McCartin shines in Swans' AFL trial win

Former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin is on the verge of an AFL return after another impressive pre-season showing in Sydney's 31-point win over North Melbourne.

The ex-St Kilda forward looked at home in defence on Sunday, repelling multiple opposition raids alongside brother Tom in the Swans' back-line.

Luke Parker, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and Justin McInerney were also prominent in Sydney's 12.10 (82) to 7.9 (51) tune-up victory.

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Fresh off signing a monster new five-year contract, Isaac Heeney shone with 16 disposals and three goals.

McCartin has not played at the top level since 2018, when repeated concussion issues brought a premature end to his time with the Saints.

But the 25-year-old pre-season signing, who spent last year with Sydney's VFL side in a successful attempt to earn a career lifeline, could now slot into the round-one team against GWS.

He finished with 12 disposals and six marks against North Melbourne in a performance that caught the eye of Swans assistant coach Dean Cox.

"He spent a long time forward for the Saints and to be able to adjust and play back, he's worked extremely hard on (it)," Cox said.

"He's trained really hard over the pre-season which has put him in a position that he's played both of these (trial) games and put his name up for round one.

"It's truly pleasing. He'd have to be close (for round one)."

North Melbourne were outclassed early at Giants Stadium and fought their way back into contest, closing to within a kick during the third term.

But Sydney booted seven of the next eight goals to pull away for a comfortable win.

Last year's top draft pick Jason Horne-Francis excited Kangaroos fans with a goal off one step during the