It took some time for Amon Buchanan to establish himself in the Swans line-up but the fact he has been able to cement a spot in the past two seasons – the club's most successful period since moving to the harbour city – speaks volumes for the midfielder's ability and determination.By no means a veteran – he’s got just 72 senior AFL matches under his belt – 'Monty' feels he has "become a more senior player" in recent times.And the 24-year-old, who now knows what it takes to make it in the big time, is only too happy to share his knowledge with the club's next crop of potential stars.Buchanan enjoyed his chance to play alongside some of the lesser-knowns in the NAB Cup clash with the Western Bulldogs at Canberra's Manuka Oval last weekend.He knows just how important these glimpses of senior football are for a young player hoping to make an impression with the coaching staff."I remember myself when I was 18 or 19, these matches were the only kind of senior games, the only taste of senior AFL footy that you got and you learned so much," Buchanan said."It's just a really good opportunity for the younger blokes to get some experience."Some of the club's elder statesmen, such as Brett Kirk and Adam Goodes, made the trip to the nation's capital for the Bulldogs match. No doubt playing with those big names was a buzz for the rookies, but Buchanan said it was a two-way street.The nuggety left-footer particularly enjoyed playing alongside roommate and fellow Colac boy Jonathan Simpkin – a promising midfielder like Buchanan, albeit earlier in his development."It was really good to have a run at the weekend, as there was some really good stuff from some of those younger guys," Buchanan said."’Joffy’ (Simpkin) played really well on the weekend. They're the sort of guys you don't get to play with too often, so it was good to have a run around with those guys. And it's a good experience for the younger blokes to play with guys like Goodesy and Kirky and blokes like that."They really learn a lot in these first few NAB Cup games, so it's a good opportunity for them."Buchanan, who averaged 18 disposals and four tackles in his 24 matches last season, is looking forward to more game time in the coming weeks as the Swans head towards their round-one blockbuster with West Coast at Telstra Stadium."The practice games are coming around quickly again, so it's good to get back into playing, into the routine of playing games," he said."We've had a good pre-season, which hasn't been too different to any of the last three years."I think over the next month everyone that's going to play will work their way back into the side."