Sam Naismith’s Sydney Swans have been unanimously backed by club captains as a finals special for the 2017 AFL season.
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The skippers of the 18 clubs were asked for their predictions during the annual pre-season survey.
Beaten grand finalists last year, the Swans proved the only club selected by all to feature in the post-season, but crosstown rivals Greater Western Sydney is rated the top premiership chance.
Ruckman Naismith, 24, is fit and available for selection ahead of Sydney’s season-opener against Port Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunnedah big man completed the pre-season campaign with a busy display as the Swans won a three-point thriller against St Kilda at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury.
Naismith and Darcy Cameron shared the ruck duties, allowing Kurt Tippett to spend more time in attack.
He is looking to add to a tally of 13 AFL appearances this season.