Observing training this pre-season, one would have noticed several young Swans running around who may be unfamiliar to the untrained eye.
They are members of the NDS (NEAFL Development Squad), a handpicked group of players from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy who will make NEAFL coach Rhyce Shaw’s life a bit easier in 2017.
An initiative which began last season, the idea of the NDS is to prepare players for the rigours and demands of a NEAFL season by allowing them to train alongside their AFL-listed counterparts during pre-season and throughout the year.
From elite conditioning, to participating in drills and attending team meetings, the program aims to not only fast-track their development but give them the knowledge of what’s expected when selected for the NEAFL Swans.
Academy head coach Jared Crouch says it’s a unique learning opportunity.
“You get to train at a (very high) intensity,” Crouch said.
“While the drills we do at the academy are similar, there’s nothing like training at this level and at this intensity.
“Your fitness improves and the need to improve your skills obviously comes up as you can’t be missing targets by miles when you’re a part of senior training.
“All aspects of the game they certainly improve.”
Among that crop is Jake Brown who has already played a handful of matches at NEAFL level over the past two seasons.
The 19-year-old is already an elite runner, recording the fastest time in the academy’s time trial this month, but the step up in intensity and demands in training has proven challenging.
The midfielder says the program will hold him in good stead for the rest of the season.
“The drills are just so much more intense (compared to the academy),” Brown said.
“All the skills are on, you can’t be missing your targets by a foot.
“In terms of development and building for this year, it’s good. You build a trust with all the boys, they know who you are, they know what you can do, and they know you know all the game structures and plans.
“So, if they tell you to do something you know where to go straight away.”
A required number of NDS members will take part in the Sydney Swans’ Intraclub Practice Match on Friday, February 10.
Shaw and the NEAFL Swans open their 2017 account with a Round 1 encounter against Brisbane in Queensland on April 1.
