Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says he’s confident his side can continue to evolve their midfield group this season.

Nick Blakey, James Rowbottom and Oliver Florent were among the best on ground in last week’s big win over GWS.

All three showed their ability to win the contested football as well as provide run and pace on the outside of the pack.

“Ollie Florent is one that we have been playing in there and Dylan Stephens is this year a young draftee that we have introduced in his first season,” Longmire told AFL360 on Monday night.

“Dylan is a terrific runner – that adds a different look to our midfield and we know that we need to keep evolving.

“It’s not going to be all onwards and upwards, there are going to be some challenges along the way, but those type of players we would like to keep introducing to our group.”

Rowbottom has already played 23 games of AFL football just two seasons into his career.

He had a season-high 20 disposals, six clearances and a goal against the Giants to be one of the dominant midfielders on the ground.

Longmire said the 19-year-old has been impressive.

“He is only in his second year of footy and his maturity levels are outstanding,” Longmire said.

“When he first walked in the door it was like he had been around the place for 10 years.

“He is a strong contested beast and has real power, he goes from contest to contest very quickly, he is a competitor and he is a leader – I’m a big fan of his.”