Sydney Swans start 2026 season strong but face midfield and ruck challenges

Sydney Swans AFL Dean Cox midfield injuries Brodie Grundy

The Sydney Swans have begun the 2026 AFL season with only one loss in eight games, echoing their dominant early‑2024 form that saw them win nine of ten matches. New head coach Dean Cox, who took over after the 2024 Grand Final loss, says the team is “completely different” and playing a new style.

Midfielder Errol Gulden remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, but the Swans have adapted through Justin McInerney, who is averaging a career‑best 21.5 disposals and 9.5 score involvements per game, ranking him second in the league. The forward line now features a broader spread of goal‑kickers, including Charlie Curnow, Joel Amartey, and emerging talent Malcolm Rosas Jr., reducing reliance on a single target.

Despite the balanced attack, the club still depends heavily on veteran ruckman Brodie Grundy, a concern echoed from the 2024 season. The Swans aim to convert early‑season momentum into a premiership run while managing injuries and key personnel dependencies.

Sources

New-look Dragons suffer same old result as Marzhew scores five in Knights rout [www.watoday.com.au]

3 months ago

The Swans are flying like early 2024, but are they built to finish? [www.smh.com.au]

3 months ago