Before landing in Sydney, first-year rookie Ben Ronke idolised the likes of Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.

He still does, and is pinching himself at the reality of running alongside them as teammates.

The 19-year-old, selected with Pick 17 in last month’s rookie draft, says the step up in training compared to his days as a Calder Cannon in the TAC Cup system has been extremely challenging but he’s loving sharing the track with his senior cohorts.

Especially new time trial specialist in Hannebery.

Hannebery, who’s returned for his ninth pre-season in arguably career-best shape, blitzed the field in Monday’s 3km time trial.

Looking on with keen interest, while realising the standard had been set, was Ronke.

The youngster has paid close attention to the dual All Australian since, pinpointing Hannebery as the man to shadow in the hope of kick-starting his own AFL career in the best possible way.

“I always watched Hannebery on television and tried to match some of his attributes,” Ronke said following Wednesday’s training session.

“Watching how he’s gone about it over the past few days, he’ll definitely be one I’ll try and mimic and follow.

“He’s just a true professional and it’s gross to get the opportunity to learn from guys like him.”

Standing 181cm tall and weighing 75kg, Ronke has plenty of filling out to do but there’s no understating his intensity on the training track.

Ronke impressed during Wednesday’s session with his ability to find and use the football under the fatigue induced by periods of high-intensity running strategically placed between ball drills – a method which has become an earmark of the Sydney Swans’ pre-season campaign in recent seasons.

“The body is definitely still adjusting,” he added.

“Having to repeatedly give efforts day after day and the step up in work load (has been the hardest part).

“But I’m starting to get used to it now and I’m starting to really love getting out on the track and grinding it out with the boys in this heat.”