Sam Wicks was rookie-listed in November 2018 and was a consistent stand-out for the Sydney Swans’ NEAFL side in 2019. The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product became Sydney's fifth debutant of season 2020 when he was named to face Collingwood in Round 10, before finishing the season with seven appearances to his name. He enjoyed a breakout 2021 season that saw him make 21 appearances and become a key part of the club's return to finals football. After spending much of his career in the forward line, senior coach Dean Cox moved Wicks to half-back in 2025 where he enjoyed his strongest season yet. He was recognised with the Dennis Carrol Award for Most Improved and placed sixth in the Bob Skilton Medal at the conclusion of 2025.
