He’s an exciting prospect with a wealth of potential still be unlocked, but assistant coach Dean Cox has hailed the impact Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney is already having on the big stage.

Heeney has enjoyed a rapid rise since graduating from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy at the end of 2014, powering his way to 100 AFL games in just five seasons. 

The 23-year-old played roles all over the ground in 2019 – and it’s exactly that which has Cox showering him in praise.

“His ability to win one-on-one contests ahead of the ball is really important for us,” Cox told SwansTV.

“Playing key roles when Lance Franklin wasn’t playing. And to kick goals – I think he kicked 26 goals for the year.

“His ability to play multiple positions is the best thing about Isaac. He can impact on the ball, if he’s on the wing or if he’s playing up forward, and he did that again this year.”

Heeney finished sixth in the race for Sydney’s Club Champion award and topped the voting in Round 3, Round 20 and Round 21.

Sydney’s 2015 Rising Star was at his best against Carlton in Round 3, posting 26 touches (14 contested), eight marks and four goals as the Swans grabbed their first win of the season.

The New South Welshman sprained his ankle in a pre-season match and subsequently suffered early in the season, but he’s proud of his finish to the testing campaign.

“I was hampered by a couple of injuries early and battled through those early in the year,” Heeney told SwansTV.

“But then in the second half of the year I started to find more consistency and my role in the team.”