Tom Papley and Oliver Florent are among a host of Sydney Swans young guns to have announced themselves to the AFL world in their first seasons of top-flight footy.

It’s now James Rowbottom’s time to conquer the big time himself, and the bullocking 18-year-old midfielder says he’s been “a sponge” around Papley and Florent during his first pre-season in red and white.

“Everyone’s main objective is to tick off that first game. It’s everyone’s dream to play AFL footy as soon as possible, and throughout the year I just want to do everything I can to get better and make the most of the opportunity of being here,” Rowbottom told SwansTV.

“You can ask guys like Tom and Ollie a lot of questions. I’ve been a sponge since I’ve been here. I’ve been asking plenty of questions to a lot of the young boys, such as what they did in their first year to see what I can do to maximise the opportunity I’ve got.”

The Swans recruited Rowbottom from the Oakleigh Chargers via their second-round selection at last November’s AFL Draft.

Sydney drafted Papley ahead of season 2016 and Florent a year later, with Papley playing 20 senior games in his first campaign and Florent nine. 

Papley, who’s been elevated to an eight-man leadership group for season 2019, claimed an AFL Rising Star nomination in just his fifth senior match, while Florent last year collected his own before taking out the Swans’ 2018 Rising Star honour.

But Rowbottom has perhaps drawn the bulk of direction from hard-nosed midfield duo Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker, two of three Swans co-captains for the 2019 season alongside Dane Rampe.

Rowbottom said rubbing shoulders with Kennedy and Parker over the summer had made for a special first pre-season.

“It’s a dream come true, and it’s still a bit surreal,” Rowbottom said.

“It’s been great to be able to feed off those two during match simulation. As I said, I just want to be a sponge and take on board as much information as possible to grow my game and hopefully tick off that first AFL match.”

With Kennedy, Parker and fellow on-baller Isaac Heeney all on AFLX duty, Rowbottom was among a raft of Swans assigned to the inside of the contest in last Friday’s practice match against GWS in Blacktown.

The young Swan says he’s pleased to have his first pre-season match under his belt.

“To play a full game against the Giants was fantastic,” Rowbottom said.

“It was good to play against a tough opposition side, I felt myself continuously learning and it was good to have a hit-out.”

But while Rowbottom and every one of the other six draftees have been sweating through the pre-season hard yards, they’ve also spared time to recharge the batteries away from footy. 

“The weather’s been good, so we’re making the most of the beach,” Rowbottom said.

“And then there’s just the stock-standard things like going out to dinner, getting a coffee and having a good time together.”