Paddy McCartin’s stop-start AFL career is back on after repeat concussions threatened to end it.
The Sydney Swans have officially signed the 2014 No.1 draft pick as a rookie in the pre-season supplemental selection period after he spent the pre-season training with them.
McCartin, 25, joins his brother Tom at the club as he looks to add to the 35 games he played for St Kilda.
He last appeared at AFL level in mid-2018 but a series of concussions saw him temporarily step away from the game.
McCartin, who arrived on the scene as a key forward, returned to football at second-tier level last year for the Swans and showed promising form as a defender.
“It’s extremely exciting – it’s been a unique journey for me to get back to this point,” he 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.”
There was some belief McCartin’s early season form last year could convince Sydney to pick him in the mid-season rookie draft before he copped a five-match ban for an ugly off-the-ball hit.
But he impressed Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner and fellow officials with hxjmtzywis contrition and determination to prove his worth and earn a second shot in the AFL.
“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.”
Sydney is suddenly well-stocked for key-position players at both ends but particularly in the forward line.
McCartin enters a tall defensive mix that includes his brother Tom, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican and Sam Reid.
