Swans defender Nick Smith believes Gary Rohan and Mike Pyke will play important roles in season 2015.
Rohan had his most consistent season last year managing 16 games all of which were capped off with a strong finals series.
Smith is confident the 23-year-old will continue to impress as he looks to take his game to another level.
“We saw before he hurt his leg that he looked like he was going to be a really good player in the competition,” Smith said.
“Hopefully he does get back to that because he improved towards the end of last year and he does add a bit of x factor.
“He also adds a bit of versatility in that he can go back and forward as well.”
Rohan has played down back and up forward in different stages throughout the pre-season competition, looking settled in any role the assistants have given him.
Another player looking to continue his improvement will be Pyke following a standout season which cemented his place among the competition’s premier ruckman.
The 31-year-old big man is entering his seventh season in the AFL system since making the transition from playing rugby in Canada.
“I think that is why he has been such a good player because he doesn’t settle with where he is at,” Smith said.
“He is still always talking to Ruck Coach Steve Taubert about how he can improve his game and that kind of thing.”
“I think that is why he has been so successful because he won’t stop until he keeps getting better.”
Pyke is set to play his 100th game during the season after making his debut against Richmond in Round 9 of 2009.
