AFL Trade: Delisted Cat Daniel Menzel signs with Sydney Swans

Mick Stirling

AFL Trade: Delisted Cat Daniel Menzel signs with Sydney Swans image

Sydney has signed Daniel Menzel as a delisted free agent, confirming on Wednesday that the former Geelong forward would join the Swans on a one-year deal.

Menzel wasn’t offered a new contract at the Cats after nine years at Kardinia Park.

Various injury woes, not the least being four knee reconstructions, kept Menzel on short contracts at Geelong despite his ability to make an impact on the scoreboard whenever he played.

The 27-year-old’s average of 1.8 goals a game is elite for a small forward, but a career average of just 1.5 tackles has seen many criticise the defensive side of his game, especially in an era where forward pressure is seen as crucial.

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Menzel interrupted a holiday in the United States to attend fitness testing at the Swans, a move that proved worthwhile.

“I’m really thankful and excited at the opportunity the Swans have given me and I’m looking forward to getting into the club and training with my new teammates,” Menzel told the club’s website on Wednesday.

“Success is obviously a real motivator and the Swans were really appealing to me for that reason.”

Sydney’s head of football operations Charlie Gardiner, himself a former Cat, said Menzel would be an important addition to the Swans’ forward line, an area which sometimes seemed too ‘Lance Franklin focussed’ this year

“Dan is a great talent and a proven performer at senior level with Geelong,” Gardiner said.

“He brings a wealth of footy experience to our group and we are confident he can add real value to our squad.

“Dan has shown tremendous character to work through his injury challenges in his career to date and has shown in his past three seasons that he’s still got a lot to offer at senior level. We hope that a change of scene and a new environment will only strengthen his football.

“Dan will add to our attack and our scoring ability and has a lot to offer our team and our young and emerging forwards.”

Menzel has kicked 136 goals in his 74 games to date.

 

Mick Stirling