Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has lauded Dylan Stephens for a standout pre-season and says the young midfielder is now brimming with confidence as he looks forward to a breakout campaign.
Since he was drafted at Pick no.5 of the 2019 AFL Draft, Stephens has played 15 games across the last two seasons but is now looking to become a mainstay amongst the club's top 22.
While Longmire praised his endurance and physical strength, he also praised the efforts of Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney - who has been earmarked as one who can make a big impact in the midfield in 2022.
"There is always an opportunity for players to stick their hands up and have a really standout pre-season," Longmire said.
"Dylan Stephens is one that really stands out. He has been training at a really high intensity and he's put on some size, which we wanted him to do, and we know he can run.
"We wanted him to come back bigger and stronger, and he has, and has a level of confidence he has when he is running around."
"Another young midfielder is Chad Warner, he has been really impressive so far, as has Isaac Heeney in a bit of a different role over a pre-season has also been good."
While the club officially welcomed draftees Lachlan Rankin and Matty Roberts to the club pre-Christmas, along with new recruit Peter Ladhams, January saw Angus Sheldrick and Corey Warner finally arrive after training in WA.
Longmire has been super impressed with the club's new arrivals, who have each made a significant impact on the playing group and immersed themselves amongst the Bloods culture.
Early signs suggest they are primed to make their mark in the Red and White.
"Some of the new draftees I hadn't met until January so that's a bit of an unusual situation with the boys from WA," he said.
"it was great to catch up with Corey, who I knew through Chad, and meet Gus (Angus Sheldrick), he is a terrific young fella and shown that he is a real competitor.
"Corey is fantastic with his running and we have been really pleased with the boys that were with us before Christmas as-well, that are also have made an impact.
"Peter Ladhams has come in and starting to feel part of the group, which sometimes takes a while when you come into a new team and to get to know everyone - he is doing that really well.
"His last few training sessions have been really good as-well so it's great to have him part of the group and I'm sure he will have an impact on us this year."
If you're a 2022 Premiership Club member, check your inbox for a full pre-season video update from John Longmire.
