The next crop of QBE Sydney Swans Academy talent was put to the test on Sunday, in the first session of the 2014 Academy Benchmark Program.

Held at Centennial Parklands, more than 100 young athletes participated in the session, with the group taking part in a three kilometre time trial as well as skills and strength testing.

There were a number of impressive performances at Sunday’s session, with the Academy’s north coast players producing some of the best results in humid and windy conditions.

Under-16 athletes Jake Brown (Coffs Harbour) and Eli Prescott (Crescent Head) were the top performers in the three kilometre time trial, with the pair tying for first place in a time of 9:46min on the cross country course.

Fellow north coast athlete Jai Lyons was another impressive performer, clocking 9:54min to take out the three kilometre time trial for the under-17 division.

Of the young brigade, Miranda Bombers player Paddy Tegg took out the under-15 time trial in a time of 10:12min.

Swans Academy Talent & Operations Manager Chris Smith said the efforts of the top performing athletes impressed the coaching staff.

“There is no better way for a young player to make a strong first impression on the coaches and the other boys by performing strongly on day one of the program,” he said.

“It showed that they had prepared well and had done plenty of work beforehand, which is what we wanted to see.

Smith said all athletes competing in the Benchmark Program were vying for their place in next year’s top-end Academy program.

“The Benchmark Program helps determine which boys have the necessary drive and discipline to achieve their AFL goals,” Smith said.

“Once boys are selected in the Academy, they spend the next three years training and developing until they complete the Under-15 program,” Smith said.

“It is at this stage that a strict assessment is made on their skill level, running ability, decision making, competitiveness and professionalism.”

Sunday’s event was the first of six Academy Benchmark Program sessions, which will see numbers reduced by the end of the program.

This year will mark the fourth year of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Benchmark Program, which has become one of the key components in our players' pathway.