Ruckman Mark Seaby and forward Jarred Moore were the major casualties as premiers Sydney delisted five players at the start of the AFL trade period.
The Swans also cut rookie list players Eugene Kruger, Jack Lynch and Dylan McNeil.
Sydney are trying to engineer a trade with Adelaide that would snare them key forward Kurt Tippett.
They are also confident that tough veteran Jude Bolton will keep playing next season.
Seaby joined Sydney from West Coast, where he played 102 games and was a member of their 2006 premiership team.
Shane Mumford’s strong form and the new substitution rule combined to restrict Seaby to just 18 matches in the last two seasons.
Moore played 68 games for the Swans and had not been in the senior side since round 10 last season.
But his standing at the club was reflected in the club making special mention of him in their media release.
“We wish to pay special tribute to Jarred Moore, who has been an outstanding leader and popular member of the playing group,” said football manager Dean Moore.
“His leadership and experience has been incredibly valuable to the young players in our squad.”