Sydney Swans speedster Justin McInerney is working overtime with a pair of model wingmen in a bid to win back a spot in the club’s top-flight side. 

The first-year draftee became the Swans’ second AFL debutant of the season as Sydney met Melbourne in Round 4, and while he hasn’t had a taste of senior footy since, he’s learning plenty from Harry Cunningham and Oliver Florent on the road back.

“You can draw a lot from their game. The other day I sat in Brett Kirk’s office and watched Ollie’s clips with him, watched what he does well, looked at what he can improve on and then tried to implement his strengths in my own game. You can also watch your own clips with them and talk things through,” McInerney told SwansTV.

“And on the weekend, Harry came up to me at every break and told me what I was doing well and what I could be doing better, which also helped a lot.

“I’m trying to play some good footy and get back into the AFL side. I’m very determined to get back to the AFL team, so hopefully a few things fall my way and I can cement my spot.”

McInerney was on Sunday one of Sydney’s best in its 32-point loss to the high-flying Brisbane Lions, who are undefeated after 17 rounds and sitting three wins clear of second in first on the ladder.

McInerney equalled his season-high tally of 26 touches and gave the Swans plenty of run off half-back and up the wing.

The 18-year-old, who Sydney recruited from NAB League outfit the Northern Knights, has played 11 games for a return of 21.5 disposals per match in his first year in red and white.

Development coaches Jeremy Laidler and Lloyd Perris had simple feedback for McInerney after Sunday’s match.

“Keep backing myself, play with confidence, use my run and carry and go for my kicks,” McInerney said.

“They’re the main things I’m on focusing on. It’s mainly about playing freely and playing with confidence.”