Tom McCartin Biography

Sydney coach Dean Cox has downplayed major concerns over Tom McCartin's wellbeing, although the club will continue to take a cautious approach to the key defender's recovery from concussion.

McCartin entered the League's concussion protocols after suffering a knock during Sydney's thrilling two-point win over St Kilda on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who has a history of concussion issues, was forced from the ground early in the third term following a heavy collision with Saints forward Liam Ryan.

Having already missed a combined 15 games across the past three seasons due to three separate incidents, McCartin will miss Saturday night's match against Port Adelaide.

"He's going well. He's been in the footy club all the way through the week. He's healthy, he's responded well, and he's just now working through some protocols," Cox said.

"We'll hopefully build towards some training next week and assess him from there."

Tom McCartin switched to a forward position at the start of the season but has since returned to full-back for the Sydney Swans after discussions with coach Dean Cox.

"I had a couple conservations at the start of the year with 'Coxy' and it was just about flexibility in a couple of different positions for the team. My mentality has always been about whatever the team needs. I was happy to do it and quite enjoyed going down forward," McCartin said.

The Swans plan to use Tom McCartin at both ends of the ground this season.

"It'll be horses for courses as we go throughout the year ... throughout a game, whether he's starting back and I'll swing him forward or vice versa," Sydney Dean Cox said.

Tom McCartin will line-up in the Swans' clash with Richmond following a prolonged battle with concussion.

"for him to get back on track through the reserves and now back in the seniors is awesome," Swans co-captain Callum Mills said.

"He's been really diligent with what he needed to do to get back from the concussion stuff. He's been a super professional and hasn't put a foot wrong."

Paddy McCartin is set to play his first competitive match for more than two years when he lines up for Sydney's VFL team in its season-opener.

McCartin made a successful return to footy in a Swans' VFL practice match last weekend, after stepping away from the game to deal with complications resulting from repeated concussions.

"I absolutely loved playing again. It was so fun. It was what I've been trying to get back for, for a couple of years," he said.

"It was a bit of an emotional build-up. A lot of reflecting on the last couple of years and how I got to where I am now, and a lot of the things that myself and those close to me have had to go through in that time."

Paddy McCartin says he is over his concussion issues and hoping to be at an AFL club again next year, even if it isn't St Kilda.

Despite having been delisted, the Saints had allowed McCartin access to their facilities as he worked through the debilitating symptoms, and he has been a regular at Moorabbin throughout the pre-season working on his fitness.

"I'm really hoping that someone anywhere would potentially take a chance [on me] because the fire's burning pretty deep and I want to play. It's just about getting that opportunity," McCartin told SEN radio.

"The Saints have been incredible and an amazing support. I have been going in there just as much as if I was on a list. I've been in there a lot. They've been really, really good letting me use the facilities and setting up training programs."

Tom McCartin has received medical clearance to return to training after suffering dizziness from a collision with a teammate three weeks ago.

"He's all good, he's all fine, there's not a problem at all and he doesn't require any further attention," Swans coach John Longmire said.

"It's not a concussion issue, he had some dizziness after the knock, and he's now fine to get back into it."

Tom McCartin will undergo further medical tests next week as he struggles to shake off the effects of a head knock he received a fortnight ago.

McCartin, 19, suffered concussion in a training mishap and has since been on restricted duties.

A news report suggested there were fears the injury was so serious it could jeopardise the young key forward's season and potentially even his career, but the Swans rejected that assertion and hope to have a clearer timeframe for McCartin's recovery after he receives more examinations in coming days.

Tom McCartin signs a new two-year deal with Sydney to remain at the club until the end of 2021.

McCartin wasn't expected to feature heavily at senior level this season, but with Sam Reid missing the majority of the year with injury, he helped provide a strong contest in attack alongside superstar teammate Lance Franklin in his 15 games.

"Being around the older boys like 'Buddy' and watching how they go about it and what it takes (to succeed) has been great, and I was able to play a few games this year," he said.

"I'm just looking to a big pre-season and improving on the things I need to get better at, and hopefully I can get a few again next year.

"I'm pumped and really excited to sign on for another two years."

Tom McCartin makes his AFL debut for Sydney at the MCG with 8 disposals (5 kicks and 3 handballs), 4 marks and 3 tackles in an 8-point win over Hawthorn.

Draft prospect Tom McCartin says he is ready for the scrutiny that comes with being an AFL player after learning from older brother Paddy McCartin's experiences at St Kilda.

At 192cm, McCartin is also a tantalising goal-kicking prospect, but has battled his own injury demons while he grows into a key position role.

"After seeing the scrutiny on Paddy, with the way he goes about it, I've been able to take a few leaves out of his book in a way," Tom said.

"I've seen him go through all his injuries and it's pretty tough to watch.

"If it comes about for me, I'll try not to read into it or worry about it too much, which is something he does really well.

"I've really tried to take it on board, so I feel I'd be ready for it."