Evergreen defender Heath Grundy believes the future of the Sydney Swans is in good hands.

With Ted Richards making a surprise move forward, Grundy found himself as one of the elder statesmen of the backline on Friday night against Geelong with the likes of emerging players Dane Rampe, Zak Jones, Callum Mills and Aliir Aliir around him.

All four defenders enjoyed standout performances against the Cats, with Mills earning the Round 16 AFL Rising Star nomination for his season and career-high 23 disposals at Simonds Stadium.

For a side that has prided itself on defence this season, ranked first for least points conceded, the additions of those players plus the absence of Richards and Jeremy Laidler hasn’t come at the detriment of the back half.

Grundy, speaking on Melbourne radio on Tuesday, said Mills’ impact had been particularly profound.

“Callum’s got something pretty special,” the 202-gamer said.

“He’s probably the most complete player I think I’ve played alongside at such a young age.

“He’s so hard at it. For a guy who’s not so big, he’s also pretty strong in the air.

“In the coming years he’s going to be pretty handy for us.”

Aliir stepped into the vacant key defensive position with ease on Friday night, helping keep tall forwards Tom Hawkins and Mitch Clark to just two goals between them in Sydney’s 38-point win.

Aliir’s progression has come along nicely this season. He’s staked his claim for a senior spot with dominant games at NEAFL level before playing the best of his three AFL games on the weekend. Against the Cats Aliir collected 15 disposals, of which half were contested, at 83 per cent efficiency.

“He’s showed a lot since he’s come to the Club,” Grundy said of Aliir.

“It’s been pretty tough to get into the backline the last couple of years and he’s improved out of sight this year.

“In the reserves he’s been dominating every week, which forced his selection.

“When he’s come into the seniors he’s looked pretty relaxed and confident, so he’s definitely pretty exciting for our future.”