Sydney is showing a keen interest in out-of-contract Essendon defender Aaron Francis, according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
Having been used in a variety of roles throughout his 54 games with the Bombers, Cleary says the Swans view Francis as a key defender.
Cleary feels a potential move for the former top-10 pick could play out similarly to Ted Richards’ switch from Essendon to Sydney at the end of the 2005 season.
“It has a bit of a Ted Richards feel to it,” Cleary said on AFL Trade Radio.
“I put this out the other night and Essendon fans and the instant was they thought he (Francis) was sort of plodding along at Essendon, that might be a bit harsh.
“He (Richards) was sort of just seeing through his career at Essendon and then Sydney came calling and turned him into a premiership player.
“Francis is a former top 10 pick, he’s been used as a forward but he sees himself as a backman and that’s what the Swans are looking at him for.
“Dane Rampe won’t be around forever, the McCartin brothers are there, and they’ve got Robbie Fox who did a pretty good job on Jeremy Cameron on Grand Final day.
“I think they’re just after a bit more key defensive support, they had asked the question of Griffin Logue before he went to North so it is an area they want to fill up.”
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd believes a move to the Harbour City for Francis could be a “godsend” if he gets fitter.
“He’s got to get fitter,” Lloyd said.
“He’s had his mental health battles and his body has just never looked fit, he doesn’t look rock hard.
“I think it’d be a godsend for him to get to Sydney and challenge himself in that new environment.”
Francis played just four games in 2022, with his best year coming in 2019 when he featured 17 times.
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