Young Swan Tom McCartin has received the praise of his coach and captain after starring in Sydney’s tenacious nine-point win over Melbourne on Sunday.

Just a week after snaring the match-winning goal in Sydney’s two-point victory over Collingwood, the youngest player in the AFL produced an eye-catching performance as the Swans edged the Demons at the MCG.

McCartin touched the football just 10 times but among his possessions were a number of impressive overhead marks and a crafty crumbing goal.

Sydney coach John Longmire says McCartin has had a remarkable season.

“He was two days away from playing TAC Cup again and I think this was his 12^th game at centre half-forward,” Longmire said post-match.

“When you consider he would have been running around with the Geelong Falcons again if he was born two days later, it’s incredible. We didn’t predict he’d play 12 games of AFL footy this year but he’s had to. 

“Him and Ben Ronke, Tom Papley, Jordan Dawson – those guys in our front half – are playing really good roles for us.

“McCartin has had the opportunity to stand up for us and he’s done it really well.”

McCartin finished with six marks and took the most important with five minutes left on the clock, launching himself from a crowded pack to snaffle a courageous grab in defence.

His aerial ability is one of his strongest weapons and it’s easy to see why – he stands at 192 centimetres and recorded an 88-centimetre vertical jump at the 2017 AFL Draft Combine.

Sydney captain Josh Kennedy said McCartin had been enormous in his first season as a Swan.

“He’s shouldered a big load this year for a young kid,” Kennedy told 3AW post-match.

“He’s really had to stand up. He’s been our second key target behind Buddy. He’s come along in leaps and bounds and that ability to put himself under the high ball or crash a pack is why he’s playing.”

The Swans’ win saw them climb from eighth to sixth on the ladder and leapfrog the Demons on the way.

Sydney is now set to face GWS at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon, before meeting Hawthorn at the SCG in Round 23 to round out the regular season. 

As the ladder currently stands, the Giants are placed third and the Hawks fourth.

Kennedy said the Swans keenly awaited the testing run ahead.

“We’re really excited for what we’ve got ahead,” Kennedy said. 

“We’ve got a lot to play for. It’s really tight at the top. We’ve got two big games coming up. We’ve got the cross-town rival next week. Hopefully we can dig in and continue the good form.”