Dashing defender Zak Jones has heaped praise on the hard work of key forward Tom McCartin during his first season at the top level. 

McCartin has played eight games since making his debut in Round 8 with one of his best performances coming against North Melbourne taking eight marks for the match. 

The absence of Sam Reid due to injury this season has opened the door for the youngest player in the competition to stand strong against some of the best defenders in the league.

Jones said it was pleasing to see the 18-year-old standing up when it counted most in recent weeks.

“He works very hard and he creates a contest for us,” Jones told Macquarie Sports Radio.

“Even if we put it on his head he still gets it to ground and that is exactly what we want, we just want a 50/50 contest to give our smalls a chance.

“It is a great look for a young player to come in and be able to halve contests and not get out bodied.”

McCartin was one of the many shining lights in Sunday’s thrilling come from behind win over North Melbourne.

Jones said his side’s ability to implement their game plan late in the contest was exciting to be part of.

“Executing late in games is very important so we have been working on that,” Jones said.

“It is a great feeling when you do execute and everything goes together where you can set up behind the ball.

“It is a great feeling when you have been working so hard on that during pre-season and then you execute it.”

The Swans have turned their attention to getting two wins in a row when they take on the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.