Rosas Jnr nominates Swans as preferred trade destination

Jackson Clark Published October 1, 2025 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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Malcolm Rosas has expressed interest to join the Sydney Swans ahead of the 2026 AFL season. (Image: AFL)

Malcolm Rosas Jnr has reportedly told the Gold Coast Suns he wants to continue his AFL career in Sydney, nominating the Swans as his preferred trade destination.

The speedy forward has endured two frustrating seasons at the Suns under coach Damien Hardwick, restricted to just 11 senior appearances since the start of 2024.

This year the Rembarrnga and Ngalakan man managed only four games – two of those as the substitute – despite consistent form in the VFL where he impressed with his versatility and ability to push into the midfield.

Rosas joined the Gold Coast in 2019, becoming the first player to sign from the club's Darwin Academy after coming through the Northern Territory's talent pathway programs.

A Darwin Buffaloes junior, he has played 49 senior AFL matches and kicked 46 goals in his time at the Suns.

His best football came under former coach Stuart Dew, particularly across 2022 and 2023 when he was a regular contributor in the Suns' forward-line.

"Gold Coast forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr has picked Sydney as his preferred destination," AFL.com reporter Cal Twomey posted on X.

"He weighed up Richmond and the Swans and has chosen the Swans for his trade request."

*Northern Territory product Malcolm Rosas Jnr is hoping to land at the Sydney Swans. (Image: AFL)*

The Suns released a statement last week confirming their willingness to support his move.

"The club has been in ongoing discussions with Malcolm Rosas Jnr and his management throughout the year, and will help facilitate a trade in the coming weeks," it read.

Sydney's interest is no surprise.

Under first-year coach Dean Cox, the Swans missed finals in 2025 and have been looking to bolster their small forward brigade.

The pressure-forward role has been an area of concern, with Tom Papley shouldering much of the responsibility along with the likes of Sam Wicks, while midfield duo Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner have been forced into makeshift forward roles.

Fellow small forward prospects Tom Hanily and Jesse Dattoli featured in a handful of games this season but have failed to cement their spot as bona fide best-22 players at this stage of their careers.

A quick and elusive left-footer with sharp defensive instincts around goal, Rosas looms as a perfect fit for the Swans.

At just 24 years of age, Rosas now has the chance for a fresh start in the harbour city where his speed and creativity could become a key feature of the Swans' forward line.