THERE’S a distinct hint of blue-collar about Sydney Swans half-forward Jarred Moore when he speaks.

A genuine honesty, if you like, that fits neatly with the unquenchable work ethic.

Along with a considerable dose of footballing talent, the latter has carried Moore from his footballing roots in Melbourne’s Langwarrin to an AFL career in Sydney.

However, it’s the former that played a large part in his teammates electing the 23-year-old to a place in the Swans’ nine-man leadership group.

Now in his fifth year at the club, Moore said he’d always been one to speak his mind at team meetings and he continued to do so in his new role.

“I don’t think I’ve done too much more talking but if I’ve got something to say, then I’ll try and say it,” he said.

“You’re encouraged to do that and to discuss a few different things. Even if your point may not be right, just to get it out there on the table and discuss.”

Moore enjoyed a breakout season in 2008, playing all but one game, booting 25 goals and finishing 10th in the Bob Skilton Medal behind club champion Jarrad McVeigh.

It was a reward for his hard work but the former Dandenong Stingrays junior said it wasn’t before time.

“I definitely had to make the most of my opportunities last year. I sat down and worked hard in the pre-season and I just did as much as I could to get in the side,” he said.

“It’s something that Kristin Thornton, especially, did. He came back really well in pre-season and basically wanted a spot this year and that’s how he got it.

“He had a super pre-season and just showed after having a setback that he really wanted to play AFL. For those guys who do get injured, it’s a lesson to keep persisting.”

Moore is the youngest member of the Swans’ nine-man leadership group, joining Jude Bolton, Ryan O’Keefe, Luke Ablett, Jarrad McVeigh, Nick Malceski and co-captains Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton and Adam Goodes.

His relative youth has provided another avenue for the club’s younger players to air any issues or concerns, he said.

“I’m nearly as old as them, so it gives them someone easier to talk to, a bit more approachable if you’ve got a problem, instead of going to one of the older blokes – not that I’m saying that any of the older blokes are unapproachable,” he said with a laugh.

While Moore has become more accustomed to his new off-field role, he said he was yet to feel comfortable about being a regular senior player.

An early reminder of the need to maintain his high standards came after the club’s round-four win against Carlton when he was left out of the side to face Fremantle the following week.

“I feel like I’m part of the side and I’ve definitely got a role but as soon as you start to relax and let it happen, that’s when you’re going to find yourself in trouble,” he said.

“I still feel like I have to work and play my role every week to get a game.”