Former no.1 AFL draft pick Paddy McCartin has been given the opportunity restart his top-level career with the Sydney Swans.
McCartin, who was forced to temporarily retire from football because of concussion issues, has been signed by the Swans as a rookie for the 2022 season.
The 25-year-old has joined Sydney as a delisted free agent in the pre-season selection window and will now have the chance to play alongside his brother Tom in red and white.
McCartin joined Sydney's East Coast VFL team last season and performed impressively throughout the campaign, despite a hiccup with a five-match suspension for striking.
The ex-St Kilda player was delighted to get another crack at the AFL, particularly alongside his brother.
"It’s extremely exciting – it’s been a unique journey for me to get back to this point. It’s a path that not many people have taken, but my goal was to always try and get back to the elite level and to be able to do it with the Swans. To do it with Tom, in particular, is something that means a lot and is exciting," McCartin said.
"I’ve loved training with the team and playing last year, so it’s good to get on the list. There’s a lot that we want to achieve as a group so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the guys this year."
McCartin was selected by the Saints with the no.1 pick in the 2014 draft, but only played 35 games for the club because of a variety of injury issues, but mainly concussions.
Swans general manager Charlie Gardiner spoke of his admiration for McCartin's effort to get back to the big leagues, and believes he has something to offer the senior team.
"Paddy has worked extremely hard over the past two years to get himself fit and healthy, and in a position to continue his AFL career. To his credit, he has overcome several challenges and ultimately his strong VFL form last season and commitment to training over the pre-season has enabled him to earn another AFL opportunity," Gardiner said.
"At just 25 years of age Paddy still has plenty of footy left to play, and his re-joining the senior list will provide the club with the flexibility of another tall option who can play at either end of the ground.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what Paddy can deliver this season. We know he and Tom are excited about the opportunity to continue training and playing together.”
