Star midfielder Dan Hannebery has commended the way a number of his younger teammates have been able to slot straight in and make an impact at senior level.

Fourth-year defender Harry Marsh became the Swans’ sixth debutant of the season over the weekend when the 23-year-old lined up against North Melbourne on Friday night.

Marsh’ first game follows the introduction of Callum Mills, George Hewett, Tom Papley, Aliir Aliir and Jack Hiscox already in 2016.

These players have not only featured but played key roles in the Swans’ success so far, in particular Mills, who has played every game since debuting in Round 1 and become an important member of the defensive half.

This follows on from the gradual development of Tom Mitchell, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd, Zak Jones and Dan Robinson.

Hannebery says some have had to bide their time but “learning the Swans’ way” first has allowed for a smoother transition.

“Some of those guys have had to toil hard,” Hannebery said.

“(Harry) Marsh and (George) Hewett played two or three years in the reserves, so they’ve really learnt the hard way.

“They’re not fresh out of the TAC Cup system, they’ve learnt the Swans’ way of playing football which has helped them, straight away, have an impact and have become really important role players for us.”

Blooding youth while remaining competitive has been common practice for the Sydney Swans having had 21 debutants since 2013, which ranks third in the competition behind Melbourne and Brisbane and equal with St Kilda.

Hannebery is actually one of the rarer types who, like Mills, was thrown into the mix from the get-go while still travelling back and forth from Melbourne to complete his Year 12 studies.

“I didn’t think we’d have six debutants this year but I think it’s a great sign for the footy club knowing we’re still playing good footy while playing younger guys,” he added.

“All those guys have looked really at home and hopefully will be long-term players for us.”

One player who has been around the traps for a while now is co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.

McVeigh starred with 25 disposals and two goals against the Kangaroos, showing glimpses of his class running off the half-back line.

Hannebery believes his skipper will only get better as the season continues, given he’s coming off a limited pre-season campaign and delayed start to the year.

“He’s an All Australian half-back not unfamiliar with playing on dangerous players,” said Hannebery, who had 34 disposals himself against the Roos.

“He’s so damaging by foot, so when we can get the ball in his hands we’re such a better side.

“Seeing how he operated last night gives us confidence that he’s not far off his best.”