Errol Gulden's breakout rookie season came as no surprise to those within the four walls of the Sydney Swans but the young gun has now set his sights firmly on an improved 2022 campaign after enjoying a stellar opening year in the red and white.

Gulden become a household name amongst Swans fans and exploded onto the scene with a memorable AFL debut in Round 1 against the Brisbane Lions. He recorded 21 disposals and three goals to deservedly earn a NAB Rising Star nomination. 

That type of performance was one that became all too familiar as the Swans made a return to finals football for the first time since 2018, with the 19 year old, producing 14 goals, 52 tackles, 70 inside 50s while averaging almost 16 disposals per game. 

As he reflects on 2021, Gulden highlights the opening games of the year at the SCG, and his experiences in the hub, as some of his fondest memories.

"Obviously it was a very good year for me personally, and a good one for the team as well, but it was disappointing how we finished up against the Giants," he said.

"Looking back, there were a lot of really good memories that I made on and off the field.

"The hub was a great experience but thinking back to the start of the year and playing in-front of a packed SCG a few times was pretty special.

"I'm really grateful for my first year in footy and it was really fun."

While Gulden acknowledges his first season of his AFL career was one to remember, he is under no illusions that it is only just the beginning.

His strive for excellence has helped him in his stunning rise to stardom, and while he is unsure of what next year may hold, one thing that's for certain is that self-improvement will be a big priority.

"I'll speak to my coaches and talk about the areas of my game that I really want to improve on," he said.

"As for my focus for next season I'm really not sure what that will be right now but I will definitely look to improve for sure."

The Swans bounced back into the winner's circle in emphatic style earlier in the season, with four consecutive victories to start the year helping lay the foundations for a sixth place finish.

Gulden credits the team camaraderie and friendships forged in a roller coaster season as a main reason behind the impressive year., but also took the chance to learn off some of the senior players 

"We're all a really close group and I've been really close with a lot of the other first year boys," he said.

"Braeden [Campbell] is one of my best mates and I've got really close with Mal Carruthers and Marc Sheather, and Logan [McDonald] as-well.

"A few of the older boys - it's been really good to watch their habits in and around training and their preparation.

"It was good to get an insight and being with them 24/7. There was a lot of great experiences in and out of the Hub."