Brothers Tom and Paddy McCartin signed a contract extension with the Sydney Swans, continuing one of the best AFL stories of the year.
Paddy has been a revelation this season after a two-year absence from the AFL following the departure of former St Kilda No. 1 pick with serious concussion issues.
He joined his younger brother Tom in the defense of the Swans to play a crucial role in the push for Sydney’s premiership.
Tom, 22, has signed a four-year extension, making sure he stays with Sydney until the end of 2027 while Paddy’s future with the Swans is now safe until 2024.
Paddy, 26, was delighted to sign the new contract ahead of the Swans’ preliminary final at SCG on September 17th.
“It’s great to have a few more years – it’s nowhere near where I was last year,” Paddy said.
“I feel good personally and I love my football and I feel really lucky to be in the final.
“For me and Tommy to be able to sign together is really exciting and I can’t wait to see what our team can do in the next few years.”
Swans football manager Charlie Gardiner hailed Paddy’s return to football as “remarkable”.
“It is a testament to his hard work and resilience and we are all incredibly proud of what he has been able to accomplish since he arrived in Sydney two years ago,” Gardiner said.
Seeing him enjoy his football and make the most of himself is fantastic.
“Tom also deserves huge credit for the role he has played over the past few seasons.
“Even though he’s only 22 years old, week after week he has faced some of the best key strikers in the game and performed incredibly well.”