As a 19-year-old with a considerably smaller stature Sydney young gun Will Hayward is a polar opposite to 31-year-old great Lance Franklin.

But the South Australian is lapping up every word of advice from the 872-goal champion as he looks to build a stellar career of his own. 

“Buddy’s been great ever since I got to the club,” Hayward said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“He’s really easy to talk to and approachable and helps out a lot with things like goal-kicking and leading patterns in the forward 50." 

Towering forward Sam Reid is expected to play his first game of the season when the Swans meet the Giants on Saturday and Hayward said he would give the side a major boost.

“It would be really good to have him back,” Hayward said.

“When there’s only one tall forward a lot of the time the opposition drops another defender back and it’s then two against one on Buddy. Reid will be really good for that purpose and also in making a contest in the air.”

A tight hamstring meant Reid missed Round 1 against West Coast and Round 2 against Port Adelaide. 

He kicked 30 goals in 2017 to record his best return since booting 31 in 2012 as the Swans powered towards the premiership.

In 2016, the 26-year-old didn’t play a senior game as he battled through a litany of injuries.

But Reid is hopeful of reigniting his formidable forward-line combination with Franklin as the Swans prepare for battle with the Giants.

Hayward said the Swans would have to bring the heat in Sydney Derby XIV. 

“We had a rough loss to Port last week but quickly moved on and turned our focus to the Giants on Saturday,” Hayward said.

“They’re in red-hot form at the moment. We played them in the pre-season and as always their pressure was up and they’re a great team. We just need to be extra cautious with our preparation and go in knowing it’s going to be a tough game. 

“Kennedy, Parker and Hannebery are three of the best midfielders in the game and for them to come up against a midfield of similar standards will make for a red-hot contest.”