STANDING AT 200cm tall and weighing 97 kilograms, Daniel Currie cuts an  imposing figure . . . well, sort of.

Certainly, his height is daunting, but Currie would want to add some muscle to his big-boned frame before he is ready for the next step of his development, which is coming along nicely according to the Sydney Swans.

At just 19 years of age, Currie is in his first full year at the Swans playing in the reserves, and development coach and ex-player Daniel McPherson likes what he sees.

“He is showing some good signs,” McPherson said. “He has pretty good mobility and agility for a guy his size and has a good mark while his kicking is improving.

“We have also played him as a standalone forward at centre half-forward and full-forward besides the ruck, where his height and mobility get him some good mismatches.

“But he does have a lot of hard work ahead of him and the next pre-season will be an important one in the development of Daniel.”
McPherson, who played 111 games in 10 years at the Swans, believes that Currie is like most young players and suffers from inconsistency.

“That is one area of his game he will need to work on maintaining consistency over four quarters but you see that in all the young guys coming through,” McPherson said. “It is part of adjusting to the next level. Daniel has all the tools required to make it as an AFL footballer but there are several things that he needs to work on such as his aggression and presence on the ground, but that will come with time.

“This is his first full year at the club and he is developing nicely.”

The Swans third draft pick and the number 49 overall from the 2006 NAB AFL Drat, says he is really enjoying his time north of Melbourne.

“The time has gone quick and it has been good,” Currie said. “I could only play school footy last year in Melbourne because I was on the Swans list so this has been a real step up.

“Predominately, the game is quicker and you are playing against stronger bodies of guys in their 20s and 30s. You really have to work hard on your fitness.”

Currie had an interrupted pre-season with a groin injury and then injuring ankle ligaments early in the season but is relishing his time in the reserves.

“My footy has been reasonable but I know it can improve,” Currie added. “I am finding a bit of the footy and gathering more possessions which is important.”

The 19-year-old, who is also studying a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science at the University of New South Wales, knows that he has a big pre-season ahead of him.

“There is plenty to work on in the off-season such as my aerobic capacity and I need to spend some time in the weights room,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to doing a full pre-season training and then seeing where I am at.”

So are Sydney Swans fans.