In summary:
Young gun Isaac Heeney produced one of his most complete seasons of his career in 2018, playing crucial roles as a midfielder, forward and defender in his fourth AFL campaign.
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product finished among the top five Swans in average disposals and contested possessions per game and snared 19 goals.
Heeney took on more midfield minutes than in recent years and continually put his head over the ball, leading the way on the inside of the contest with Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and George Hewett.
But while the 22-year-old spent the majority of his time in the midfield this season, he proved reliable as a forward and took a number of clutch pack and intercept marks in defence at defining moments.
Heeney gathered seven Brownlow Medal votes to run third among Swans ranks and finished fourth in the 2018 Sydney Swans Best and Fairest, the Bob Skilton Medal. He also won the Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal in Marn Grook at the SCG for best on ground and took the AFL Mark of the Year against the Demons in Round 21.
What the numbers say:
Games: 22
Goals: 19
Kicks: 248
Handballs: 200
Disposals: 448
Contested possessions: 223
Clearances: 76
Inside 50s: 65
Marks: 99
Tackles: 111
AFL Fantasy: 90.7 (average)
Best performance:
Round 21: Sydney Swans v Melbourne, MCG
Heeney was superb in the Swans’ spirited nine-point win over the Demons in Round 21, collecting 19 possessions and two goals at the MCG. He also flew high to claim the 2018 AFL Mark of the Year, using Demon Jesse Hogan as a step-ladder in defence as the Swans clung to a slim lead late in the final term. Heeney was rewarded with a perfect three Brownlow Medal votes and 10 AFL Coaches’ Association votes for his sparkling display.
What they said:
Midfield coach Brett Kirk
“There’s no doubt the Academy has had a huge impact on Isaac. Watching Callum Mills and Isaac, their progression through the Academy, understanding what the Swans are about and how we play and creating relationships before they joined the list was so important. It was a seamless transition and they’re both top-end talent. But neither of them make do on top-end talent – they work hard, they do extras and they put a lot of work into their craft. Isaac is still only young. He played some really strong footy in the first half of the season and probably dropped off in different parts of the second half of the season. As he matures and works his way through it we’re hoping he hits those high heights consistently throughout a season.”
In pictures:
The 2018 AFL Mark of the Year.
Another high-flying grab for Heeney against the Hawks.
Winding the clock back for the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Premiership. Image: Phil Hilyard.
Heeney was best on ground at Marn Grook at the SCG and was awarded the Goodes-O'Loughlin medal.
Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the coming weeks.
