John Brinkkotter

Recruited from Barooga in the Murray Football League, John Brinkkotter entered the VFL system with significant expectations as the tenth overall selection in the inaugural 1986 National Draft. Standing at 190cm, he was a key position prospect brought in to bolster the Swans' height stocks during a volatile period for the club. He made his senior debut in the opening round of the 1988 season against Footscray at Waverley Park, but found sustained opportunities at the top level difficult to secure in a side often relying on high-profile recruits. Despite his high draft pedigree, Brinkkotter managed just a handful of senior appearances over two seasons before departing the club, remaining a notable footnote as a top-ten pick from the draft's experimental early years.