Ive made a bunch of zelda type games over the years and Ive found that the sword definetly ought to extend fully into the next tile, as it does in zelda. If you have to stand too close to the enemy to attack it it makes the game tedious and frustrating in my opinion.
This is a little more difficult to draw for the north and south facing sprites, but again, zelda is a good reference for you to do it. Youll notice that link steps forward with one foot, then leans his body into the attack. I think in lttp the length of the sword even increases on its last frame just to give it that extra length needed to move fully into the tile.
Right now I think your guy is a little too jumpy and it would look wierd in game if you are attacking repeatidly. Try not having him jump forward, but rather step forward with 1 foot and lean the body in.
You might try adding 1 more frame. I think its good how you have it go right into the full swing frame, so it doesnt look sluggish, but maybe a follow up frame to smooth it out.