As the Sydney Swans’ recruitment team zeroes in on this year’s AFL Draft, set to be held at Marvel Stadium on November 27 and 28, Swans Media revisits the club’s blockbuster 1994 sweep.

Among the pool of players Sydney recruited at the 1994 AFL Draft were Anthony Rocca, Shannon Grant, Matthew Nicks, Michael O’Loughlin and Leo Barry, all of whom would enjoy stellar careers.

Pick two: Anthony Rocca

Rocca built himself into a star of the game in Collingwood colours after beginning his career with Sydney. The Swans secured the Victorian with pick two in 1994, and while he managed only 11 goals in 22 games with Sydney, he’d finish his career with 242 matches and 415 goals on his resume. Rocca also won the Magpies’ leading goal-kicker award on four occasions, with his 55 goals in season 2006 a career-high tally. But his champion status extends well beyond his career in numbers. Rocca will always be remembered for his monstrous boot, a right-foot kick that at its best sent the Collingwood faithful into delirium in a 2002 qualifying final against Adelaide. Launching a set shot from the top of the centre square, he banged through a six-pointer at close to goal-post height that landed more than 10 rows back. Rocca posted just one goal from eight touches in the Magpies’ 28-point win, but his third-term major was a defining moment in the match. He is also a Collingwood Hall of Famer and Life Member.

Former Sydney Swans and Collingwood superstar Anthony Rocca, selected with pick two at the 1994 AFL Draft.

Pick three: Shannon Grant

The Swans landed another star in the making at the 1994 AFL Draft when they selected Grant via pick three. The young midfielder quickly developed into a key member of coach Rodney Eade’s side, playing 58 games in his three seasons as a Swan including the 1996 Grand Final. While Sydney lost the 1996 decider, Grant shone on the big stage three years later, winning the Norm Smith Medal as the Kangaroos powered to premiership glory against Carlton. The 301-match great also claimed the Kangaroos’ 1999 best and fairest award and was named in the 2005 All Australian side, while he is a North Melbourne Life Member.

Pick 21: Matthew Nicks

Nicks arrived at the Swans via selection 21 at the 1994 AFL Draft and would become a reliable 175-game servant. The South Australian was presented Sydney’s 1996 Rising Star honour and 1998 Most Improved award. He offered coaches Ron Barassi, Eade and Paul Roos a versatile option, specialising on a half-back flank but also doing damage as a forward. Injury forced him into retirement in August 2005, less than two months out from the Swans’ first premiership in 72 years, but he was instrumental in helping establish the famed Bloods culture on the road to the flag. Nicks is also a Swans Life Member and was recently appointed Adelaide’s coach.

Former Sydney Swans defender Matthew Nicks, selected with pick 21 at the 1994 AFL Draft.

Pick 40: Michael O’Loughlin

In an indication of just how iconic a name Michael O’Loughlin became in his time in red and white, the club had existed for 135 years when he became the first Swan in history to reach 300 senior games. The 1994 draftee’s illustrious career saw him play 303 matches, win a 2005 premiership medal, claim Sydney’s 1998 best and fairest award, top the club’s goal-kicking in 2000 and 2001 and earn two All Australian blazers (1997, 2000). O’Loughlin is also a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the Indigenous Team of the Century, while he’s a Swans Hall of Famer and Life Member.

Zone selection: Leo Barry

The Swans faithful will never forget the moment Leaping Leo flew high to seal the club’s first premiership in 72 years. The star defender’s extraordinary grab secured Sydney a four-point Grand Final win over the West Coast Eagles and ended the longest flag drought in VFL/AFL history. Barry, who was drafted via a zone selection at the 1994 AFL Draft, played 237 AFL games, was a dual All Australian and is a member of the greatest NSW team of all time, while he’s also a Swans Hall of Famer and Life Member.