Adam Gulden has been appointed captain of the Sydney Swans VFL team for the club's first season in the new-look competition.

29-year old Gulden began his football journey in Sydney with local club UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs and then went on to play senior footy with the same club.

The defender has plenty of senior football experience having moved to South Australia in 2014, to play in the SANFL with South Adelaide and since returning to NSW in 2018 played in the NEAFL for Sydney University.

Gulden said he was honoured to be leading the Swans VFL side for the 2021 season and was looking forward to bringing plenty of experience from his football journey to the young Swans.

"I'm probably one of the older guys in the squad and I think I have a fair bit of experience, not only at football but outside of football too, Gulden said.

"The way it is at the club with AFL and VFL and being able to work with guys with different personalities, at different stages of their lives, I think I am a good person to be able to lead in that sense."

VFL Coach Jeremy Laidler said he was confident that Gulden would thrive in the leadership role.

"Adam is a quality player and is driven to develop and grow the players around him," Laidler said.

"He has a lot of experience and knowledge of the game and has great relationships with both VFL and AFL listed players."

Now surrounded by current QBE Sydney Swans Academy members at training, Gulden coached in the Academy program from 2011-2013. His brother Errol, who made his senior debut for the Swans in Round one, is also a graduate of the QBE Swans Academy program.

"I was lucky enough to be part of the QBE Swans Academy in its early years, having done some coaching there," Gulden said.

"I think the majority of guys that are in the VFL squad have had some time in the Academy at some point so they understand the wider culture at the Swans and what's it's all about.

"It makes it an easy transition for those academy boys to play state league level."

It's been a long pre-season for the VFL squad but Gulden said the team have relished the opportunity to learn from some quality coaches and senior players and are looking forward to starting their season this week.

"I have loved being part of the VFL set up so far and having a coaching group and an AFL list which have embraced us and made all the boys feel extremely welcome has been great," Gulden said.

"Everyone has put in the time and effort into getting to know everyone and we are getting the most out of the training so it's been a extremely enjoyable experience so far.

"I can't speak highly enough of what Laids (Jeremy Laidler) and the coaching staff have done as well as the playing list.

"It's a bit of an unknown with a new competition but I just love having the opportunity to play state league footy."

The Round 1 VFL fixture against the Giants will kick-off at 12pm on Lakeside Oval, a precursor to Sydney Derby XX at the SCG.

For all transport details ahead of the VFL fixture and Sydney Derby XX, head to the Match Day HUB.