Hayden McLean picked up by Sydney Swans

South Adelaide recruit Hayden McLean will see his AFL dream realised as he makes his way to the Sydney Swans.

McLean, who was recruited to the Panthers from Sandringham during the summer, has been handed an 11th hour AFL lifeline from the Swans under new recruiting rules for AFL clubs.

New rules introduced by the AFL this offseason allow clubs to add players to their list during a pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) between December 1 and March 15 where unforeseen circumstances make a position on their list available - in this case an ACL injury to Swans defender Jack Maibaum.

This same new ruling saw former Panthers skipper Keegan Brooksby given a second chance at the AFL with West Coast at the end of 2018.

South Adelaide Chief Executive Officer Neill Sharpe said it was a bittersweet moment for the club to see McLean make his way to New South Wales.

"As an individual we are extremely pleased to see Hayden realise his dream of making an AFL list," said Mr Sharpe.

"During his short time with South Adelaide Hayden showcased that he is an outstanding young man with many qualities on and off the field that would make any club happy to have him.

"It is however very disappointing for our club to lose one of our key recruits on the brink of the new season.