LAST Saturday, I had a live look at the Sydney Swans for the first time this season.

Their basic numbers are very good. Four rounds for three wins and a percentage of 145 has constituted an impressive first month.

While a few old hands - Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk and Tadhg Kennelly - were all valuable in the Swans' 40-point defeat of the Kangaroos, a couple of their next generation youngsters really grabbed my attention.

Most young players who will eventually become established stars start around the fringes and show only occasional glimpses of their capabilities.

It's always exciting to see the new talent emerge, particularly their first breakout game where they challenge for best-on-ground honours.

From that first really good game can come the belief and confidence that they belong at the elite level.

Watching the performance of Swans' teenager Daniel Hannebery against the Kangaroos in only his 11th game indicated that this crucial obstacle may have been cleared.

With the scores tied at half time, the Swans launched a match-winning third quarter. The little-known Hannebery was the unlikely primary catalyst.

He kicked the goal that got the Swans in front and, while disposal stats can be misleading, went on to a critical eight-kick, five-handball third term.

Included in these third-term stats were three clearances, five contested possessions and five handball receives.

The ball was won inside in the contest and outside in the running flow - a terrific all-round effort.

All the necessary qualities were evident: clean ball handling; covering the ground; acceleration away from pressure; finding the footy; and kicking well with his dominant left foot. 

Young players have to earn the respect and trust of teammates before they are given the ball instinctively and often.

Hannebery could not have achieved this status so early in his career. After a game like last Saturday, that will develop quickly. His was a possible breakout performance.

The occasional glimpses came from first-year player Lewis Jetta.

This kid is an excitement machine because he has lightning speed and kicks the ball with great control running flat-out - a couple of valuable qualities.

When Jetta gets the footy, the game breaks open because of his surging run-and-carries, followed by the ability to find a target up field.

Not yet a contest-winner, Jetta is already a very capable ball carrier in space.

In Hannebery and Jetta, the Swans look to have unearthed a couple of very talented teenagers to supplement their established core in the years ahead.  

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.

HMAS Sydney II Commemorative Football Game
Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles
Saturday 24 April, 2010, SCG, 2:10pm
Tickets from Ticketek