Sydney coach John Longmire has praised the "enormous" efforts of star Isaac Heeney and recruit Brodie Grundy following the Swans' win over Melbourne on Thursday.
The Bloods piled on five last-quarter goals in a low-scoring affair to win the match by 22 points, with Heeney's four-term performance a resounding aspect of the outcome.
In the absence of senior midfield trio Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Taylor Adams, the 27-year-old took on a more central role to start the game and was an instant impact for Longmire's side.
Heeney's 26 disposals marked his highest possession tally in five years, with the versatile attacker collecting a career-high 13 clearances, 18 contested possessions and 12 score involvements to go with a goal in the win.
Speaking after the win, Longmire revealed plans to potentially move Heeney back to the forward line given the slippery conditions that troubled their talls, only for the local product's exceptional midfield display to force the Swans coach to keep him on the ball.
"He was enormous, his whole game was huge," Longmire said post-match.
"His contest work in that first half was significant. He played a great game, he was fantastic. We had those younger midfielders come on in the second half and do a really good job, but Isaac's four-quarter performance was strong.
"We talked about [moving him forward] but he was going so well as a mid. Thankfully, we kept him there. There'll be changes throughout the course of games, and we'll put him where we need him.
"He's fine with that now, he's got a good feel for the game. It's been excellent. He always has good pre-seasons, he's one of the hardest trainers I've seen. Fanatical in his preparation, the only thing that ever stops him is an injury."
Sydney's engine room ensemble thrived at the feet of new ruckman Brodie Grundy, who made his debut in the red and white against his former side in the season opener.
As well as newfound levels of nerves and excitement, Grundy also had to overcome excruciating pain pre-game after being stung by a bluebottle jellyfish earlier in the day at Bondi Beach.
Longmire stated he was "really pleased" for the two-time All-Australian, who was professional before and during his first Sydney performance.
"His second half was huge. He just kept going and ploughing through. His second and third efforts and work around the footy was enormous. I feel really pleased for him," Longmire said.
"He was a little bit anxious and a little bit excited. Probably a bit more than the rest of us. He comes into a new side against his old team, but he's a pro and knows he's got to go out there and do a job.
"He gets himself in a good state during the week to be able to go out there and deliver. It was a good start from him."
Longmire's coaching counterpart, Simon Goodwin, also commended Grundy's night five months on from his Melbourne departure.
"He played exceptionally well," Goodwin said os his ex-player.
"Clearly he's a very good player. We know that, we've had him in our environment, we know what he's capable of doing.
"Seeing him thrive in Sydney is a good thing for footy. So credit to Brodie, he was well prepared. He played well and executed well."
Sydney start the season 1-0 heading into Round 1, where they'll face Collingwood at the MCG next Friday.