The Sydney Swans will continue to place faith in their younger players as they look to continue their hot start to the season, coach John Longmire says.
The Swans, who moved to 2-0 after outclassing Carlton by 60 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, now turn their attention to an appetizing clash against cross-town rival Greater Western Sydney at the SCG next Saturday.
Longmire was delighted by the efforts of Tom Papley, Callum Mills, Dan Robinson, George Hewett and Isaac Heeney in Sunday's hefty win over the Blues.
"We don't look at the birth certificates of our playing group when it comes to team selection. We don't look at that and never have," Longmire said.
"If they're doing the right thing and they're playing the footy they should be playing they'll get rewarded."
Papley's pressure and lively attitude has been an important addition to the Swans' forward line early this season, which received important contributions from Lance Franklin (four goals), Kurt Tippett (four) and Callum Sinclair (three) against the Blues.
The small forward's courageous mark running back with the flight, while being protected by Hewett, in the third term earned him instant respect from the coach.
However, Longmire is well aware things can turn quickly and urged his youngsters to remain driven to succeed.
"In all young players, it's not always a straight ride. It goes up and down and you've got to be prepared for that and the younger players need to be prepared for that too," Longmire said.
Tom Mitchell was outstanding for the Swans with 34 disposals and nine tackles, while Luke Parker (29), Dan Hannebery (29), Josh Kennedy (27) and Kieren Jack (26) all led from the front.
Longmire reserved special praise for Sinclair for the way he has fitted into the side since being traded from West Coast, in exchange for Lewis Jetta, in the off-season.
"He's been terrific. His work with Tippett's been getting better. To get seven goals from our two big boys who play in the ruck (was pleasing)," Longmire said.
"The reason that we got Callum in the first place is that we wanted Kurt to play in the ruck and up forward and do the same thing with Callum."
Longmire said there would be plenty riding on the result of the so-called 'Battle of the Bridge' particularly after the Giants' boilover win against Geelong earlier on Sunday.
"They're (the Giants) a quality team," Longmire said.
"It's going to be terrific. It's been building over the last few years and we look forward to it."
Longmire said veteran Ben McGlynn is close to being available for selection after getting through Saturday's NEAFL game against the Brisbane Lions.
Sam Reid is still 2-3 weeks away from returning from his hamstring injury, while Jarrad McVeigh (knee) is a wait and see proposition after he returned to training during the week.
Speedster Gary Rohan (hamstring) is still several weeks away from a return and remains on the Swans' long-term injury list.
