blonde-haired 22-year-old.
Breakout
One of the biggest positives from the last two seasons for the Swans, South Australian Will Hayward look set to take his game to another level in 2019.
An incredibly skilled footballer with a great aerobic capacity and eye-catching athleticism, Hayward has the potential to be one of the more dangerous half forwards in the competition.
After kicking 28 goals last season, expect that number to rise again in 2019 as he grows into the body of a match-hardened AFL footballer.
For a side in desperate need of a second game-breaking option in the forward 50, Hayward could turn into one of the Swans most important players.
Under Pressure
Brought over from West Coast three years ago to take over the position as the club’s number one ruckman, it’s safe to say that Callum Sinclair hasn’t delivered in his time at the Swans.
Although showing glimpses throughout his tenure with the Swans, inconsistency has plagued the form of the big man as Sydney’s ruck woes continue to deepen.
Now aged 29, Sinclair simply must make the number one ruck position his own in 2019 and provide a solid contest to give his on ball brigade the service needed to be effective.
By no means does he need to become one of the competitions elite ruckman, he just needs to be consistent and lock himself into the Swans best 22 for good.
Early Predictions...
1. Isaac Heeney becomes an All Australian in 2019
2. Injuries cause Lance Franklin to kick under 50 goals
3. Sydney will miss the finals for the first time since 2009
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