SYDNEY Swan Daniel Currie hopes his goalkicking ability will give him the edge as he seeks to cement a spot behind No.1 ruckman Darren Jolly this season.

With Peter Everitt in 2008, the Swans have a number of options for second ruckman.

While Lewis Roberts-Thomson filled in at key times in the ruck last season, international rookie Mike Pyke, Jesse White and Currie all have claims on the role this year.

Currie showed he can be a dangerous forward option as well, with 10 goals in three reserves finals last September including three against Belconnen in a thrilling one-point grand final triumph.

The former Parade College student, who was drafted in 2006, played up forward for most of his junior career before giving the ruck a try around the age of 15.

"If people say, 'you're just a ruckman' it gives you an edge when you know you can kick a few if pushed down forward," he said.

"I wouldn't say I'm just a conventional ruckman. But the opportunity's there to be a second ruckman alongside Jolls [Darren Jolly] this season.

"There's a lot of hard work to be done between now and the pre-season games.

"It's definitely a goal but I'll have to earn that spot."

A good omen for the 200cm, 97kg Currie, who'll turn 20 next month, is that he's been handed Everitt's No.10 guernsey.

The number also holds some significance for Currie.

"I wore 10 when I played in the Northern Knights Under 18s, so I have a history with the number. I was thrilled to be asked, it was a great honour."

Currie has had a tough pre-season with a groin injury restricting his output up until Christmas.

Currie has been on a lighter training program which should be ramped up ahead of February's NAB Cup. He is no stranger to groin problems, missing last year’s NAB Cup with an inflamed groin.

"It's been a bit frustrating," he said. "It was a sort of vague, dull pain and you feel you can push through it and run, but it just becomes restrictive."

Currie debuted in the 2007 NAB Cup against the Western Bulldogs. The 2009 tournament starts with the Swans playing Port Adelaide in match four at Manuka Oval on February 22.

"Last year there was a kind of changing of the guard, in the end there were five or six debutants which was pleasing," says Currie.

"But there are some pretty big shoes to fill and we're doing a lot of work with the development coaches to fast track the development."