The 2012 premiership isn’t all that long ago, three years ago in fact, but only a handful of players remain from that glorious day against Hawthorn.
Of the current list, 11 have played the four seasons since. Of that list, only seven played on the weekend: Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith, Heath Grundy and Luke Parker.
Commentators have caught on to the stat and have been impressed with the Swans’ ability to stay competitive despite the big turnover in personnel.
This doesn't surprise the Swans’ football department especially senior coach John Longmire who, while responding to questions on 3AW radio on Monday, reinforced the fact the Club has always planned for the future.
The rapid development of younger players and clever recruiting has helped.
“It has been a pretty quick turnover, I guess. Certainly those figures suggest there’s been a big turnover from us since 2012,” Longmire said.
“Whilst we knew a few of those players we were going to lose at some stage, a few of them hung on a bit longer. Goodesy (Adam Goodes) and Shawry (Rhyce Shaw) a year or so longer than we anticipated, which was terrific for them and us.
“But we have always been looking down the track. I guess one of the reasons why we recruited Lance was knowing Adam Goodes was eventually going to retire.
“And with (Head of Recruitment) Kinnear Beatson trying to work on the list management, it was so crucial to make sure that we try and stay competitive as we blood younger kids.”
It's this youthful exuberance which, Longmire added, has "added to our depth and given older players a kick along" and given the Class of 2012 "excitement and enthusiasm as well.”
This zest is a good barometre for where the playing group’s spirits are placed after the first seven rounds of the season and going into Saturday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
The Sydney Swans have blooded four players already, the most recent being key defender Aliir Aliir against Brisbane in Round 6.
Callum Mills, George Hewett and Tom Papley have all made a significant impact since kicking off the year with their opening round debuts, the latter a great story given the small forward's drafting was a last-minute decision.
Longmire has been particularly pleased with the 19-year-old’s presence in the forward line.
“We were umming and ahhing, money-wise, as far as the budget was concerned,” Longmire said.
“Fortunately, Andrew Ireland and the board were supportive of the extra rookie and we were just so happy to get Tom.
“A small pressure forward who can kick goals is a great commodity in footy these days so it’s good to have him on board.”
The Swans expect all but one (Alex Johnson) of those premiership players to continue playing a role this season.
Ted Richard has recovered from a fractured cheekbone and should be welcomed back this weekend while Sam Reid and Gary Rohan are still on their respective comeback trails but are edging closer to senior recalls.
