The Sydney Swans' stockpile of ruckmen may have taken a hit during the off-season but there's no cause for concern, according to assistant coach Josh Francou.

Toby Nankervis (traded to Richmond), Tom Derickx (retired) and Kyle Galloway (delisted) all departed during the off-season, the trio ultimately replaced by one like-for like in 204cm mature-aged Darcy Cameron.

The Sydney Swans have had the luxury of a well-stocked ruck department in recent seasons with as many as six avenues this year, a number that's shrunk to four ready-made options ahead of 2017 with Cameron joining Kurt Tippett, Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair.

Big believers in having as many back-ups as possible, the coaching staff may not have the numbers like previous years but believe they're still in a strong, if not stronger, position with all avenues primed for big seasons.

"If you look at what we had this time last year, we had the likes of Toby who played a handful of games for us, Tom who in 2014 was really handy for us but didn't see much senior football towards the end of his career and Kyle who arrived last year and was still very raw as a rookie recruit," Francou explained.

"Sam had his injury concerns too at that stage so in hindsight we had three or four ruckman at our disposal who could come in straight away and play a role for us.

"We feel we're in just as, arguably in an even a better position, with Kurt, Sam and Callum all on track to be fully fit and in full training by the start of the year, ready for the pre-season series and then by Round 1.

"Plus Darcy, who's already shown he's ready for this level. He's a mature body and with a full pre-season under his belt, he'll be more than capable, if needed, to hold his own at senior level."

Cameron missed out on three drafts before finally realising his dream in November's lottery. The 21-year-old, recruited from Claremont, added another string to his bow in the WA competition, developing into a dangerous forward rather than just a specialised ruckman.

He was overwhelmed after finally getting an opportunity.

"When my name was read out I just couldn't believe it," he told sydneyswans.com.au during his first day at the Club.

"I had all my family and friends around me and I just sank into the couch and put my head in my hands. It was a pretty emotional moment.

"I've dreamed of this happening for the past few years. Putting on the gear was such an awesome feeling."

Three weeks into his first AFL pre-season, Cameron has already impressed the coaches with his athleticism and on-field smarts. So much so, Francou is already putting the No. 48 draft choice in senior calculations.

"We're definitely not talking about him as a back up," Francou added.

"From what we've seen at training he's very athletic for a guy over 200cm and reads the game really well. He can also kick a goal, he showed that in the state league (West Australian Football League).

"It gives us belief that he'll be challenging for a spot early in the season."