In a nutshell
The end of an era. The Swans lost 1048 games with the retirements of Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Heath Grundy and Nick Smith, and at the same time, continued to blood plenty of young talent. Missing the finals wasn't a massive surprise.
What we said in the pre-season
We tipped the Swans to sneak into eighth and Lance Franklin to win the Coleman, but a couple of hamstrings that limited the superstar to just 10 games for the year, and the absence of so much experience in McVeigh, Grundy and Smith, meant both were never going to happen.
What worked
Young Bloods
Sydney pumped 21 games into Nick Blakey and another 19 into Tom McCartin, with a host of other rookies also seeing plenty of senior footy.
Captaincy change
Dane Rampe and Luke Parker thrived with the official title alongside Josh Kennedy, with both players in the hunt for club champion honours.
Round 23 preparation
The Swans' conditioning staff would have been under the pump but Lance Franklin and Jarrad McVeigh both got up for a special day at the SCG.
What failed
Franklin's pre-season program
The 32-year-old hardly trained because of groin surgery but openly admitted he rushed back for round one. Lasted five games before his hammy went for the first time.
Big man depth
A season-ending injury to Callum Sinclair (shoulder) left the Swans with no ruckman, with Sam Naismith (knee) and Darcy Cameron (quad) also not available just when the team needed them.
Lack of scoring a worry
Tom Papley (37) was the only Swan to kick more than 30 for the season, ahead of Sam Reid (28), Franklin (27) and Isaac Heeney (26).
Overall rating
C-
Missing the finals for the first time since 2009 isn't a pass but given the personnel available, eight wins was a decent effort.
The coach
The speculation over John Longmire's future caused some awkward moments mid-season but he continued to embrace his emerging players, despite knowing the results might not favour his record. Looks excited to be at the helm of his group until at least the end of 2023.
MVP
Dane Rampe: The star defender had some controversial moments but remained consistent in the back half and was rarely beaten one on one. Enjoyed his elevation to co-captain and gave the Swans enormous drive from deep in defence.
Surprise packet
Jordan Dawson: Finally got an extended run at senior level and grabbed his opportunity brilliantly. Mainly off half-back, Dawson's left boot was a major weapon, but he also had an impact forward and on the wing.
Get excited
Nick Blakey: Twenty-one goals from 19 games for the highly-rated draftee. Blakey was always predicted to make an impact at senior level, and while he didn't have many big games, he had some huge moments.
Disappointment
Daniel Menzel: The off-season recruit was expected to be the scoring threat the Swans needed, but after he had groin surgery just after he arrived, had no influence with just seven goals from seven games.
Best win
Round 23: Sydney 17.7 (109) d. St Kilda 8.16 (64)
The farewell of Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack, plus the 300-game celebration of Franklin, couldn't have gone any better. Franklin booted four, while McVeigh and Jack kicked goals in the final term that ended a disappointing season in emotional fashion.
Best individual performance
Tom Papley. Round 12 v West Coast at the SCG
The small forward kicked five goals from 27 possessions when the Swans upset the premiers by 45 points, in what was Dane Rampe's 150th match, as the home side kept their slim finals hopes alive.
Low point
Sinclair's dislocated shoulder (twice) in the first term against Gold Coast at the SCG in round 15. The ruckman was done for the season, and with Naismith and Cameron also out, it left Aliir Aliir, Sam Reid, Hayden McLean and others to fill the void unsuccessfully.
The big questions
Can Franklin leave his soft-tissue problems behind him?
Where will Nick Blakey be used in 2020, forward or wing?
Will Callum Mills finally be moved into the midfield?
Season in a movie title
Back to the Future. The Swans paid tribute to outgoing veterans while already planning for 2020 and beyond.
Who's done?
Retirements: Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith.
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Daniel Menzel
How should they approach trade and draft period?
With plenty of cash to splurge, the Swans will be active and go after some much-needed experience to complement their stack of young talent. An inside midfielder and key defender will be on the list.
Early call for 2020
The Swans had a tough season but the education the young players received both in games and just by being around so many outgoing veterans was invaluable. A return to the finals looks a lock.
