The Sydney Swans are just weeks away from kicking off their 2023 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 1 on Saturday March 18 at Metricon Stadium.

Luke Parker, who will line up for his 13th season in the AFL, joined SEN SportsDay with Gerard Healey on Thursday morning and reflected on the growing talent of the squad’s youngsters, particularly in the forward line.

“We have multiple young guys that are really pushing and maturing and putting their hand up to take that [forward line] position,” Parker said.

Among the squad’s budding young crop is 20-year old key forward Logan McDonald who played 17 games last season.

“He’s a forward who gets up and down the ground really well and he can be a hard matchup on.”

Parker also discussed Joel Amartey, who played six games in season 2022 and said the 22-year old “has shown a lot promise” despite injury.

Amartey was drafted as a rookie ahead of the 2018 season before debuting in 2020 and will look to add his 13 senior games in 2023.

The way they play footy, it's team first and they're pretty unstoppable.

- Luke Parker

“The main thing is for the boys is to build that synergy,” Parker noted.

“Especially when you’ve got a lot of gun players up there, you don’t want them all hunting goals. But the way they play footy, it’s team first."

With just a few weeks to go until the start of the season and practice matches against Brisbane and Carlton looming, Parker gave insight into the Swans pre-season training focus and learnings from last year.

“I think we will continue to look at the way the game is going, and numbers are showing that stoppages are going down,” Parker added.

“It’s going to be a lot more of a transition game and a turnover game. It’s basically making sure we’re sharp in those areas in terms of our defence and being able to counterattack off that.”

Stay up to date with all the latest fixture, team and player news by signing up to our free e-Newsletter – sign up to MySwans.

2023 Memberships are now on sale! Better value, better match day and an all-round better experience. There’s a membership to suit every footy fan in 2023. Be part of something bigger, and better – join today.