Sydney Swans co-captain Dane Rampe has been widely impressed with the new draftees during 2023 pre-season and has highlighted the impact of duo Jacob Konstanty and Caleb Mitchell.
The Swans welcome six recruits following the 2023 NAB AFL Draft, while Aaron Francis joined the red and white during the Continental Tyres Trade Period.
Rampe, who was drafted in 2013 and has since played 215 games for the club, lauded the professionalism of the recruits as they have immersed themselves into the Bloods culture on and off the field.
"They have been really impressive - pretty much all of them. What has surprised me is the level of professionalism the young kids have now when they come in," he said.
"They come in ready to go and are really mature.
"Some of the young guys that have stood out to me are young Jacob (Konstanty) and Caleb (Mitchell). They have made an immediate impact so I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do."
As the playing group continue to train hard during another grueling pre-season, Rampe has praised the fitness and conditioning of the squad during the first week of post-Christmas training.
He insists the success of the past two seasons, which saw the Swans finish sixth in 2021 and as Grand Finalists in 2022, has helped lay a strong foundation for the squad to build on their close relationships on and off the field.
"It's been a really strong start to pre-season and everyone is feeling really good," he said.
"I think everyone is just ready to get to work which is a really good sign - the boys are fit and excited which i think is really important.
"Developing our relationship on the field a little bit more and working on that connection (is the focus).
Although reflecting on the 2022 campaign with pride, Rampe has assured the club are no resting on their laurels and are determined to improve.
"We have had a few years together now and I think we have proved that we can match it with the best, but there is still a bit of a gap. That is still clear and working on that gap is a real focus for the next couple of months.
We had some really incredible wins and we had some big victories, although it was a disappointing loss to finish off.
"I think the fact that we were there on the final day of September is something that can really give us confidence going forward."
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