Newly appointed skipper Josh Kennedy has joined the chorus of voices wanting Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills part of the Sydney Swans’ midfield rotation for season 2017.
Speaking to Melbourne radio on Monday, just three days after the 28-year-old was sworn in as captain, Kennedy endorsed his two rising stars and declared a keenness to see their talents put to good use alongside him in the Swans’ engine room.
Heeney has played predominately forward during his first two years in the AFL but was last season given a taste of the midfield at different stages, used periodically on the wing or as a high half-forward.
Mills, who played his junior football as a midfielder, trained as a half-backman during his first pre-season and never missed a beat, winning the AFL Rising Star Award for his outstanding efforts as a rebounding defender.
Longmire hinted the two would be given midfield minutes next year during his first press conference of the pre-season last week, sentiments then echoed by his new right-hand man.
“The way that they’re training at the moment, I think 'Horse' (Longmire) and the coaching staff as well as us as a playing group would be happy to get them up in the midfield to provide a bit more run. It would be fantastic,” Kennedy said.
“It’s also about providing more opportunities to some young boys, off half-back or up forward, which is great.
“It’s an exciting time of the year, for all clubs, seeing their new recruits and their first to second year players come back, develop and improve.
“The signs are good (for us), it’s about trying to implement everything we’ve been talking about now.”
Heeney and Mills joined teammates for the opening day of a week-long development camp based in Narrabeen.
Under the guidance of coaches John Blakey, Rhyce Shaw and Nick Davis, the group of first to fourth-year players will train as well as undertake a range of different activities including a high ropes course, kayaking and fire trail walks.
The aim of the camp will be to test their mental toughness, hone their skills in the Sydney heat and learn more about one another ahead of the new year.
