Paddy McCartin has made another crucial breakthrough in his push to return to the AFL after an almighty battle with concussion, with the forward joining the Swans‘ senior list as a rookie for season 2022.
McCartin took a huge step in his comeback charge when he signed with Sydney as a delisted free agent on the cusp of the 2021 season, allowing him to play for the Swans’ VFL side.
And the rise of the former No.1 draft pick to Sydney’s senior list is another critical step as he strives to return for his first AFL match since 2018.
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McCartin landed at St Kilda via the first pick of the 2014 national draft and spent five years at the club, but he was plagued by concussions and managed just 35 senior games, before being delisted after the 2019 season.
But a positive in the 25-year-old’s cursed football journey is it could have him on the path to playing in the AFL with younger brother Tom, who was drafted to the Swans in 2017.
“It’s extremely exciting. It’s been a unique journey for me to get back to this point,” McCartin said.
“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.
“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.”
Sydney general manager of football Charlie Gardiner commended McCartin on his latest breakthrough.
“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,” Gardiner said.
“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.
“At just 25 years of age Paddy still has plenty of footy left to play, and his rejoining 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.”
The Swans will begin their 2022 campaign in a clash with the Giants at Stadium Australia on March 19.
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