After just one game, the Sydney Swans have seen enough to believe Isaac Heeney can mix it with the best at senior level.

Heeney had 14 disposals in his NAB Challenge debut against the Brisbane Lions, and was one of few shining lights in Friday night’s 36-point loss at Coffs Harbour.

The Swans' academy product was the centre of much off-season speculation after being taken at No.18 in last year's National Draft.

He let his footy do the talking against the Lions though, showing the courage, toughness and glimpses of skill that had many pundits claiming he was top-five draft calibre.

Swans assistant coach John Blakey was reserved but pleased with the blonde teenager's showing.

"It's really pleasing to see he can handle himself at the level," Blakey said.

"I thought he was quite solid today. He was on limited time, but I thought he was quite solid and showed he's going to be a good player for us."

Tall forward Sam Reid limped off in the second quarter with an ankle injury, but Blakey said he would miss one week at the most.

It was all smiles in the Lions' camp, with coach Justin Leppitsch admitting the emphatic win had now created some selection headaches ahead of round one against Collingwood.

He said the good performance of players like academy graduate Liam Dawson had complicated his thoughts.
"The selection headaches aren't going to go away," Leppitsch said.

"There's some guys pushing up really well. Even Jaden McGrath as a late draft pick last year, his work and ability to create a contest and add some pace around our half-forward line is really impressive.

"There's some headaches."

Leppitsch said he would need to find room for Geelong recruit Allen Christensen, who is returning from back surgery, against the Suns.

Mitch Robinson was taken off during the second quarter with a corked thigh, but Leppitsch said it was just precautionary.