After a relatively trouble free preseason, versatile young Swan Gary Rohan will be among a host of developing players setting his sights on a permanent role in the Swans senior team in 2011.

While Rohan, 19, spent Saturday nights' NAB Cup match as a rebounding defender, Coach John Longmire says he may yet find himself a role in the Swans forward line.

“Gary is a player with genuine speed and he is a real competitor,” he said.

“Due to injuries to some of our defenders, we used Gary in that role on Saturday night, and I think that has been really important for his development and footy education.

“With the new substitution rules coming in, players like Gary who are capable of playing roles forward and back are really valuable,” Longmire said.

Rohan made a solid start to his 2011 campaign on Saturday night at Blacktown, playing in defence and pushing forward to kick an exciting goal.
 
Rohan told SwansTV his focus this preseason has been on improving his fitness and decision making.