Delisted Cats forward Daniel Menzel has secured a place on Sydney’s list after medical checks cleared him to play on despite four knee reconstructions.
Geelong dumped Menzel at the end of the season after he kicked 100 goals in his last 50 games for the Cats while coming under fire for a perceived lack of defensive pressure.
Geelong picked him at number 17 in the 2009 AFL draft but he managed only 73 games after his series of knee injuries and a setback related to treatment for a groin injury last year.
Menzel returned from holidays in the United States to undergo medical testing for the Swans but had gone back to the US before Sydney announced the signing this week.
“I’m really thankful and excited at the opportunity the Swans have given me and I’m looking forward to getting into the club and training with my new teammates,” he said.
“Success is obviously a real motivator and the Swans were really appealing to me for that reason.”
The Swans described Menzel, who they signed to a one-year deal, as an “exciting forward”.
New Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says the Club is looking forward to welcoming Menzel to Sydney.
“Dan is a great talent and a proven performer at senior level with Geelong. He brings a wealth of footy experience to our group and we are confident he can add real value to our squad,” Gardiner said.
“Dan has shown tremendous character to work through his injury challenges in his career to date and has shown in his past three seasons that he’s still got a lot to offer at senior level. We hope that a change of scene and a new environment will only strengthen his football.
“Dan will add to our attack and our scoring ability and has a lot to offer our team and our young and emerging forwards.”
