Australian Football Hall of Famer Terry Wallace believes Sydney’s crop of under 23s are just about the best in the AFL.
While it’s been a difficult year for the Swans, members of the club’s young brigade have taken significant strides in their development this season.
Former Rising Star winner Callum Mills is having a career-best season in defence while midfielder James Rowbottom is improving with every match.
Wallace was full of praise for John Longmire’s young side after their upset 41-point win over city rivals GWS last time out.
“I thought they (Sydney) were fantastic (against GWS),” Wallace told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“They’re getting brilliant leadership from (Luke) Parker, (Dane) Rampe and (Jake) Lloyd, I think those three guys from a leadership point of view have been absolutely sensational.
“I’m not trying to be smart after the event but during the trade period I thought the one shining, blossoming sign for Sydney was that their 23 and unders are the equal, if not the best, in the AFL.
“They haven’t necessarily got the real senior blokes; the 27-28 (year olds) that are getting the job done at the moment.
"But you go (Callum) Mills, (Jordan) Dawson, (Ollie) Florent, (James) Rowbottom, (Will) Hayward, (Nick) Blakey, (Tom) McCartin … I think the Swannies have just about the best (under-23) group in the comp.”
Along with star duo Tom Papley (24) and Isaac Heeney (24) the future is looking bright for the Swans.
Sydney go in search of their fifth win of 2020 against another emerging side in Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.