Sydney Swans young gun Nick Blakey was full of praise after a fresh-faced forward line withstood the Giants’ defence in Friday’s 24-point victory in Blacktown.

With experienced forward-line trio Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Daniel Menzel all watching on from the sideline during the practice match, Blakey, Tom Papley, Will Hayward, Toby Pink and a number of other youngsters took control of the front third of the ground.

By the end of the inter-club clash, Blakey and Papley had collected three goals apiece, Hayward (two goals), Harry Cunningham (two), Jordan Dawson (one) and Pink (one) had troubled the scorers, and James Rose and Sam Wicks had created chances inside 50. 

Blakey said it was a big plus to see the forward line perform as well as it did despite the absence of Franklin, Reid and Menzel.

“It was pleasing to see it still works and still functions without those big boys down there,” Blakey told SwansTV post-match.

“Papley was up and about and Will got involved too. We all worked together and that was the really pleasing thing today. We’ve been working on that connection with all the boys down there during the pre-season.”

Blakey punished the opposition with his leading, overhead grab and kick for goal in his many years at the QBE Sydney Swans Academy – and his full skillset was on display on Friday.

Sydney coach John Longmire labelled Blakey a “talented” and “very handy footballer” after the match, and the 195-centimetre forward said he had been working overtime during his first AFL pre-season.

“I’ve been working really hard on my forward craft, such as my leading patterns,” Blakey said.

“Buddy, Reidy and Menzel have been teaching me how to use my body. I’m not the biggest bloke, but if I can use my body and still get a run and a jump at it, then hopefully it’s hard to defend.”

There is a chance Reid will be fit for Sydney’s opening fixture of the JLT Community Series against GWS in Blacktown next Saturday, while Franklin and Menzel are possibilities for the Swans’ Round 1 clash with the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne on March 23.

The star forwards were never far from the huddle in Blacktown on Friday, and Blakey says Sydney’s emerging generation never fail to soak up every word of their advice.

“Menzel, Buddy and Reidy are always around, and we had a young forward line today, which made it particularly important to listen to their advice,” Blakey said.

“It’s always nice to hear from those boys, and whatever they say you take on board.”