Sydney assistant coach Steve Johnson says he relished the chance to work with one of the youngest Swans forward lines in recent memory in his first season in red and white.

The three-time Geelong premiership player joined Sydney as forwards coach ahead of season 2018, a campaign in which a host of fresh-faced forwards announced themselves on the big stage.

While four-time Coleman medallist Lance Franklin and former Swans co-captain Kieren Jack steered the ship forward of the ball, the remainder of Sydney’s forwards have played just 133 games between them and are all 22 or younger.

Franklin, Jack, Will Hayward, Tom Papley, Ben Ronke and Tom McCartin were the mainstays of the Swans’ 2018 forward set-up.

Johnson said he was thrilled to be able to show the young Swans forwards the ropes.

“They’re a tight group already,” Johnson told SwansTV.

“Buddy’s obviously the captain of the group and they’re also really willing to learn.

“They’ve got great work ethic and will develop into a really strong group at this club.

“Working with a young forward group, we’ve got great relationships already and are looking to build on that in the years to come.”

While Johnson played 253 games and kicked 452 goals for Geelong, he said the Swans’ win at the Cattery in Round 6 was the highlight of his first season as coach.

The clash marked “captain” Franklin’s first of three consecutive games on the sideline due to a bruised heel, but the baby-faced Swans would rise to the occasion in his absence.

Hayward kicked three goals, Ronke slotted two on debut and young forward Robbie Fox booted a pair of majors of his own and took a Mark of the Year contender. 

The Swans trailed the Cats by 22 points at three-quarter time before running in seven goals to the home side’s one in the final stanza to clinch a 17-point victory.

While skipper Josh Kennedy led the way with 13 touches and six clearances in the fourth term, Sydney coach John Longmire praised his side’s youngsters post-match.

Johnson said the win made for an unforgettable game.

“Buddy was out that day and we had a young team in general, especially in the forward line,” Johnson said.

“It was Ronke’s first game, there was plenty of energy around and not many people were giving us a chance to win down there. They’re a hard team to beat.

“We were able to come back from a deficit at three-quarter time and run home with the win.

“It was just really exciting and a real team-building win.”

Johnson spent 14 seasons at the Cats and two at the Giants before hanging up the boots and picking up the whistle at the Swans. 

He looks back on his 17^th season in the AFL world with fond memories.

“I’ve loved my time over the first 12 months at the Club.

“Clearly it’s got a great reputation as being a great club and I haven’t seen anything different to that.

“It’s been so enjoyable, there are some great coaches around to work with and the players have really welcomed me into the Club.”