Isaac Heeney admits his first season in the AFL has been an incredible experience, one which “won’t sink in for a while yet”.

Heeney, who is a contender for this year’s AFL Rising Star Award, has shone since arriving at the Swans via Pick 18 in the 2014 National Draft.

In 11 games Heeney has booted 13 goals and averages 12 disposals, four marks and two tackles per game.

His class and poise, attributed to his development within the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, has even prompted observers to compare him to Fremantle star Nat Fyfe.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, the 19-year-old said running out alongside stars such as Lance Franklin and Jarrad McVeigh each week has capped off a whirlwind debut season.

“It has been surreal and I am loving every minute of it,” Heeney said.

“Just knowing I’m running out with some extremely experienced players and going out to hopefully win a game or two it’s been unreal.

“Lance has been extremely supportive of me. It’s still pretty nerve racking running next to him and kicking the footy to him and watching him show his brilliance.

“They’re moments I am cherishing.”

Heeney, who was born and bred in Newcastle, would have been lost to AFL football had it not been for the Academy given his interest in other sports particularly Rugby League, Soccer and Cricket.

Having scored 68 goals in his first season of soccer, averaged more than 200 runs as a junior cricketer and scored five tries in a Rugby League grand final, Heeney could have achieved anything on a sporting field of choice but ultimately AFL won out.

“I was accepted into the Academy and started making some rep teams,” Heeney said.

“One day I decided to knuckle down, choose one sport and at about 14-15 years of age I chose AFL. Chris Smith (Talent Identification & Operations Manager) gave me the opportunity and I gave it all I could…so far it has worked out alright.”

Better than alright with Heeney ready to experience an AFL finals series.

“We have to try stay focused for this weekend,” he added. “But it’s definitely in the back of my mind – hopefully I can get a gig for the finals and hopefully we can go pretty deep.”