Still underrated by some outside the club, it was the co-captain’s turn to skipper the Swans on Grand Final day, and he ended 2012 proudly holding aloft the premiership cup. 

Playing every game, McVeigh was unlucky not to come into All-Australian calculations after averaging 25 possessions, four marks and three clearances an outing. 

He had a career-high 37 disposals against GWS in round 14 and 34 the following week against the Brisbane Lions, before starring against Hawthorn in the Grand Final.

Draft history: 2002 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (Sydney) No. 5 overall.

2013 Coaches Call

2012 was an outstanding year where he really grew as a leader and his performances in the finals, not only to lead the club, but play really good football and to be looked upon as a big game player, was just outstanding.

Pre-season has been really good. He’s a total pro and it’s why he’s the captain of the club. He’s come back and is up the front in all the running. He’s been one of the standouts of the pre-season.

We hope in 2013 that he can continue to grow as a leader and as a player. He’s the sort of player that wants to get better and improve and he gives himself every chance to do that with his work rate and the way he helps the younger guys around the club.