DANIEL Menzel is a "very strong chance" to join Sydney as a delisted free agent, with the Swans all but choosing the former Geelong goalkicker over Richmond premiership forward Jacob Townsend.
Both players recently underwent medicals with the club, with Menzel briefly returning from his post-season US holiday especially for the appointment.
However, as reported by AFL.com.au on Tuesday night, it is understood the Swans recently cooled on Townsend, 25, which leaves him likely to remain at Punt Road as a rookie in 2019.
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Outgoing Swans CEO Andrew Ireland confirmed on Wednesday morning that Menzel, 27, was firming as their one-and-only acquisition outside of next week's NAB AFL Draft.
"I think there's a very strong chance that will happen," Ireland told Macquarie Sports Radio.
"Dan came back from the States and did a medical last week and we've continued to talk to his management.
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"I guess you never know with these things but we think there's at least a chance that might happen.
"You're never quite certain where you stand, there may well be other clubs that are interested in Dan.
"We sense that he'd prefer to come to us, we've really only got one spot left on our list, we want to use the other positions we've got for our selections in the draft.
"I think if Dan said today he wants to play for the Swans, that would be the way we'd go."
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The recruitment of Menzel to Sydney's line-up would boost its firepower after a season where Lance Franklin dominated with 57 goals. Youngster Will Hayward was the Swans' next best with 28 goals.
The Tigers have said all along they are committed to retaining Townsend as a rookie if a delisted free agent opportunity didn't eventuate, and he is happy to stay.
He also met with his first club, Greater Western Sydney, last month but the Giants' decision to take former Fremantle midfielder Tom Sheridan all but closed that opportunity.
