Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has expressed high hopes for the Sydney Swans, suggesting they could emerge as premiership contenders in 2026, provided they secure a key forward during the upcoming trade period. Following their impressive victory against Brisbane at the Gabba, the Swans have won seven of their last nine matches, showcasing a remarkable turnaround despite missing the finals in Dean Cox’s first season as coach.
Lloyd attributes Sydney’s recent form to the return of key players from injury, including Errol Gulden, Tom Papley, and Callum Mills, who missed a significant portion of the season. He noted that their defensive game had suffered earlier in the year but has greatly improved with these players back in the lineup.
Looking ahead, Lloyd believes that the Swans need to address their forward line to truly compete for the premiership. With Logan McDonald sidelined for the entire season and Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean yet to break through as standout players, he highlighted the importance of acquiring a solid key forward. While Sydney has been linked to Western Bulldogs’ Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Lloyd prefers the idea of pursuing Hawthorn’s Mitch Lewis, especially since the Hawks may have excess talent in that position.
Lloyd remarked on the need for Sydney to find a dependable key forward, suggesting that Lewis could fill that gap effectively. He dismissed the prospects of relying on their current roster to lead the attack and is adamant that Sydney’s chances at a premiership hinge on this critical acquisition.
Additionally, Nine’s chief AFL reporter, Tom Morris, noted that Sydney appears poised to be active during the trade period, with the financial capacity to secure a significant player. This ambitious approach indicates a serious intent to bolster their squad and rapidly return to contention for next season.
As the 2025 season approaches its end, Sydney will face Geelong and West Coast, providing them with opportunities to influence the finals landscape. The outlook for the Swans remains positive, contingent on strategic moves in the trade market to enhance their forward depth.