QBE Sydney Swans Academy head coach Jared Couch is thrilled with his chargers’ efforts in the NEAFL side’s win over Southport at the SCG on Saturday.

A total of nine Academy stars buoyed the Swans in their 88-point win over the Sharks, who ahead of Round 7 were the competition’s front-runners.

Crouch said the Academy products turned in strong games.

“Every one of the Academy boys certainly fitted in very well with the listed players,” Crouch said.

“I thought it was a very good team performance and whether it be Nick Blakey up forward, Sam Wicks up forward, Joey Reinhard down back, Mitch Rogers down back – they just played their role.

“Josh Stern had some minutes in the midfield.

“The boys are there to support the listed players in the NEAFL and get their moments to show what they can do.”

Blakey kicked two goals on NEAFL debut and impressed with outstanding aerial talent, while newcomers Connor Flanagan (20 touches, eight marks) and Kyle McKellar (13 possessions, three tackles) also fired.

Wicks, Stern, Reinhard, Rogers, Bailey Stewart and Jeremy Shumack were the remainder of the Academy top-ups and slotted in well themselves.

Wicks booted two goals, Stern finished with 16 touches and a goal and Reinhard gathered 14 possessions and held his own in defence.

Rogers was strong in his fifth NEAFL outing, while Stewart recorded 11 disposals and four tackles and Shumack collected a goal and five tackles.

Six Academy members were last week selected in a 50-man Allies’ squad set to play in the Under-18 Championships and those eluded by selection will stake their Draft claims through the NEAFL.

Crouch said the reserves competition presented Academy players with an excellent opportunity.

“There are always a lot of recruiters watching NEAFL games,” Crouch said.

“Whether it be looking at Academy players or looking at the depth of other clubs, the NEAFL is a great platform for our Academy boys looking to impress in the lead-up to the Draft.”