1. Underestimate the spirit of the 'Bloods' at your peril
Entering the 2012 campaign, the Swans found themselves in familiar territory - barely rating a mention in flag calculations. Coming off yet another finals series, losing to Hawthorn in the semi-final, they were tipped to challenge for the bottom half of the top eight at best. But the Swans didn't listen. Their five-game winning streak to start the season caught the attention, a 16-6 return and top-four berth impressed, before a stunning finals series resulted in a second flag in eight years. The spirit is strong.

2. Hoodoos are made to be busted
Hoodoo was a buzz word in Sydney all year. First there was Adelaide, who claimed a fourth straight win at the SCG in round six and eighth from nine games between the sides. Then in round 20, Collingwood recorded an 11th consecutive triumph over the Swans, including seven in a row at ANZ Stadium. The other major hoodoo was the MCG, where the Swans had just one victory in 15 attempts. Their response? Beating Adelaide away, Collingwood at ANZ and Hawthorn at the MCG in three finals appearances. Hoodoos no longer.

3. Adam Goodes is human after all
In 13 seasons at the Swans, Goodes had missed a total of seven matches through injury and suspension, becoming the fastest player in history to 300 games. Then, for the first time, the dual Brownlow medallist sustained a soft tissue injury, a torn quad in round six forcing him to sit out five games. He would end 2012 playing 19 games, the only year of his career he failed to appear 20 times. He took a little while to recapture his best, but a stunning finals campaign demonstrated there is still plenty left in the co-captain.

4. A thoroughbred caught a legend
John Longmire had mighty shoes to fill when he took over from Paul Roos. Having finished his playing career as a Swan, Roos then coached the club to the 2005 flag, famously ending a 72-year premiership drought and earning himself a statue at the SCG. But Longmire has repeated the feat in quick time. In just his second year at the helm, the man known as Horse has joined Charlie Ricketts, Bert Howson, Jack Bisset and Roos as South Melbourne/Sydney Swans premiership coaches. And he appears to be just getting started.

5. Lewis Jetta is on the way to superstar status
Jetta entered 2012 as a highly talented player, but one with plenty to prove. He had played 40 of a possible 48 games in his first two years on the list, but was forced to watch both finals as an emergency in 2011. He needed to improve his stamina and his pressure skills if he wanted to be picked every week. A pre-season virtually tethered to Kieren Jack taught him some valuable lessons and he responded by playing every game, kicking a team-high 45 goals and falling just short of All Australian honours.

6. And Jetta is set for some fleet-footed company
While Jetta emerged as a bona fide star, early this year Gary Rohan may have been just in front of their burgeoning battle. Both selected in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Rohan showed his talents with one of the goals of the season against Geelong late in 2011. A horrific leg break in round four this year then forced his career into a sudden halt. Once he overcame surgery, Rohan was a happy, chirpy figure around the club and all at the Swans are confident he will make a full recovery. And, it is worth noting, he is faster than Jetta.

7. Success can be made via trades
With compromised drafts on the horizon due to the impending arrival of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, the Swans knew they had to look elsewhere to recycle a list they felt had run its course. It resulted in the recruitment of players the ilk of Josh Kennedy, Shane Mumford, Rhyce Shaw and Ben McGlynn. Tony Armstrong is also waiting in the wings and poised for a long career in Sydney, while Mitch Morton amazed all with a key role in the premiership decider at his third club. "Sydney are the best traders in the AFL," is how Kevin Sheedy summed it up.

8. Some Rolls Royce's have joined the battering rams
For years now, the Swans have been renowned for their hard tackling, their intense pressure and their defence. Those traits continued unabated this season. But they now offer far more than just that, particularly in the middle of the ground. Kennedy, Ryan O'Keefe, Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack should now be rated among the best midfields in the competition and provide some class and polish not always associated with the Swans.

9. AFL in Sydney has received a shot in the arm
A rivalry was born in the Harbour City when the season opened with a stand-alone clash between the Swans and GWS. Over the two matches between the sides, just over 60,000 fans turned up as the Swans registered two comfortable wins. The rivalry will take some time to develop, as currently it is a match-up of a battle-hardened Swans outfit and a Giants side littered with teenagers. But it will undoubtedly grow and become more competitive. Added to that, Sydney loves a winner, and the 2012 flag will do wonders for crowds, memberships and overall interest in the game in Sydney.

10. Still underestimated - but they can get better
It won't surprise if the Swans are underestimated once again when betting markets are set for 2013. Some may pick them to go back-to-back, but they are sure to have plenty of company, most likely led again by the Hawks. There is every indication, however, the Swans can challenge for some time yet. Kennedy, Jack, McVeigh, Mumford, Nick Smith and McGlynn are set for long careers, while youngsters Hannebery, Alex Johnson, Sam Reid, Jetta, Craig Bird, Luke Parker and Rohan can all improve. With the veterans still performing and the likes of Armstrong, Tom Mitchell and Jed Lamb to push for places in the senior team, there is plenty to like about the reigning premiers.

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD