Ryley Stoddart is among the many emerging Sydney Swans blessed with burning pace – and the 19-year-old backman is looking to capitalise on exactly that in a bid to earn an AFL recall.

The former Eastern Ranges speedster last year played two senior matches in his first season as a Swan, and his attacking flair was again on show in the NEAFL on Saturday in his push to return to top-flight footy.

A bright note for Sydney in its 71-point defeat to the Brisbane Lions was Stoddart’s daring run from defence, with the young Swan showing no hesitation in bouncing the footy, backing himself to evade the opposition with his quick feet and linking with his teammates in the corridor.

Stoddart says his spring from defence is a central focus as he shoots for an AFL return.

“I’m very determined to get back into the senior side. It’s all I really want to do. I’m trying to do everything I can to get back into the senior side,” Stoddart told SwansTV.

“That’s ultimately where I want to play and I want to get some success with the senior boys, so I’ll be doing everything I can to get back there.

“I work on my rebound from defence a fair bit. It’s got a lot to do with my intent. I’ve worked a lot this year on being a better defender and then getting that balance right to bounce off. The coaches have been telling me to take the game on at all costs. Their message is that I can break the play open and that if I get caught to just keep trying, and it’s great to have that confidence from the coaches.”

Stoddart made his AFL debut as Sydney outmuscled Brisbane in Round 10 last season, and he added another senior match against Carlton the following week.

A fellow speedster and former Eastern Ranges teammate, mid-season recruit Cody Hirst, played his first Swans game in Saturday’s clash with the Lions.

The 19-year-old split his time between the forward line and a wing, collected 11 touches and set up a goal with a beautiful chip-kick from the left-forward pocket. 

Fellow mid-season recruit Michael Knoll also ran out for his first Sydney appearance, and Stoddart was full of praise for the early signs the new duo have shown.

“Michael is a really strong lad, he provided some really good contests and he kicked his first goal as well,” Stoddart said.

“Cody is really quick, he played really well on a wing and through half-forward and he gave us some good drive.

“It’ll be good to see what comes of their seasons over the remainder of the year.”