Sydney Swans rookie Dan Robinson had a successful first year at the club and was a regular for the Swans Reserves side in the NEAFL, playing 19 out of 21 games.

The former NSW Scholarship holder’s consistency was recognised this year, with the 19-year-old earning a place in the 2013 NEAFL Eastern Conference Team of the Year.

Robinson also played in both of the reserves’ Grand Final appearances, including the team’s Eastern Conference premiership win over Belconnen in Canberra.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, Robinson said he thoroughly enjoyed his first season at the Swans.

You’ve just capped off your first year at the club. What did you make of your year in 2013?

It was really exciting getting to the club and the atmosphere, I loved it and I learnt a lot and I’m really looking forward to next year.

What have been some of the highlights this year for you?

Probably just getting here to start with and being on board with the boys. Then I suppose getting to learn off the boys like Josh Kennedy and Ryan O’Keefe and then starting matches as well, because when you get into the swing of things you really just want to play footy. The finals series in the reserves would probably be the last highlight. It was brilliant to go all the way and almost win the whole thing.

What players or coaches have helped you this year?

The development staff has been pretty good, so Jared Crouch, George Stone and Nick Davis have all been huge helps. Horse (senior coach John Longmire) has also been really accommodating and I can see why he’s such a great coach because he’s always there to help you and always gives you a lot of advice.

What improvements do you think you need to make in 2014?

I’ve really got to work on my running and get my fitness up to a different level, and I’ll keep building that through pre-season and my strength as well. I need to improve my bench press and that sort of stuff, but in football aspects sort of my spread and my outside game will be the focus.

You were named in the NEAFL Team of the Year this season. That must have been a great honour in your first year?

It was exciting and it’s always good to get a bit of recognition for the hard work. I was pleased and I was lucky I guess in a way because there were so many good players, but I played most matches, so it might have been by default!

What was it like to play in the two NEAFL Grand Finals?

It was interesting. You come off a high after winning one Grand Final and then you’ve got to back up for a new Grand Final the next week. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.

What are your plans for the off-season?

I’m heading to Bali for a week or so and then probably down to Melbourne to catch up with a few old mates.